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Learn and love photography on your smartphone
— Mike James
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How lens compression brings the background closer

Lens compression makes background elements appear closer to your subject, changing how space and depth feel in your photos. It’s a subtle but powerful technique that can help you create cleaner, more dramatic, and more professional-looking images — even on your phone.

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Isolation — making your subject stand out

Isolation is all about focus—visually and emotionally. By separating your subject from the background using light, focus, or composition, you create images with clarity and impact. Learn how to use this powerful technique to guide attention and strengthen your smartphone shots.

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Symmetry - how balance brings visual harmony

Symmetry instantly makes your photos feel balanced, calm, and complete. Whether it’s perfect reflections or structured architecture, this technique taps into our brain’s love of order. Here’s how to spot, shoot, and occasionally break symmetry for even stronger results.

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Layering - how to build depth and visual richness

Layering gives your photos a sense of space and immersion by arranging elements at different depths. It’s a simple shift that can make your images feel more professional, dimensional, and story-rich. Learn to layer like a pro.

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Foreground interest - lead the viewer into the scene

Want to add instant depth to your photos? Try foreground interest. By including something close to the camera, you draw the viewer into your scene and guide their eye. Learn how to find and frame the perfect foreground.

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Why does your subject look distorted in smartphone photos

Ever taken a photo where someone’s face looks oddly stretched or a building curves in a strange way? That’s lens distortion — one of the most common quirks in smartphone photography. Learn what causes it, how to avoid it, and when it can make your photos more creative.

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Minimalism - the power of less in your compositions

Less is more. Minimalist photography uses space, simplicity, and silence to make a powerful statement. Learn how to reduce clutter, choose strong subjects, and create calm, intentional compositions with your smartphone.

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Juxtaposition - using contrast to tell visual stories

Juxtaposition puts opposites side by side — old and new, big and small, light and dark — to create meaning and emotion in your photos. It’s one of the most powerful ways to add storytelling without words. Here’s how to spot and shoot it.

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