How to Take Better Photos of Your Projects

Written by Ryan Taylor At William Smith, we know how important great visuals are. To help you enhance your photography skills, we spoke with Lol, our Creati...

Categories: Training Academy, William Smith Group 1832
Published by Ryan Taylor on 18/06/2025

Written by Ryan Taylor


At William Smith, we know how important great visuals are. To help you enhance your photography skills, we spoke with Lol, our Creative Development Manager, who shared his expert tips on making the most of your smartphone camera. Whether you're photographing your latest project for a website or social media channels, or capturing personal memories, these tips will help you take better photos.

1. Tidy Up Your Scene

Before snapping any photos, take a moment to tidy up your scene. A cluttered background can detract from the subject of your photo, making it less impactful. A clean, organised background ensures your subject stands out, making your image more compelling.

2. Turn Off the Flash

Avoid using your smartphone's flash whenever possible. Flash can create harsh lighting, leading to washed-out colours and unflattering shadows. Instead, make the most of natural light, which will give your photos a more authentic and appealing look.

3. Clean Your Lens

It’s easy to forget, but cleaning your camera lens is essential. Smudges, dust, and fingerprints can significantly impact the clarity of your images. Before taking a shot, give your lens a quick wipe to ensure your photos are sharp and clear.

4. Watch Those Verticals

Keeping your smartphone level is crucial, especially when photographing projects for professional use. Crooked or distorted images can look unprofessional and detract from the quality of your work. Aim to hold your phone at waist height, ensuring straight lines and well-balanced compositions.

5. Avoid Zooming In

Resist the urge to zoom in on your smartphone. Digital zoom often reduces image quality, resulting in pixelated or blurry photos. Instead, physically move closer to your subject to maintain high resolution and sharpness.

6. Manually Adjust Your Exposure

Relying on your phone’s automatic settings can lead to poorly exposed photos. Instead, manually adjust the exposure by tapping on the screen. If an area is too dark or too light, simply tap it to bring up a slider that lets you control the brightness.

7. Lock Your Focus

To capture sharp, detailed images, make sure your subject is in focus. Manually lock the focus by tapping on the area of the screen you want to highlight. This is especially important for close-ups of intricate details.

8. Take Multiple Shots

Don't settle for just one photo—take several from different angles and perspectives. This approach gives you a variety of options to choose from and increases your chances of capturing the perfect shot

9. Use the Grid for Composition

Activating the grid feature in your camera settings is a simple way to improve your photo composition. The grid helps you apply the "Rule of Thirds," which suggests positioning your subject along the lines or intersections for a more dynamic and engaging image.

 

At William Smith, we understand the importance of great photography. If you found this blog useful, you might also be interested in our FREE Marketing Tips Course at the William Smith Online Academy. This course is a fantastic resource for anyone in the sign and graphics industry looking to improve their marketing efforts. Whether you want to optimise your website, create compelling case studies, take better photos, or craft engaging social media posts, our course has you covered.

Check it out today and take your marketing to the next level!