1

Clean your lens

Image: Mika Baumeister

We’ll start with probably the most essential—and somehow most overlooked—tip: take a moment to clean your smartphone’s camera lens. Over time, it can accumulate dust and smudges, which can result in hazy or blurry photos.

Give it a quick wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth . It can make a significant difference in the clarity of your shots.

2

Investigate your camera app

Image: Brett Jordan

Almost every single smartphone comes with a default camera app that’s user-friendly and packed with features. Take some time to explore it , learn how to switch between photo and video modes, and familiarize yourself with settings like Portrait Mode, Night Mode for low-light shots, and Panorama Mode for landscapes.

3

Use gridlines

Image: Jonathan Kemper

Gridlines allow you to center your focal points and enhance the visual appeal of your photos. Most mobile camera apps let you turn them on easily. These gridlines strategically divide your screen into thirds , both horizontally and vertically, adding balance and symmetry to your shot .

4

Focus and exposure control

Image: François Genon

Focus and exposure are two of the most important settings you can adjust in a manual camera to achieve different effects in photography. Fortunately, both functions are available on most modern smartphones.

By playing with different focus and exposure points, you can highlight a specific subject against a blurred background or ensure a well-balanced shot in difficult lighting conditions.

5

Lighting

Image: Ben White

Always try shooting in natural light, often referred to as available light, whenever the opportunity arises. Natural light gives a gentle, even illumination that can significantly enhance the quality of your photos.

Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can create intense and unflattering shadows, potentially leading to overexposed or underexposed areas. If you're shooting in low light, rest your phone on a flat surface to stabilize it for long exposures.

6

Play with composition

Image: Eaters Collective

Experiment with different angles and perspectives to enhance your subject. Don't be afraid to get low or high for a unique viewpoint. Also, pay attention to what’s in the background and eliminate any distractions that might detract from your subject.

7

Take pictures often

Image: Ferdinand Stöhr

Practice makes perfect. Since your phone is always with you, it’s easy to integrate photography into your daily routine. Whether you snap a selfie or take a few shots on your way to work, there’s no wrong way to be a smartphone photographer. Great photos often come from everyday life.

8

Take many shots

Image: The Free Birds

Long gone are the days when you had only 36 exposures in your camera and had to choose each shot carefully. One of the best things about smartphones is that you can take as many photos as you want, and there is no need to print them to see the results . This makes it much easier to learn and improve as you go.

9

Avoid digital zoom

Image: Redd Francisco

Digital zoom generally produces poor-quality images, even on the best smartphones. Avoiding it is one of the basic photography tips for taking better photos. Instead of using a digital zoom, simply move closer to your subject to maintain image quality.

10

Use HDR

Image: Kote Puerto

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it’s a common feature on many smartphones. It enhances detail in both dark and light areas to provide a more balanced exposure . HDR prevents the sky from becoming too bright or the ground from appearing too dark, making it especially useful for landscape photography.

11

Set a high resolution

Image: TheRegisti

Simply put, the higher the resolution of your photo, the better quality it is . When taking pictures, try to get as close to the subject as possible, rather than zooming in. Take advantage of the higher pixel count.

12

Aspect ratio

Image: Alice Donovan Rouse

The aspect ratio determines the width and height of your photograph . The standard 4:3 ratio is versatile, but you can also choose widescreen 16:9 for a cinematic look or square 1:1 for Instagram-ready shots.

1

Elvis Presley

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Yes, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, who revolutionized music with hits like "Hound Dog," was drafted into the U.S. Army. Presley was offered to serve in the Special Services entertaining troops but chose to serve as a regular soldier.

The most well-known name in entertainment at the time, he was stationed in Germany and earned the rank of Sergeant. There, he met his future wife , Priscilla Beaulieu.

2

Morgan Freeman

Image: Harald Müller

Morgan Freeman, the legendary actor revered for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence, served as a radar technician in the U.S. Air Force before his acting career took off.

There, he harbored dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. Eventually, though, his time in the cockpit revealed that flying was not his true passion.

3

Humphrey Bogart

Image: Tomas Martinez

The iconic star of Casablanca served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He worked as a coxswain aboard the USS Leviathan , transporting troops to Europe.

Some versions attribute his signature lip scar —and, by extension, his unique speech—to an injury during his service, though some claim it was from a brawl or childhood incident.

4

Jimi Hendrix

Image: Aditya Wardhana

Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in history. What’s less known about him is that he served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division back in the 60s.

Even less known is that he enlisted in the Army at age 19 as part of a deal to avoid jail time after being caught joyriding stolen cars. He completed 26 parachute jumps before being honorably discharged a year later due to injuries.

5

Bea Arthur

Image: Ajeet Mestry

Yes, Bea Arthur, one of the beloved Golden Girls , was also a trailblazer as one of the first women to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.

Her sharp wit and memorable roles like Dorothy Zbornak earned her multiple awards and the hearts of many Americans. But before acting, she had worked as a typist and truck driver for the Marine Corps, eventually reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.

6

Bob Ross

Image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1662796246357-36ffa59acbca?

Can you believe that the cherished, gentle-voiced host of The Joy of Painting served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years?

Bob Ross, the soothing icon of creativity and positivity who taught millions how to paint in the famous PBS series, was once a Master Sergeant. He worked as a medical records technician stationed in Alaska. It is said that he once vowed never to yell again after retiring.

7

Mr. T

Image: Skitterphoto

Mr. T, born Laurence Tureaud, is recognized for his role in Rocky III and the hit television series The A-Team. Before his rise to fame, though, he was a military police officer in the 1970s.

There, he stood out in basic training, so much so that he was named the top trainee out of 6,000 recruits. An anecdote retells that he was ordered by his sergeant to chop trees down as a punishment. After one hour, he had chopped down 70 trees and was told to stop.

8

Adam Driver

Image: Venti Views

Actor Adam Driver is known for his roles in films like Marriage Story and the Star Wars trilogy . Few know that he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after 2001 and served for nearly three years before being discharged for a mountain biking injury.

Driver served as a mortar in the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. After being discharged, he co-founded Arts in the Armed Forces , a nonprofit that brought art programs to military personnel and families.

9

Chuck Norris

Image: Andrea De Santis

Chuck Norris, the action star legend, was once an Air Policeman in the U.S. Air Force. It was there, in fact, where he first began his training in martial arts.

A pop culture icon for his tough-guy image and humorously exaggerated abilities, he was deployed to an air base in South Korea in the late 50s. There, he earned black belts for multiple disciplines in martial arts , including Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo.

10

Johnny Cash

Image: Markus Spiske

Here's another musician who had a career in the military. Johnny Cash, the legendary country singer, was a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force.

The "Man in Black" was a Morse Code listener intercepting Soviet transmissions in West Germany during the Korean War. Allegedly, it was during this time that he bought his first guitar and began writing songs.

11

Paul Newman

Image: Keanu K

The blue-eyed actor from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid also served as a radioman and gunner during World War II. He trained as a pilot but was reassigned as an operator and rear gunner due to colorblindness.

In fact, he avoided flying in the Okinawa campaign due to an ear infection his pilot had. This saved both their lives, and Newman lived on to become a Hollywood legend and philanthropist.

12

Clint Eastwood

Image: Brice Cooper

Clint Eastwood, the iconic actor and filmmaker, was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a swimming instructor for the 35th Infantry Regiment.

He even survived the crash landing of a Navy torpedo bomber with engine problems. He and his pilot had to swim two miles to shore near Point Reyes, California.

13

James Earl Jones

Image: Piotr Makowski

Before lending his iconic voice to Darth Vader and Mufasa, James Earl Jones trained as an Army Ranger and served as a second lieutenant in the Korean War.

After graduating from college in the 50s, he was assigned to the Army's 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. He received an honorable discharge as a first lieutenant in 1955 and went on to pursue the same career his father had: acting.

1

"I don't want to grow up"- Toys 'R' Us

Image: Liao Je Wei

No kid on Earth doesn't love toys, and Toys 'R' Us knew this too well. Their unforgettable commercial, "I Don't Want to Grow Up, I'm a Toys 'R' Us Kid," is proof of that. Remember it? Of course, you do!

Launched in the 1980s, this ad was a hit. The kids' voices repeatedly stating, "I don't want to grow up," immediately brings the brand's name to mind. In addition to the catchy line, the commercial also showcased a wide variety of toys available in stores, which are—of course—the reason why kids never want to grow up!

2

"Give me a break"- Kit Kat

Image: Abi Schreider

Kit Kat has successfully tied itself to the joy of taking a break , thanks in large part to its iconic jingle: "Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar!" Feeling like dancing?

We're sure you've caught yourself singing this line more than once in everyday life. The infectious tune has lived rent-free in our minds since the ‘80s when the commercial first debuted. In it, chefs, firefighters, builders, office workers, and people from all walks of life—including children—hold up a Kit Kat bar, smiling and dancing as they politely ask for their well-deserved break.

3

"Plop plop fizz fizz"- Alka-Seltzer

Image: Ksenia

For a jingle to stand out, it needs to be both consistent and effective . And Alka-Seltzer's most famous jingle nailed it perfectly.

"Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!" is the catchy jingle that hit the radio in 1953. With two simple words, it shows us how to use the product: "Plop" (drop the tablet into a glass of water), "fizz" (watch it dissolve), and then, relief!

Later adapted for TV, the commercial featured Alka-Seltzer's mascot, Speedy , who explained the product's benefit: "Those speedy bubbles relieve your upset stomach and headache fast! For acid indigestion alone, Alka-Seltzer Gold."

4

"Sometimes you feel like a nut"- Almond Joy and Mounds

Image: Jessica Loaiza

As brands offer a variety of products, they often look for unique ways to differentiate each one, creating distinct commercials to highlight the essence of each product. But Almond Joy and Mounds, produced by the same company, did the opposite: they were united in the same commercial.

"Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. Almond Joy's got nuts, Mounds don't." Not only is it funny and catchy, but it's also crystal clear: although the bars look similar, there’s one key difference. Yep, the nuts ! So, which one is your favorite?

5

"Mmm Mmm Good" – Campbell's Soup

Image: Kelly Common

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective, right? And that was demonstrated by Campbell's when it launched its famous jingle "Mmm Mmm Good." You've probably heard it!

What's the expression you use when you taste something that's delicious? That's right: Mmm! The canned soup brand exploited this universal expression to the fullest by adding it to its commercials and consistently evoking a cozy, homey vibe. By doing so, they connected the product with the kind of food we all prefer: homemade .

6

"My Bologna Has a First Name"- Oscar Mayer

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Almost everyone knows how to spell " bologna ," and that's largely thanks to Oscar Mayer's catchy 1973 jingle. Remember that one?

In the famous commercial, a young boy sings, "My bologna has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R/ My bologna has a second name, it's M-A-Y-E-R/ Oh, I love to eat it every day, and if you ask me why, I'll say/ 'Cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A." The catchy tune and playful lyrics became a cultural phenomenon, making the brand name synonymous with the product. It was a highly effective marketing tactic!

Kids and adults alike couldn't stop spelling out this fun jingle, which still plays in our minds to this day.

7

"Meow, meow, meow, meow…"- Meow Mix

Image: Matheus Queiroz

Sometimes, we wish our pets could talk to us. It's a fantasy explored by many cartoons and some famous movies. But if your cat could talk, what would it ask for as its favorite meal? Hard to guess, right? Meow Mix, the cat food company, decided to give us an answer.

In its 1970s commercial, a kitten "sings" the catchy jingle, "Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow," while the visuals clearly show that the cat is asking for Meow Mix's delicious food. Associating the very sound of the animal with the brand name was a very clever move!

8

"Like a Good Neighbor"- State Farm

Image: Tierra Mallorca

You know a jingle is good when it's been around for decades , and that's the case with the iconic "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" from the well-known insurance company.

The jingle was written in 1971, and since then, it has become one of the most recognized jingles in commercial history.

Sung warmly and softly, the jingle conveys the idea that the insurance company will always be there for the customers, whatever they need, providing a sense of security and reliability.

9

"I'm A Big Kid Now"- Huggies Pull-Ups

Image: Jimmy Conover

Cuteness is a great way to connect with an audience, and Huggies, the famous diaper and pull-up brand, understands this perfectly.

And the proof of this is its iconic jingle, "I'm a big kid now!" This line represents the transition from diapers to training pants and the start of the potty training process.

The commercial, which debuted in 1992, features a young child proudly telling his parents about all the things he can do now that he's a "big kid." It highlights the joy and pride of this milestone for both toddlers and their parents. The jingle was a big hit and became one of the brand's most famous.

10

"I'm Lovin' It" - McDonald's

Image: Road Ahead

When you think of McDonald's advertisements, it's impossible not to remember the legendary "I'm Lovin' It."

Although it's newer than some other jingles on this list, "I'm Lovin' It" debuted in 2003 and quickly became an iconic part of the McDonald's brand. Along with the catchy "pa ra pa pa pa" hum, the jingle successfully linked the brand with the pleasure of enjoying a delicious burger.

Thanks to its simplicity and positive vibes, the jingle became a crucial part of the brand's identity and is etched in the memory of many Americans.