How to Capture the Essence of South Devon With Your Smartphone

Image Source: Pexels

Guest Blog Post* - Jessica Perkins

On a typically scenic stroll through South Devon, being able to fire off a few snaps with your smartphone to share on social media or send to friends and family is hugely convenient. But most of us have to admit that we’re not exactly experts when it comes to the act of actually taking photos - and the results we get can be adequate, if not a little dull.

To rectify this skill gap, stick around as we run down the steps you can take to ensure each picture you shoot makes the Devonian countryside really shine like it should.

Letting Light Elevate the Photos you Take

Smartphone photography hinges on how light interacts with your subject. In South Devon, where the sun casts a kaleidoscope of shades throughout the day, you need to nail the nuances as much as possible. 

Here’s a few things you can do to get to grips with this fickle mistress:

• Chase the sunrise or sunset for soft, diffuse light that adds warmth and character to your images.

• Midday brings harsh shadows; use them to create striking contrasts or wait for a cloud to smuggle some softness back into your scene.

• Observe how the light interacts with water - glimmering reflections can transform an ordinary beach shot into something magical.

• Experiment with backlighting by positioning subjects between you and the sun for a silhouetted effect against dramatic skies.

• Take control of your smartphone's exposure settings; slide to darken or brighten before you shoot to match what your eyes see.

Also don’t forget that even if the lighting conditions aren’t perfect on the day, you can always tinker with photos using editing software to make up for this. And for an added touch of professionalism, you can even learn to blur photo backgrounds, which helps draw focus to specific elements, or do away with drab lighting altogether.

Cajoling Photo Composition Successfully

Even the most spectacular scenery can be rendered plain by a poorly framed photo. Composition - meaning the thoughtful arrangement of elements within the picture - turns a simple image into storytelling. Here’s how to harness it:

• Use the rule of thirds; place points of interest on the intersections or along the lines for balanced, intriguing shots.

• Find natural frames like archways or branches to enclose your subject and draw attention to it.

• Lead the viewer’s eye with pathways, shoreline curves, or rows of quaint cottages that create depth and perspective.

• Keep an eye out for patterns and symmetries in fishing nets or cobblestone streets that add texture and rhythm to your images.

• Embrace negative space; let the expanse of sea or sky amplify the visual impact of solitary subjects like lighthouses or sailboats. Given that there are 16 lighthouses in Devon, you’re spoilt for choice in this regard!

Seeking out Candid Characters

South Devon isn't just about landscapes; the people and their interactions with the environment add layers of narrative and emotion to your photography - especially if you’re using one of the best camera phones around at the moment. There are various ways to factor this in, so why not:

• Engage with subjects when appropriate for more personal, expressive portraits that tell a story. Getting consent before taking snaps, and taking notes of the stories they tell, will enrich things all the more.

• Observe visitors interacting with the scenery to showcase the universal appeal of South Devon’s beauty.

• Photograph artisanal products at local markets as they embody the region's cultural heritage.

• Explore the bustling festivals and lively events where emotions soar and excitement abounds, capturing dynamic snapshots of the action. From the spirited Brixham Pirate Festival to a plethora of vibrant gatherings across South Devon, the array of sights is as diverse as it is delightful.

Wrapping Up

The most important thing to remember when capturing South Devon on camera is that it has to be fun as well as a learning experience - and your skills as a photographer will improve the more shots you take. 

So don’t be too prescriptive, and also aim to use editing software and techniques to take snaps to the next level after they have been captured. This is the best way to build a love for photography, and make the most of your smartphone’s camera tech.

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