How to use your mobile phone to capture brilliant images and 'do magic'

Childhood joy and colours of dusk merge, as the smartphone captures the fleeting golden hours.

GONE are the days when cameras were used to tell stories. Today, great tales are being told through the lens of smartphones.

With handphones becoming more sophis­ticated with each new release, the line between photos taken with “real” cameras and those taken with smartphones has blurred.

People have difficulty distinguishing between the one shot on camera and the one taken with a smartphone.

Today’s smartphone is no longer just a communication tool but also a creative companion.

Skyscrapers kissed by fire, a golden reflection caught without a DSLR.

Technology has advanced so far now, with some models offering extra features not only for editing, but also to enhance photos in a professional way.

Smartphone cameras have now added bigger sensors, built-in stabilisations and low-light modes to rival cameras.

Editing apps have also been added to allow users to apply cinematic tones to photos, making them feel more film-like with just a few touches.

Street portrait on the move, shot with just a smartphone on the MRT.

For hikers, cyclists, climbers or weekend wanderers, the smartphone is a faithful pocket companion during their activities.

With it, one does not need to master the technical skills to produce beautiful pictures or videos; the skill can be mastered in just a few simple tricks.

One of the best shots would come ­during sunrise or sunset when the glow softens everything. At midday, the light can be too “harsh” for outdoor photography.

Putra Mosque becomes a postcard-perfect shot.

To hold the phone, one needs a steady hand. The best approach is to hold it with both hands or brace it against a wall or rock to avoid blurring in low lighting.

Framing is important and can make a ­difference. So, add the grid lines to guide the placement of the subject off-centre, based on the “rule of thirds” principle.

Include the foreground, middle and background, like the ground and the mountains behind. Don’t zoom in, but walk closer to the subject for a closer shot.

Silhouettes by the poolside – a simple moment elevated by the glow of evening light.

Use wide lenses for landscapes and close-ups for textures.

There are also digital darkroom apps that can be downloaded, or those native to the smartphone, for editing purposes.

Add apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to adjust the highlights, prevent overexposure or brighten the shadows, enrich colours and add mood to the ­photos.

Painting with light – how long exposure on a phone turns a bridge into art.

These editing tools allow users to add magic to a photo if they can spare a moment to pursue it.

But importantly, let the shots tell a story.

Catch the little moments, the lively moods, vivid colours and lights.

A tiny world magnified: a macro shot of an ant on a wild mushroom.

These little details add big meanings to the outdoor photos.

And yes, the outdoor adventure story has also evolved, particularly in its ­perception and presentation.

So take a step back, slow down, look closer and let your smartphone do the talking.