Light Is Free, and It Is Already in Your Home
You do not need a studio to take a decent photo with your phone. Most of the difference between an average picture and a good one comes from the light. A window, a time of day and a few small adjustments can make a noticeable improvement without equipment.
Results always depend on your space, your phone and the weather, so expect to experiment. The tips below are starting points.
Use a Window as Your Main Light
A window acts like a large, soft light source. Larger sources tend to produce gentler shadows, which is why window light is often flattering for faces.
Face the window. Stand or sit so the window is in front of you or slightly to one side, with the phone between you and the light. Your face is then evenly lit and your eyes catch some of the glow.
Try a 45-degree angle. Turning slightly so the light comes from one side adds a little shape and depth. If one side of the face is too dark, move closer to the window or face it more directly.
Pick the right window. A window that does not receive direct sunshine directly onto you is usually best. A north-facing window in the northern hemisphere, or a window with a thin curtain, gives soft, steady light. The direction varies with where you live, so check at different times of day.
Diffuse bright sun. If the sun shines directly into the room, hang a thin white curtain, a sheer fabric or even a piece of white paper over the glass to scatter the light. Direct sun can cause squinting and sharp shadows.
Avoid Common Lighting Problems
Backlighting
If the window is behind you, your face is likely to appear dark while the background is bright. Some phones compensate, but results are inconsistent. Turn around so the light is in front of you, or move away from the window.
Overhead light
Ceiling lights create shadows beneath the eyebrows, nose and chin. Turn them off when you can and rely on window light. If you must use them, tilt your chin up slightly or move to a spot where the light is more even.
Mixed light
Daylight is bluer than most indoor bulbs, which are often warmer and yellower. When both are present, skin tones can look strange. Turning off lamps and using only the window usually produces the cleanest color.
Harsh midday sun outdoors
Outdoors, direct midday sun creates strong shadows and squinting. Look for open shade, such as beside a building or under an awning, where the light is bright but soft. Early morning and late afternoon light is often gentler, though conditions change by season and weather. An overcast day can be an easy option, since clouds act as a giant diffuser.
Uneven shadows
If one side of your face is much darker than the other, add a reflector on the shadowed side. Anything white and flat works: a sheet of poster board, a folded white towel held on a table or a large piece of paper. Place it near your shadowed cheek, just out of frame, so it bounces some light back.
Set Up Your Phone
- Clean the lens. Fingerprints cause haze and glare. Wiping the lens with a soft cloth is a surprisingly effective fix.
- Tap to focus. On most phones you can tap your face on the screen so the camera focuses and exposes for it.
- Adjust exposure. After tapping, many phones let you slide a control to brighten or darken the picture. A slightly lower setting can prevent bright areas from washing out.
- Hold steady. Low light can cause blur. Prop the phone on a stack of books or a tripod, and use the timer so you do not shake it when you press the button.
- Use the rear camera when possible. On many phones the rear camera is higher quality than the front-facing one, though a helper or timer is needed to use it for a portrait.
- Be careful with the flash. An on-camera flash is often harsh and flattening. Window light is usually a better option. If you have to use flash, soften it by reflecting it or avoid it altogether.
- Portrait mode is optional. It can blur the background pleasantly, but it sometimes cuts around hair or glasses unevenly. Check the edges.
Light and Background Together
Your background gets lit, too. Stand a few feet away from the wall to avoid a hard shadow behind you. A plain, evenly lit wall looks cleaner than a wall with patches of bright sun. The broader guide to professional photos explains how light, framing and background work as a set.
A Ten-Minute Routine
- Choose a room with a window and turn off the lamps.
- Stand facing the window, a few feet back.
- Place the phone at eye level on a stable surface.
- Clean the lens and tap on your face to set focus.
- Take a series of photos, changing your angle slightly each time.
- Review them at full size and as thumbnails.
- If shadows look heavy, add a white reflector.
- If the light is too harsh, add a curtain or move to a shadier window.
After the Shoot
Choose your favorite and make only light changes. A little brightness or a crop is usually enough, as discussed in the article on image editing. Retaking a photo in better light is generally easier than fixing a poor one afterward.
Finally, if the lighting you have is limited, accept it and aim for good enough. A clean, friendly, well-lit photo taken at home is perfectly acceptable for most professional uses, and you can always improve it later.