Capture the Best of Your Summer Vacation with Just Your Cell Phone

Summer is full of sunshine, adventures, and unforgettable memories—and whether you’re hiking through the mountains, lounging by the pool, or exploring a new city, your cell phone is likely your go-to camera. The good news? You can capture beautiful, frame-worthy photos right from your phone with just a few simple tricks!

Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your summer photos:

1. Clean Your Lens

It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. Your phone is always in your pocket or bag, which means the lens can get smudged easily. Give it a quick wipe before snapping photos to ensure crisp, clear shots.

2. Use Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend—especially in the golden hours (right after sunrise and just before sunset). Avoid using your flash, and instead, move your subject closer to a window or into the shade if it’s too sunny. Soft, diffused light will always look better.

3. Focus & Exposure

Tap your screen where you want the camera to focus—usually a face or main subject. You can also slide your finger up or down to adjust the exposure and avoid overly dark or blown-out images.

4. Play With Angles

Get creative with your perspective! Crouch down to your kids’ level, shoot from above to capture flat-lay beach towels and snacks, or frame your shot through palm leaves or umbrellas for an artsy touch.

5. Avoid Over-Editing

While filters are fun, less is more. Stick to slight adjustments in brightness, contrast, and saturation to keep your photos looking natural and timeless.

6. Capture the Candid Moments

The best vacation photos often aren’t posed. Capture the laughter, the messy ice cream faces, the quiet moments looking at the sunset—those are the memories you’ll treasure most.

Bonus Tip: Let Us Help You Capture Summer, Too!

While your phone is perfect for everyday fun, don’t forget to book a professional summer session with Kate Buckles Photography! Whether you're visiting New Mexico or enjoying a staycation, we’ll help you create beautifully styled and edited images that you can hang on your wall or preserve in a custom photo album.

From sun-drenched family portraits to playful milestone shoots, summer is the perfect time to book. Let's freeze this season of sunshine, laughter, and memories together.

📸 Ready to schedule your summer session? Reach out today to get on our calendar—spots fill up quickly!

Let’s make Summer 2025 unforgettable, both on your phone and in front of our lens!

Book HERE!