Are you determined to take some great photos at the cottage this year? The good news is that you don’t need a big, expensive, digital camera to get great results (unless you really want wildlife photos taken with a long zoom lens). Your phone camera can result in some stunning images if you get familiar with its features and keep a few key points in mind.

1. Concentrate on the composition of both what’s in the frame and where it is. The rule of thirds is an excellent way to put your main subject slightly off to the side for more interest. Most cameras will have a setting to show a grid right on your screen to make this obvious. Look for subjects that are a little out of the ordinary or present them in an unexpected way. 

2. Have something interesting in the foreground, for both interest and context.  For example, by including your dock or a glass of wine when photographing the sunset, you will tell a story.  

3. Vary the point of view by not always taking photos at eye level. Get down low for a unique perspective, or up high for a bird’s eye view.

4. Use the burst function (usually accessed by just holding down the shutter button) when you are taking action photos. This will allow you to get a sequence of photos over a short time, ensuring you catch the scene you want.

5. Pay Attention to the quality of light. Early morning and the evening golden hour are the most beautiful times to take photos because the sun is lower in the sky and the light is softer. If you are taking photos in bright sunlight, position yourself so the sun is behind you.

6. Play around with the editing function on your phone. It’s amazing how a so-so photo can become spectacular with just a few adjustments. The auto adjust feature is a great place to start and often all that you need.

Photography can be very rewarding. As you become more confident with your camera, you may also find It very relaxing, almost meditative when you absorbed in the moment. Practice is key, so experiment with what does and doesn’t work. Take several shots of the same scenen in different ways. That’s the beauty of digital. You can take thousands of photos and not worry about running out of film!

Remember, the best camera is always the one you have with you!  Have fun!