I often don’t carry my camera with me and sometimes I miss some great photo opportunities.  I do, however, carry my iPhone with me everywhere!  Here are three tricks that I learned that are helping me take better pictures with my iPhone.

• Turn on the grid – If you have ever learned anything about photography you know about the rule of thirds.  The rule of thirds breaks your palette into lines horizontally and vertically forming nine squares.  If you place the point of interest of your photo at the intersections of the vertical and horizontal lines, the photo naturally becomes more balanced. To turn on the grid on your iPhone, click on Options and turn the grid to On.

• Use HDR – Under Options, turn HDR on and take your photo. The camera will capture three photos form that one shot, each at a different exposure level. The pictures are then layered together to create a single photo that combines the best parts of each shot. Both the original and the HDR photo will be saved in your Camera Roll. Here is a photo that I took using both the rule of thirds and HDR.  You may find that your like the non-HDR picture better and since both images are saved, you have the option of choosing the photo you prefer.

Rose without HDR

Rose with HDR

• Tap for Face Recognition -  The iPhone automatically focuses on the most prominent face in the frame.  Plus, it will balance the exposure across up to 10 faces.  However, you have the option of taping the screen to tell your iPhone where you want the focus of the shot.  When you tap the screen you will see a blue box appear that will focus on the closest face or element to where you tapped.

In my next post, I am going to tell you about five iPhone photo apps that I can’t live without!

Do you know where your cell phone is? I put mine in my purse and then it somehow makes its way to the very bottom. When the phone starts ringing, there I am, digging around in my purse, trying to find the darn thing! The PhoneFetcher is a great little product that takes the stress out of having to find your phone – you will always know where your cell phone is! Never lose your phone again!

How does it work? The PhoneFetcher attaches to your purse (or belt loop, back pack, gym bag, diaper bag, etc.) on one end and the other end to the 3.5mm headset/earphone outlet on your smart phone or mobile device. The cord is a stretchable bungee cord making the phone easy to use while attached to your bag. When your phone is not attached, let your PhoneFetcher hang outside your bag. This is what makes it easy to see if your phone is attached or not. A great reminder that you need your phone before you leave!

Don’t worry that it won’t hold your phone securely enough. I tested it and it works great! The earphone jack is tight enough to hold the phone securely, yet you can easily remove the phone. This is a must have cell phone accessory in my book!

Connect with PhoneFetcher by following them on Twitter and Facebook!

Would you like to win a PhoneFetcher? One lucky reader will win a PhoneFetcher – simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win! Open to US and Canada Residents Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway