Minnesota, USA -August 2, 2011 - Summer is quickly coming to a close; however, there is still time to get some more photos to remember this time of relaxation. The average person does not carry around a camera all the time even though most of us know that we cannot predict the 'perfect photo moments' - sometimes we lose the opportunity to capture the greatest moments due to this. Luckily, most cellphones are equipped with a camera; the challenge is getting to know how to use this camera feature to get pictures to turn out looking as good as the photos off your camera.

As much as I prefer my camera, I will occasionally pull out my smartphone before even reaching for my Canon camera. Like for most people, my smartphone is a convenient way to upload my pictures to Facebook; this is the primary reason we even use it, is it not I do not need my USB cord nor do I need to worry about editing -for the most part; it is as simple as click and send! My photos are up for all of my friends to see.

Not all people are natural photographers and putting a smartphone in their hands may make this fact even more apparent; do not fret if you are one of them or if you would like just a few tips to get your smartphone photos looking better because everyone is searching for improvement - you are not alone.

Tip #1 Remember the one-third rule

If you never took a photography class, this is the easiest concept to grasp; in your mind, divide the area of the shot into a grind of boxes: 3 by 3. Always avoid having the main subject in the middle box because naturally our focus moves to either the right or the left of that area. To make your photo artistically appealing, compose your photo to include beautiful scenery on either side of the subject -get the subject to be on the far side.

Tip #2 Pay attention to the lighting

Obviously the best lighting for photos is outdoor lighting; yet, anyone can make mistakes even with using natural lighting. Always ensure that the sun is either behind the subject or off to the side; this will help prevent an underexposed picture.

If you are taking a photo indoors, try to have the background contain something that will reflect the light from your camera -not a mirror unless you truly want that 'ball of light' effect. Instead use a window or some other object that contains glass.

Tip #3 Balance your camera

You must make sure that your scenery is level -nothing is more awkward than a lopsided background. Every part of the picture matters so make sure that everything is in the position that it needs to be.

Tip #4 Play with the settings

Every smartphone is different in what it includes. Do not be afraid to explore all the settings; remember that how you shoot the picture is how it will look permanently.  If you know that you want an 'aqua' look to your photo, go ahead and shoot it right away instead of dealing with the editing later on the computer.

Some smartphones include HDR or also known as Wide Dynamic Range; this emphasizes all the colors so it can show great detail. If you have an iPhone 4, check this feature out and use it often!

Tip #5 Never use zoom

Unlike a camera, smartphones do not have the physical lens that moves in and out; instead of using the 'digital zoom' the camera provides, move your body either closer or farther from the subject. This way, you can get the clear picture instead of the grainy one.

Moving closer to the subject can also ensure that the lighting from the flash is reaching the subject.