Tips for improving and including Cell Phones Photos in your Yearbook

Taking Better CellPicturesPhone

Nearly 80% of a yearbook is images

A lot of these images are candid images taken on a cell phone. A cell phone can be a great tool to capture high-quality images. Both Apple and Samsung offer tutorials to help you learn everything you need to know about using your cell phone to take stunning pictures.

Apple: apple.com/app-store

Samsung: play.google.com/store/apps

Know your camera settings

Become familiar with the different settings on the phone. HEIC images are compatible on the Yearbook Website.

Don't zoom in

Use your legs and move around! It’s almost always better to be closer to your subject. Interact with your subjects to get great expressions.

Follow the light

Good light is good light, regardless of what camera you use. Position your light source behind your subject for even lighting or to the side for dramatic shadows and backgrounds.

Use the timer

We all love flipping that camera around and having a mobile photo booth in our pocket, but one hack for better expression and posing is to use the timer.

Edit your photos

Both Apple and Samsung have extremely robust editing features in their newest phones - use them! Alternatively, download additional image editing apps for free and dip your toes into editing your pictures.

Adjust exposure & focus

Learn how to lock the focus on your camera and adjust exposure BEFORE taking your pictures. You'll be amazed by the results. On iPhones, you tap and hold where you want to focus.

Use the grid

Enable the grid view on your camera so you can get a better sense of how to compose your image. The rule of thirds is your friend and is a handy tool for nailing great compositions.

5 tips for capturing images

Now that you know how to take beautiful pictures, here are a few additional tips:

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Heads up, people

People want to see faces, so make sure you photograph subjects from the front. This is important, not only because it makes for better pictures, but also implies consent from the subject being photographed.

Get closer

A camera is your all-access pass to get in on the action. Get as close to the scene as you can to make your audience feel like they are part of the action.

Gather a variety of photos

Capture individuals and small and large groups. Photograph artwork, scenery, and items in the community. Zoom in. Zoom out. Shoot some vertical and some horizontal. Have fun and experiment!

Tell a story

A photo is worth a thousand words, right? That's because good photos tell a story. Make sure to capture action and reaction, conversations between friends or a sidelong glance across the table. You'll be amazed at the stories you can capture!

Capture photos of everyone

Leverage your community photo sharing app, Share Sites, and run the Student Frequency report often to make sure you get as many students in the yearbook as possible.

Community Upload

Lifetouch offers a tool called Community Image Upload which enables school communities to contribute candid photos directly into the yearbook website.

As the Yearbook Adviser, if you need additional photography help or want to increase the diversity of photos in your yearbook, Community Image Upload can help. Plus, it's a great way to include more students, build excitement, and ultimately drive more yearbook sales.

Photography taken by Derek Schroeder