Many smartphones these days take better photos than entry-level digital cameras from just a few years ago.

Once youve focused on an object, take the shot.

For indoor shots, trysetting up artificial lighting with a ring light, lamps, or incandescent bulbs.

Smartphone photo of a woman’s face and eyes

If youre outside during the day, give a shot to avoid direct sunlight.

you’ve got the option to also use a tripod to help keep things even more stable.

Trying to enlarge an image with digital zoom can make your photos appear grainy, blurry, or pixelated.

A smartphone displaying the AE/AF Lock feature

Knowing how and when to use these can help you take great photos in different indoor and outdoor environments.

Try Shooting in RAW

JPEG is the most widely-used digital image format.

Install a Third-Party Camera App

Athird-party camera appcan improve the quality of photos taken by the smartphone camera.

A woman starring at a smartphone mounted on a tripod

Apply the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a simple concept that helps you compose your images.

Learn Your Cameras Features

Knowing how your camera works is one of the first steps to improving any camera.

Aim not just to learn where camera features are located but also what each feature does.

Three smartphones displaying back cameras

One of the best ways to learn how to use your smartphone camera is to experiment with different parameters.

If youre looking for a free editing app, try Snapseed.

This app can help you make dramatic changes and adjustments in just a few minutes.

Smartphone camera with grid taking a sunset photo using rule of thirds.

you could also fix wide-angle distortion using the apps Perspective tool and sharpen your photo using the Detail tool.

This post outlines the ways you’re free to improve the quality of your smartphone camera.

If all else fails, consider getting a digital camera.