Table of contents for Shoot to Share in Shoot to Share

This chapter provides some practical tips on how to take good photos with a mobile device, which includes smartphones, tablets, the camera modules in action cameras and drones as well as basic point-and-shoot cameras. It includes advice on setting devices up to take pictures and how to frame images and movies. Most ‘smart’ devices rely on a high degree of automation, so there’s a limit to their capabilities – although recently-released models can produce excellent photos and videos, largely as a result of sophisticated image processing. High-end smartphones can have several lenses; one that covers wide angles of view, another with ‘normal’ coverage and a third ‘telephoto’ lens for enlarging distant subjects. Each lens directs light to one of what may be several image sensors, which record the information. Special…

It’s been estimated that more than 1.8 trillion photos will be taken this year; which amounts to roughly five billion each day. Interestingly, according to data agency, Photo Statistics, the average smartphone user keeps around two thousand image files on their phone. Have you ever wondered whether they are safely stored? Unfortunately, many of these images will be uploaded to social media for sharing, attached to emails and then forgotten. Unless you take steps to preserve your photos and videos, you can’t be certain they will even be there for you to access in a few years time – or if they remain online they may not be in a condition that allows you to make use of them. Saving securely The safest way to preserve photos for the longest…

Many of the tips outlined in the previous chapter apply equally to shooting still pictures and videos. In this chapter we provide some advice that is video specific but applies to any camera that can record movies, ranging from smartphones and action cameras through to the most sophisticated professional and enthusiast cameras. Some things to check before recording video clips are obvious. To ensure optimal video quality and viewing satisfaction you need to know the following: 1. What button(s) to press to start and stop recording.2. How to change resolution and frame rate settings (see box).3. How to set the device to use stabilisation.4. How to make sure audio soundtracks are recorded while each clip is being recorded and how to turn recording off when you want silent movies.5. What…

As we noted in Chapter 1, the safest way to share photos is to print them and hand them to the intended recipients. This may appear old-fashioned but nothing has quite the same emotional impact as a printed picture when you hold it in your hand. Sadly, few photos shot today actually get printed – even though most devices come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that make it easy to connect phones and printers. Most are taken with smartphones and automatically consigned to the Gallery app on the phone, where they may be reviewed occasionally but are frequently forgotten as subsequent photos get taken. In this chapter we provide basic information on the options and the tools you need to print your photos at home. See Chapter 7 for options…

Shoot to Share shows the best ways to capture and share your photos and videos. Whether you’re shooting on a mobile device or an interchangeable lens camera, this handy guide gives you the shooting tips and settings advice to ensure your images look picture-perfect. Shoot to Share covers: • The many camera capabilities of mobile devices, and where a dedicated camera can be a better option.• Framing shots, stabilisation, special modes, resolution, frame rates and recording soundtracks.• Online sharing, image upload, resolution and resizing.• Best formats to use for video, frame rates, file sizes, editing tips and tools.• Recommended ways to print your photos at home, in-store and online print services.• Easy printing projects including cards, calendars and photobooks. Shoot to Share also explains how to archive your images, the…