Heading for a break this summer? I hope it’s somewhere gorgeous, with a nice backdrop for your family photos. But even if it’s just a beach down the road, or a week with your cousins, you can always get better at capturing family moments!

Taking better holiday photos with your phone camera requires some basic photography principles and a few tips specific to mobile photography. Here are some suggestions to help you capture better snaps with your phone:

1. Clean the lens: Before you start shooting, make sure your phone’s camera lens is clean. Fingerprints or smudges can affect image quality, so use a microfiber cloth or a lens cleaning wipe to remove any dirt.

2. Use natural light: Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light. Outdoor settings during the day offer excellent lighting conditions. Avoid using the built-in flash, as it can produce harsh and unflattering results.

3. Rule of thirds: Apply the rule of thirds to compose your shots. Imagine dividing the frame into a grid of nine equal parts (using the gridlines on your camera app). Position the main subjects or points of interest along these lines or at their intersections to create a visually appealing composition.

4. Experiment with angles and perspectives: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your angles. Try shooting from different perspectives—crouching down low, shooting from above, or trying unusual angles. This can add a unique and interesting touch to your holiday photos.

5. Focus and exposure: Most phone cameras allow you to tap on the screen to set the focus and exposure point. Take a moment to ensure the focus is sharp and adjust the exposure if necessary by sliding your finger up or down on the screen. This helps to capture well-exposed and clear images.

6. Avoid digital zoom: Digital zoom on phone cameras can result in a loss of image quality. Instead of zooming in, try to get closer to your subject physically or consider cropping the image later during editing.

7. Use HDR mode: High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode can help you capture more detail in scenes with high contrast. It takes multiple exposures of the same scene and blends them together to produce a well-balanced image. Activate the HDR mode on your camera app for challenging lighting situations.

8. Experiment with editing apps: After taking your holiday photos, explore editing apps on your phone to enhance them further. Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, and Adobe Lightroom offer various tools and filters to adjust exposure, colors, and other aspects of your images.

9. Capture candid moments: Holidays are often filled with precious and spontaneous moments. Keep your camera ready and capture candid shots of people laughing, playing, or engaging in activities. These authentic moments will often make for the most memorable and meaningful photos.

10. Tell a story: Think about the narrative or story you want to convey through your holiday photos. Capture details, landmarks, local cuisine, and activities to create a visual story that represents your holiday experience.

Remember, the most important aspect of capturing great holiday photos is to enjoy the moment. Be present, immerse yourself in the experience, and let your photos reflect the joy and spirit of your holiday.