Nowadays, we’re all (even just a little) obsessed with grasping every photo opportunity and documenting every significant life event. Whether it’s for the sake of keeping memories for years to come or uploading our snaps on social media, the majority of us — regardless of age — love taking photos and sharing them with our loved ones.
When it comes to your friends on Instagram or your most active group chat, there’s always at least one person you can always trust to serve you with amazing content. And almost 100% of the time, their best photos are shot with just their smartphone! (How?!) If you can’t name at least one talented phone photographer from your group, chances are it’s probably you!
Were you born to be a phone photographer? Read this list of signs and let us know how you fare!
Signs you were born to be a phone photographer
1. You always have your phone handy
The ultimate sign you were meant to be a phone photographer: You always have your phone handy! You’re well aware that moments worth documenting can come at absolutely any time, which is why you believe your trusty smartphone is the best way to capture them.
2. You’re pretty low maintenance when it comes to photography
While you do care about the overall look of your shots, you aren’t too meticulous about things like aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and the like. Basically, you see something nice, you snap a photo, and you like what you see. No need for anything more!
3. You think investing in a quality camera is too much commitment
A good camera, on its own, already costs money. But if you want to get the best of it, there are a lot of accessories (that aren’t cheap, either!) you’ll have to consider buying, too. Not to mention, a quality camera is such a delicate item. Imagine just how expensive it would be to have it fixed should any damage occur! *Knock on wood*
4. You’ve invested in a smartphone that takes great photos
Of course, to be a phone photographer, you’ve got to be equipped with a great camera phone — one with a good amount of megapixels, a nice lens, and settings that allow you to make a few adjustments here and there. You may not be interested in splurging on a legit camera, but you are willing to shell out some of your savings for a nice camera phone. (Hey, a good phone is a need in this day and age, okay!)
Also read: 7 Best (& Affordable!) Camera Phones to Get This 2020
5. You’re equipped with a whole bunch of phone photography hacks
No, you aren’t a camera geek — but you do know all the best hacks when it comes to maximising your phone’s camera functions! You’ve done your research, so you know how best to tweak your camera’s focus, exposure, and HDR (high-dynamic range imaging) settings. As a phone photographer, you have a few tricks up your sleeve, too!
6. You’re in the know about all the best photo editing apps
Even better, you know that not every great photo editing app comes with a large price tag! From mainstream apps to under-the-radar photography apps, you know which ones are worth downloading. Your sleek Instagram feed is solid proof!
Also read: 8 Film Photography Apps That Will Level Up Your Travel Photos
7. You’ve perfected the art of the mirror selfie
A phone photographer favourite? The mirror selfie, of course! Perfect for documenting your OOTDs, flexing your super-cute phone case, and for those awkward moments when you’d rather not ask someone to take your photo, the mirror selfie is an art that any true-blue phone photographer must master.
8. You’ve also mastered the group selfie
Big group + no photographer? No problem! As a skilled phone photographer, you can be sure everyone can fit into the photo — all while making sure whoever’s in the foreground still looks good! It’s a life skill not everyone is blessed with; thankfully, you’re one of the select few who’ve mastered it.
9. Your Instagram is #FeedGoals despite that you don’t own an actual camera
Okay, so you aren’t so conceited as to refer to your own Instagram grid as #FeedGoals. But you know very well that your feed is eye candy, and you have the comments to prove it! Your friend’s compliments on your phone-tography are always well-received, given that even all your best shots were shot on your smartphone. *Blush*
10. You’re your friends and family’s go-to phone photographer
Given that any occasion has the potential to become a photo op, you’re always prepared to take snaps! Whenever your friends or fam want a good shot, they know who to call — the best phone photographer in the room, of course. As long as you’re there, everyone knows they’ll look good on the ‘Gram!
11. You take good care of your phone
A shattered screen? You’d never let that happen! Your phone is your prized possession — and that means keeping it safe and squeaky clean. Thanks to this excellent habit of yours, you never have to worry about cloudy looking photos (a.k.a. what happens when your lens needs a good wipe-down)!
12. You recognise that even the most mundane moments are worth cherishing
Cheesy, but true. A true phone photographer knows that any and all moments are worthy of being captured — from special events all the way down to everyday moments like your nightly family dinner, that time you prepared an excellent dish from scratch, or when you finally mastered that yoga pose! Luckily, your phone camera is always at the ready!
Also read: Travel Photography: 7 Ways to Take Better Photos with Your Smartphone
Based on this list, were you meant to be a phone photographer? We’d love to see your shots! Tag us on Instagram at @tripzillaph and use our hashtags #TripZillaPH and #LifesATrip.
Featured image credit: Warren Wong | Unsplash
