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

Pacific Coast Highway

Image: Lance Anderson

We’ll begin this hypothetical trip of ours in California, and "The Golden State" offers an equally convenient and panoramic way to travel along its stunning coastlines. California State Route 1 is known by many names, such as Cabrillo Highway, Shoreline Highway, or Coast Highway, but it is perhaps best recognized as the "Pacific Coast Highway."

This state route crosses many iconic and gorgeous locations in California, including Big Sur, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Monterey Bay Area. Beyond its scenic beauty, the Highway is a pop culture icon in its own right, referenced in songs by bands like the Beach Boys and the Decemberists.

2

Yosemite

Image: Jordi Vich Navarro

Yosemite truly needs no introduction. This iconic national park spans 759,620 acres across four California counties, with nearly 95% of its total area designated as wilderness.

From its stunning giant sequoia trees to its breathtaking waterfalls, granite cliffs, and pristine streams, the park offers something for everyone. Yosemite is a quintessential example of the natural beauty America has to offer.

3

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Image: Kristen P

Since we’re still on the California portion of our fictional road trip, let’s make a quick stop at another natural treasure. Red Rock Canyon State Park is renowned worldwide for its stunning rock formations and its arid yet strikingly beautiful scenery.

While the weather is definitively drier than in other parts of California, don’t think for a moment that nature is absent in Red Rock Canyon. In fact, this park is home to the rare Red Rock Canyon monkeyflower, a unique flower found exclusively in this region.

4

California’s Lost Coast

Image: Paulius Dragunas

Last but certainly not least on the California leg of our trip is the stunning region known as the "Lost Coast." Situated in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, this area earned its name because it remains largely natural and undeveloped, the product of a surge in depopulation in the 1930s.

While the inaccessibility of the area is definitively a hurdle—its steep terrain makes establishing roads difficult—we highly recommend it to those adventurous enough to explore on foot. Its pristine, unspoiled landscapes are truly a sight to behold.

5

Willamette Valley

Image: Dan Meyers

Let’s now step into the wonderful state of Oregon to continue our fictional journey. What better place to start our tour through the "Beaver State" than through the beauty of Willamette Valley ? While this region is undeniably vast—stretching 150 miles and encompassing Oregon’s five largest cities—we’d like to highlight a few features that truly make this valley a beautiful area.

Driving through this predominantly agricultural landscape, publicized in the 1820s as a "promised land of flowing milk and honey," means running across rather scenic and bountiful sights. Trust us: watching the golden grapevines shimmer in the autumn sun is just one of the many experiences that make Willamette Valley so magical.

6

Oregon Coast

Image: Kevin Butz

The Oregon Coast not only offers unparalleled and gorgeous sights of the Pacific Ocean, but it's also a unique and massive area that encompasses more than 25 cities, lush landscapes, and a rich variety of birds, marine life, and other wildlife.

As you would expect, the many wonders of this area make the Oregon Coast a popular tourist destination. Those looking for adrenaline-fueled activities may be interested in surfing or sandboarding, while some history buffs might find intrigue in historic landmarks such as Fort Clatsop, Battle Rock, and Oregon’s many lighthouses.

7

Olympic National Park

Image: Georg Eiermann

Now that the route has taken us to the state of Washington, why not visit Olympic National Park and its gorgeous sights? Originally designated as Mount Olympus National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt, this park is divided into four distinct regions, each hosting three unique ecosystems.

Due to its amazing variety, a single entry could never encompass all the natural wonders this park has to offer. However, we can highlight a few favorites: for instance, Mount Olympus, the tallest peak in the Olympic Mountains, or the Hoh Rainforest, renowned for its stunning Bigleaf maples.

8

The San Juan Islands

Image: David Lang

The San Juan Islands is a four-island archipelago at the border between Washington State and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The Islands are considered the go-to place for birdwatching enthusiasts, boasting the highest concentration of bald eagles in the contiguous United States.

If bird-watching is not your thing, don’t worry—there’s plenty more to see and do on these breathtaking islands. Several ferry tours offer access to some of the best panoramic views of the region, which, as you might imagine, are nothing short of stunning.

9

Denali National Park

Image: Bryson Beaver

We’ve now arrived in the final state of our West Coast road trip. In that sense, what better place to conclude our journey than the "Last Frontier"? With that in mind, let’s begin our exploration of Alaska with what many consider to be the state’s crown jewel: Denali National Park.

Denali holds the distinction of being the highest peak in North America, and while this is truly no small feat, that’s not what makes this area so special. This mountain’s immense size is rivaled only by its breathtaking magnificence. Denali is renowned for its stunning glaciers, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, which includes brown bears, beavers, and Arctic foxes.

10

Kenai Fjords National Park

Image: Kedar Gadge

Kenai Fjords National Park’s beauty is as stunning as it is diverse. Its landscapes are marked by truly unique and stunning features, such as glaciers, islands, and fjords. In addition to its remarkable terrain, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters.

Designated by President Carter in 1978, the park is primarily visited by cruise ships and tour boats. Thousands of visitors are awestruck each day by the grandeur of Kenai Fjords, including the famous Exit Glacier, which is located at the end of the park’s only road.

1

Pacific Coast Highway

Image: Joe Pilié

The Pacific Coast Highway , officially known as California State Route 1, runs along the stunning California coastline. This iconic route stretches from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns.

Designated by the United States Department of Transportation as an All-American Road , the Pacific Coast Highway also serves as a vital artery for residents in the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area. Unfortunately, the route is also known for its frequent coastal landslides, which often cause sections of the road to be closed or redirected inland, so if you are planning to take this route, be sure to check conditions and plan ahead.

2

Blue Ridge Parkway

Image: Angela Bartosh

For those who love bluish mountains and epic landscapes, this route is a must-visit. Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

This 469-mile drive is renowned for its fall foliage, lush scenery, and panoramic vistas. Whether you plan to hike some of its many trails, explore historic sites, or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of your vehicle, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a truly rewarding experience. Just be aware that the road is not maintained in winter, and certain sections and high passes may be closed from late fall through early spring.

3

Route 66

Image: Nikolai Justesen

Famously dubbed the "Mother Road" by Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath , Route 66 embarks on an epic cross-country journey from Chicago to Santa Monica, stretching a total of 2,448 miles. Immortalized in songs and media, this historic road has achieved legendary status, not only as one of the country’s most celebrated routes but also as a symbol of the United States around the world.

This iconic route takes you through picturesque small towns, vast deserts, and quintessential Americana. Though the original road was supplanted by the Interstate Highway System in 1985, much of the historic route has been preserved as a National Scenic Byway , now known as "Historic Route 66."

4

Great River Road

Image: Mitchell Kmetz

Following the course of the Mississippi River , the Great River Road stretches 2,340 miles through ten states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. The term "Great River Road," however, refers not only to the official network of roadways that follow the river's path but also to a broader region of historical and touristic significance.

Originally extending north into Canada, it once connected with the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Notable stops along the route include the Twin Cities, Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

5

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Image: Tevin Trinh

Located in Montana's Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel, with sections carved into steep rock faces. This alpine route traverses the Continental Divide through Logan Pass at an elevation of 6,646 feet, offering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.

The road is named after Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which dominates the eastbound view beyond the high pass. According to a Native American legend, a deity called Sour Spirit descended from the sun to teach the Blackfeet tribe how to hunt, giving the mountain its name.

6

Overseas Highway

Image: Ilse Orsel

Connecting mainland Florida to Key West, the Overseas Highway is a 113-mile journey across a series of bridges and tropical islands. Much of the route was built on the remnants of the Overseas Railroad , which was severely damaged and partially destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. In the 1950s, the Overseas Highway was revamped into a major coastal route linking Miami to Key West.

This exotic drive not only offers spectacular views of turquoise waters and coral reefs but also provides the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as American alligators, American crocodiles, and Key deer.

7

Tail of the Dragon

Image: Stephen Cook

Deals Gap , a thrilling mountain pass along the North Carolina–Tennessee state line, is famously known as the Tail of the Dragon due to its astonishing 318 curves in just 11 miles. This legendary stretch of U.S. Route 129 is a global favorite among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, who often come to challenge their vehicles and driving skills on its winding curves.

As the road forms part of the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the 11-mile stretch remains free from urban development and features numerous scenic overlooks and pull-off points.

8

Hana Highway

Image: Claude Piché

Also known as The Road to Hana, the Hana Highway on Maui, Hawaii, is a 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 that traverses through rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and seascapes. As it meanders across the island, the road features over 600 curves , leading to the charming town of Hana, one of the most isolated communities in the state.

Before you get too excited, though, be prepared for a journey that can take nearly three hours. Although the distance may seem short on paper, the highway's winding, narrow nature and its 59 one-lane bridges can significantly extend travel time.

9

Natchez Trace Parkway

Image: Mika Matin

Stretching 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey rich in history and natural beauty. This scenic drive follows the ancient Native American trail of the same name, even preserving sections of the original path.

This historical route offers peaceful landscapes and numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Notable stops include archaeological treasures like Emerald Mound , several abandoned towns and historic settlements, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument and Grave Site.

10

U.S. Route 50

Image: Paddy Kumar

U.S. Route 50 is a major highway that spans the width of the United States, connecting Ocean City, Maryland, on the East Coast to Sacramento, California, on the West Coast. Stretching 3,073 miles, this route traverses diverse landscapes but is most renowned for its rural desert and mountainous scenery in the western United States.

Particularly notable is its Nevada segment, famously dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America" due to its sparse traffic and lengthy, isolated stretches. Established in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Highway system, US 50 initially extended from Wadsworth, Nevada, to Annapolis, Maryland. The original route incorporated several historic trails, including the Lincoln Highway, Midland Trail, and the National Old Trails Road.