Taking and Sharing Photos
Your smartphone has a camera as good as (or better than!) most regular cameras. Here's how to take great photos and share them with the people you love.
Opening Your Camera
The Fast Way
iPhone: Swipe left from the lock screen
Android: Double-press the power button (on most phones)
The Regular Way
Find the Camera app on your home screen (looks like a camera icon) and tap it.
Taking a Photo
Hold Your Phone Steady
Use both hands. Tuck your elbows against your body for stability. The steadier you are, the sharper your photo.
Tap Where You Want Focus
Tap on the screen where you want the camera to focus. Usually, tap on a person's face. A box or circle will appear.
Press the Shutter Button
Tap the big circle at the bottom of the screen. Hold still for a moment after pressing - moving too fast causes blur.
Quick Tip: Use the Volume Button
On most phones, you can press the volume button to take a photo. This is often easier than tapping the screen and helps keep the phone steady.
Tips for Better Photos
Get Good Light
Natural light is best. Face windows, not away from them. Avoid direct overhead sun (causes shadows on faces).
Clean Your Lens
Wipe the camera lens with a soft cloth. Fingerprints make photos look hazy.
Get Closer
Instead of zooming (which reduces quality), take a step or two closer to your subject.
Take Multiple Shots
Take 3-4 photos of the same thing. You can delete the ones you don't like later.
Keep the Sun Behind You
If you're outside, have the sun behind you so it lights up what you're photographing.
Hold Phone Horizontally
For landscapes and group photos, turn your phone sideways for a wider shot.
Viewing Your Photos
Just Took a Photo?
Tap the small preview image in the corner of your camera screen to see it immediately.
Looking at Old Photos?
Open the Photos app (iPhone) or Gallery/Photos app (Android). All your photos are stored there.
Sharing Photos with Family
Deleting Photos You Don't Want
To delete a single photo:
- Open the photo in your Photos app
- Tap the trash can icon
- Confirm deletion
To delete multiple photos:
- In your photo gallery, tap Select
- Tap each photo you want to delete
- Tap the trash can icon
Don't worry! Deleted photos go to a "Recently Deleted" folder first. You have about 30 days to recover them if you change your mind.
Photo Tips to Remember
- Steady hands make sharp photos
- Good lighting is more important than fancy features
- Tap to focus on what matters (usually faces)
- Take several shots and keep the best one
- Share via text for the quickest method