A great photograph is one that captures the moment. A good photograph is not only about high resolution or huge amounts of detail. Some digital cameras today provide the ability to enlarge detail from great distances. Many great photographers of the past never had access to that kind of equipment. A simple cell-phone camera is able to takes quality pictures.
Cell phone cameras come in a huge range of resolutions and capabilities. The most basic have EGA resolution but more and more cell phones now have 5 and even 10 mega pixel cameras. Just a few years ago a 5 megapixel digital camera was at the cutting edge of technology.
A cell phone picture that captures a mood, an atmosphere or a unique moment is worth more than 100 high resolution snap shots from the best digital camera.
With the quality of cell phone cameras available today, the picture reflects the quality of the photographer not the camera. The most advanced camera in the world does not turn a snapshot into a quality photo!
The first requirement for taking quality photos on your cell phone camera is to get to know what the camera is capable of. That means exploring and experimenting with the camera. Try out the various options and settings. Experiment with the camera and practice. Every professional photographer will spend time getting to know a new camera before using it for professional purposes. Get a feel for the camera, find out what it does well as well as its limitations. Good photography is as much about working within your camera's limitations as with its capabilities.
Composition is an important aspect of photography. It applies as much to cell phone photography as anything else.
The first principle of composition to remember is the rule of thirds. Divide the screen into three horizontal levels and three vertical areas. Place the horizon or dividing point a scene along the top or bottom third dividing line. This creates a sense of balance. Placing an object on the vertical thirds intersections creates an area of interest. The rule of thirds works. Try it and use it. Once you have mastered it feel free to abandon it.
Symmetry does not work in photography or in the visual arts in general. As a rule it is to be avoided. The rule of odds is a good principle to follow. Three or five similar objects work better than two or four. Perhaps it is the human brain's quest for complexity?
A few other rules to bear in mind are that horizontal lines suggest tranquillity, a winding disappearing road or river creates an atmosphere of mystery. Strong diagonals suggest movement.
As with any camera, exposure is important. With modern editing software it may be possible to correct the exposure later. The better cell phone cameras allow you to increase or decrease the exposure when shooting. Try to avoid a mixture of sunny and shaded conditions the shadowed area will be too dark or the sunny area too bright.
Following these rules will generally produce above average results.
Remember to work within the limitations. A low resolution camera can produce quality pictures. These become very grainy when enlarged.
The photos can be uploaded onto your computer. Use Picasa, Gimp or Paint Shop Pro to edit and perfect your results. Use these facilities to improve the contrast, highlight certain areas or to change the colour temperature. Picasa provides a grid to straighten pictures quickly and easily. Cropping your pictures can be used to improve the composition.
A cell phone camera is just like any other digital camera with one great advantage. When you come across an interesting scene your cell phone is more likely to be available than your camera!