Pro Smartphone Camera Add-Ons
Pro Smartphone Camera Add-Ons

by Susan Marque

As a professional photographer, I’ve found that taking the best shots requires the best tools.

If you love expanding your photography skills, here are some great add-ons I found that will have you shooting more eye-catching photos:

No. 1: Lenses

There are lots of options for adding lenses to your phone’s basic lens. Just like a SLR camera, the quality of the lens you add will determine the quality of the photos you get. Olloclip has a variety of lens options to choose from and is touted to have the least lens distortion for a reasonable price. You get three or four lenses in one easy to clip on device.

Photojojo came out with a series that is equally terrific, and in addition to wide angle, macro, telephoto, and fisheye lenses, Photojojo has a polarizing lens that allows you to shoot through water or glass without getting reflections.  It also can create more saturated colors in your photos.

For a whole lot of fun with your phone photography, go for a low tech Holga case (also available at Photojojo.com and elsewhere) that allows you to flip through various colored filters and lenses in a plastic case that fits over your phone. The quality won’t be equal to the clip on lenses, but it is a simple way to have a lot of options at your fingertips, as well as up your fun quotient.

No. 2: Tripods

Selfie sticks are not tripods. While they give you a longer reach, they can’t really steady a shot, allow you to get a great angle, or let you be in a picture/video with your hands free. If you already own a tripod for other cameras, you can simply get a GripTight Mount that will work with any smartphone.

There are a number of options for smartphone tripods. The GripTight GorillaPod Stand wraps around just about any branch, pole or chair. It can also form a mini stand that will hold your smartphone steady to cut down on blur, or let you use a timer and run around to be included in the shot.

No. 3: Flash

Getting a flash for you smartphone might make you feel like paparazzi, but it’s a great addition to your camera for gorgeous results. Instead of the harsh flashlight that many smartphones come with, an add-on flash, like this one from iblazr, fits in the headphone jack, can emit a much broader and flattering light, making your subjects look their best, and your photos cleaner. 

For even more fun, you can get sample-sized colored gels for low or no cost, and tape them onto the external flash for various effects. 

Susan Marque got her M.F.A. in creative writing from The New School, writes for magazines, television, and is currently working on a memoir. She is also a healthy food expert, loves both food and tech, and all things photo related.  Her photo art has sold in Beverly Hills and London.

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