Camera technology continues to evolve with each new smartphone release. Learn how to take great pictures on your smartphone by following these tips.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

It’s all about the light.

It’s what helps make a good image a great image. Check out the shadows that the sun makes on subjects. Notice the reflective light off buildings. Practice during the ‘golden hour,’ the period shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. Watch how the light from a window falls inside a room at different moments.

A smartphone is not always the greatest in low-light situations. It’s best to capitalize on lighting conditions under which your device best functions.

Don’t Rely on Zoom

Be careful when using the zoom feature on your smartphone. Often the images come out grainy or hazy. Move closer to the object if you can. If that’s not possible, use your camera’s built-in editing features or a mobile app to spruce up the shot.

Stabilize Your Shots

Camera shake when taking pictures is a factor on all cameras. The key to fixing this is to practice how you hold your phone.

• Hold it horizontally at all times instead of vertically to get a wider image.
• Try burst mode when snapping pictures of moving objects.
• Know what you will use for the shutter (the button assigned, a software shutter button, a timer, or the volume on your headphones). The idea is to get to where you take clear images with no camera shake.
• Use a tripod for stability. This frees you up to focus on better pictures.

Mix Up Your Angles

Change your perspective on things. Trying different angles gives you better shots and shows how you see the subject. So get down on the ground, climb to a high vantage point, or move to the side to change your point of view. Try as many angles on your subject as possible.

Try Some Apps

Thousands of smartphone apps are dedicated to the camera.

These apps help edit your work. While you can’t correct problems like bad lighting, you can improve other details to make a subject look acne-free, sharpen specific aspects of an image, or add text or other effects over the photo.

Find your favorite photo app, learn to use it well, and you can take your already awesome image to the next level.

Experiment With the Flash

Even though your phone camera doesn’t have as powerful of a flash as a digital camera, you can still get some interesting results.

The flash can help emphasize shade, make colors brighter, and add other nifty effects—experiment by taking one photo with the flash, then one without. Make notes and compare the differences.

Take Tons of Photos

Don’t be afraid to take another shot. Snap away at anything and everything that suits your fancy. The more photos you shoot, the more comfortable you will get, and the more you will determine the direction you’d like to take your mobile photography.

The only thing holding you back is how much storage is on your phone and how long your battery can last.

Use Reflections for More Interesting Shots

Mirrors, glasses, puddles, bodies of water and smooth and shiny surfaces make for good reflections.

Push yourself to look for reflective surfaces and place your subjects at angles or in direct comparison to the reflection. Even simple shades of light can make amazing reflections.

Remember to Have Fun

This is the last and the only rule that you should stick to. If you don’t listen to anything given here, “Have Fun” is the rule you must promise to use when getting into mobile photography.

Join in photo walks with other photographers and communities in your area. It’s always fun to do it alongside others learning and enjoying the art.

Prior to departing for the fall break holiday, each University of Nebraska–Lincoln student should proactively prepare to travel safely. Whether you’re flying to a destination or hitting the road, here are some essential reminders to keep in mind.

Traveling with Friends

• Share Your Location:  Before you embark on your journey, share your location with all the friends you’re traveling with. This way, if you get separated or go in different directions, your friends can easily locate you.
• Altitude and Alcohol:  When traveling to higher altitudes, remember that alcohol can have a different effect on your body. Practice harm reduction by alternating between alcohol and water to stay hydrated and safe.
• Choose Wisely:  If you’re in an unfamiliar location, opt for lower alcohol by volume (ABV) beverages, like hard seltzers, instead of shots or strong alcoholic drinks.
• Document Your Journey:  Take photos of the places you visit and the people you meet, especially if you’re exploring a new town. These photos can be invaluable for retracing your steps if something unexpected happens.
• Stay Vigilant:  Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for potential hazards or risky situations and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

Driving with Friends

When driving with friends – either to a new destination or to your hometown – here are additional safety tips to ensure a smooth and secure journey.

• Stay Alert:  Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible. For longer trips, plan breaks to stretch, grab a meal, check messages, and change drivers if needed to avoid drowsiness.
• Avoid Risky Behaviors:  Always adhere to traffic rules, avoid distractions like texting, obey speed limits, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impairment can compromise critical driving skills. If you chose to drink, designate a sober driver, or plan for a rideshare company to get you back safe.
• Plan Your Route:  Before setting off, check weather conditions, road status, and traffic updates. Allow ample time for your trip and familiarize yourself with directions and maps. Share your route and expected arrival time with someone.
• Prepare a Roadside Travel Kit:  Ensure you have essential items on hand, including a cell phone and charger, a first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a jack, work gloves, basic repair tools, water, nonperishable food, and more.
• Buckle Up:  Always wear your seatbelt. It’s a fundamental safety measure that can save lives.

Traveling can be a wonderful adventure, but it can also be stressful when it comes to keeping your valuables safe. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just an amateur with a camera, it’s important to keep your camera gear and other valuables secure while on the go. So, here are some tips to help you keep your valuables safe while traveling.

Choose the right bag

The first step to keeping your camera gear safe is choosing the right bag. A good camera bag should have compartments for your camera, lenses and accessories, as well as some extra space for other items you may need while traveling. Look for a bag that is durable, weather-resistant, and has a lockable zipper or other security features. Make sure it is comfortable to carry and preferably doesn’t have easy access on the outside for pickpockets. If traveling overseas consider a GPS tracker for not only your luggage but also your camera bag. A great investment for some peace of mind.

Use a padlock

A padlock is an easy and effective way to keep your bag secure. Most camera bags have a loop or other attachment point where you can attach a padlock to keep the zipper closed. If your bag doesn’t have a loop, you can always use a cable lock or similar device to secure it to a fixed object. If you’re worried about carrying keys get one with a code.

Keep valuables out of sight

When you’re traveling, it’s best to keep your valuables out of sight as much as possible. This means not leaving your camera bag or other valuables unattended in public places. If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, use the in-room safe to store your valuables when you’re not using them. If traveling by car, try to keep your valuables as hidden as possible if you have to leave them in the car. This includes suitcases.

Carry your camera gear with you

One of the best ways to keep your camera gear safe is to carry it with you at all times. This means not checking it with your luggage when flying or leaving it in the trunk of your car when driving. Instead, carry your camera bag with you as a carry-on item or keep it somewhere safe when driving, not on the seat next to you. As someone could reach in through an open window and take it if stopped in traffic etc. We usually keep gear on the floor behind our seats. This stops it from being thrown around and makes it harder to snatch and grab.

Use a good camera strap

A camera strap is an essential accessory for any photographer, but it’s also a good way to keep your camera secure while traveling. A strap that attaches to both the camera body and the strap lugs can help prevent accidental drops, while a wrist strap can keep the camera close at hand. For safety and security, I use a Black Rapid sling strap. They are far more comfortable than the horrid neck strap that comes with most cameras and there are a variety of types and styles. A good wrist strap can also be handy for safety. I have also seen mentioned not to use the brand straps on your camera while traveling.

Be aware of your surroundings

When you’re traveling, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means paying attention to who is around you and where your valuables are. Don’t leave your camera bag or valuables unattended in a busy public place and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

Backup your photos

Finally, it’s important to back up your photos regularly while traveling. This means copying them to a laptop, external hard drive, or cloud storage service. If your camera or memory card is lost or stolen, you’ll still have your photos safe and sound. We often use a laptop while traveling and a hard drive in my bag. It might be overkill, but I know my images will be secure.

In conclusion, traveling can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take steps to keep your valuables safe. By choosing the right bag, using a padlock, keeping valuables out of sight, carrying your camera gear with you, using a camera strap, being aware of your surroundings, and backing up your photos, you can help ensure that your trip is a success and that your valuables stay safe and secure. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your travels.

Are you considering making a vacation to Dubai soon? But why are you unsure about your choice to travel to Dubai? You have come to the perfect location to get your questions answered. Before they set foot in an unfamiliar country, everyone wants to know the best travel advice. To help you tour Dubai wisely, below is a detailed travel in Dubai tips. Due to its many attractions for tourists, Dubai is the most well-liked vacation spot. There are numerous activities you may engage in with your family, including visiting popular Dubai attractions, having fun, trying local cuisine, and shopping.

Dubai tourist attractions are a must-visit with your family if you want to create priceless memories throughout your vacation. There are many things you may discover, like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, the Bastakiya neighborhood, and many others. However, the city offers both the glamorous modern additions and a wealth of cultural features for visitors. As a result, you can enjoy everything from a desert adventure to water sports on beaches like Jumeirah Beach Park. Explore the cities to take advantage of the nightlife, skyscrapers, beaches, five-star hotels, shopping centers, unique museums, and much more.

Popular Food in Dubai

You may sample a variety of Lebanese, Iranian, and Arabic food fusions in Dubai. You must crave eating Dubai cuisine in the city. Regardless you being a food enthusiast or not, there are many delicious flavors that you can sample. The tantalizing aroma of the pungent treats can undoubtedly cause foodgasm. Here is a list of delectable foods you may taste in Dubai to help you fall in love with the cuisine there.

• Shish Tawook
• Kellaj
• Baba Ganoush
• Shirin Polo
• Tabbouleh
• AI Machboos
• AI Harees
• Chelo Kebab
• Iranian Sangak
• Manousheh

You can still try dessert because the meal will not be complete without it. You have a ton of choices from which to choose. So, included below are a few of Dubai’s well-known desserts for visitors such as Khanfaroosh, Luqaimat, Mahalabiya, Knafeh, and many others on your Dubai tour package, which you can try.

Ideal Time to Tour Dubai

To really experience Dubai, you must research the optimum time to travel there before making travel arrangements. The duration of your vacation will depend on what you plan to do in Dubai, including shopping, sightseeing, & lodging costs. Some visitors prefer to come to the city just to check out the beaches. Therefore, when you arrive in the city, it is up to you.

Nov-Apr (Peak Season)

The peak tourist season, when it is most enjoyable to explore beaches, go shopping, and go around Dubai sightseeing, is from November to April. Considering that the season’s weather is ideal for holidaymakers. They can move around without experiencing dampness. Winter holidays is the most apt time of the year for visitors, as Dubai in December is more than just the weather but also holds a lot of surprises in terms of New Year fireworks and festivities.

Jun-Aug (Off-Season)

You can benefit from discounted accommodation rates during this time of year and spend less on water sports. You must check the weather before going outside because the weather is too erratic. And during this season, you cannot engage in any water activities. However, you may take in the New Year’s festivities in Dubai by going to the Burj Khalifa.

Apr-Oct (Summer Season)

The best thing about the time of year is that there are not as many people around, so you can explore in solitude. However, as the temperature increases to between 23 and 36 degrees, you might feel the heat during this time of year. However, you can go swimming to cool yourself mentally and beat the heat.

Shopping in Dubai

You can discover Dubai while taking pleasure in your shopping time because it is the most effective way to visit the city, fully. With your family or loved ones, you can shop at a variety of locations in Dubai. Furthermore, if you didn’t know, Dubai is one of the best locations for shopping because it is tax-free. Here is a list of a handful of the well-known locations with the best prices.

Dubai’s 5 Best Shopping Malls

• Deira City Centre
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Dubai Mall
• Wafi Mall
• Mall of the Emirates

Dubai’s 5 Best Souks

• Meena Bazaar Dubai
• Textile Souk
• Perfume Souk
• Spice Souk
• Gold Souk

Reaching There

There is just one way for you to go to Dubai. So, if you are wondering how to get to Dubai the easiest way to get to wonderful locations in Dubai with your family is provided below.

By Air

Sharjah International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Abu Dhabi International Airport are the other three airports in the UAE. You can therefore fly into these airports and then take cabs to get to your accommodations.

On the other side, there are two ways to get around Dubai, which are described in the section below.

By Train (Metro)

The train is the ideal means of transportation for exploring cities with your family or a significant other. Since the Emirates Express, which travels between Emirate nations and also takes you to Dubai, is a convenient way to get about the UAE.

By Taxi/Bus

Both buses and taxis are available for use when travelling throughout Dubai. You can also self-drive, but you must have a license for international cities to do so. And you don’t need a permit to enter the Onam. However, you will need to pay a 3000 OMR exit fee.

Travel Tips for Dubai

• Avoid Dubai’s summer months since the weather is unbearably hot and prevents further exploration. Carry all necessary documentation. Ones that are crucial include travel insurance, a passport, a visa, and an international driving permit.
• Keep some Dubai currency (AED) available so you may pay bills as soon as you need to.
• Keep your international credit or debit cards to avoid dealing with currency exchange hassles.
• Use a taxi to get around Dubai to save money while you’re there on vacation.
• To buy affordably, try to visit Dubai during festival season.
• It is preferable for tourists to cover their shoulders and knees when entering public spaces.
• Request the subjects’ consent before taking their picture. Taking photos without permission is viewed as a sign of disrespect.

These crucial Dubai travel tips can guarantee a pleasurable and trouble-free stay in one of the most well-liked locations on earth.