Ever feel like your phone’s camera roll is full of missed opportunities? Like you saw a breathtaking sunset over Snowdonia, but your photo looks… well, a bit flat?
You’re not alone. I’m ninawelshlass1—or Nina, if we’re having a cuppa—and I’m here to tell you that the barrier between you and stunning photos isn’t your gear; it’s your perspective. My entire feed, from the misty peaks of Brecon Beacons to the hidden coves of Pembrokeshire, is captured on this little device in my pocket. And today, I’m sharing exactly how I do it. Let’s dive in.
Why Your Phone is Your Most Powerful Creative Tool
Let’s bust a myth, right here, right now. You don’t need a £2,000 camera to be a photographer. In fact, your phone might just be your secret weapon.
- It’s Always With You: The best camera is the one you have on you. Spontaneous moments—a rainbow after a quick Welsh rain shower, a rabbit darting across a path—can’t be planned. Your phone ensures you never miss them.
- Discreet and Unobtrusive: Unlike a bulky DSLR, a phone lets you blend into the scene. You can capture candid moments without intimidating your subject, whether it’s a street performer in Cardiff or a shy wild pony.
- Power in Your Pocket: Modern smartphone sensors are incredible. With computational photography, they can handle high-contrast scenes and low-light conditions in ways that would have required a tripod and a lot of technical know-how just a few years ago.
Think of your phone not as a lesser alternative, but as a different kind of paintbrush. It’s agile, intuitive, and perfectly suited for the fast-paced, beautiful chaos of travel and lifestyle photography.
The ninawelshlass1 Gear Guide: Less is More
People often ask me what kit I use. My answer is simple. My primary tool is my smartphone (I’m currently using an iPhone 15 Pro, but I’ve had fantastic results with recent Samsung Galaxies and Google Pixels too). Beyond that, I swear by just three add-ons:
- A Momentary Tripod: This isn’t your grandad’s heavy tripod. It’s a small, flexible grip that can wrap around a fence post or stand on a rock. Essential for sharp, blur-free low-light shots and smooth long-exposure water shots.
- A Portable Power Bank: A dead phone is a creative killer. My trusty Anker power bank is a non-negotiable part of my day pack.
- A Simple Lens Cloth: A clean lens is the simplest trick in the book. A microfibre cloth takes up no space and banishes smudges that ruin clarity.
That’s it. Seriously. You don’t need to lug around a bag full of gadgets. Mastering what you have is the real game.
Composition: The Art of Seeing (No Fancy Degree Required)
This is where the magic happens. Composition is simply how you arrange the elements in your frame. It’s your voice as a photographer. Here are my go-to techniques:
1. Embrace the Rule of Thirds (Then Break It)
Turn on the gridlines on your camera. Now, place your horizon on the top or bottom line, and your main subject where the lines intersect. Suddenly, your photo feels balanced. But once you’ve got that down, don’t be afraid to break the rules! Centering a powerful subject, like a lone tree, can be incredibly dramatic.
2. Find a “Lead-In” Line
Use natural elements to guide the viewer’s eye into the photo. A winding path, a stone wall, a stream, or even a shadow can act as a visual pathway, creating depth and a sense of journey.
3. Frame Within a Frame
Look for natural frames to encircle your subject. An arched doorway in a castle ruin, an overhanging tree branch, or a gap between two rocks can isolate your subject and add a layer of sophistication to your shot.
4. Play with Perspective
Don’t just shoot from eye level. Get down low to photograph a field of bluebells, making them feel like a vast forest. Or hold your phone up high to capture the swirl of a street market from above. Changing your angle changes the entire story.
Chasing the Light: It’s Not a Cliché, It’s a Rule
Photographers talk about the “golden hour” so much it can sound like a broken record. But there’s a reason for it. The hour after sunrise and before sunset provides a soft, warm, directional light that makes everything look magical. The harsh midday sun, on the other hand, creates unflattering shadows and blown-out highlights.
My Secret Weapon? The “Blue Hour” and Moody Weather.
Don’t pack up when the sun goes down. The period of twilight, just after sunset, bathes the world in a beautiful deep blue light. And as a Welsh photographer, I’ve learned to love cloudy, moody, and even rainy days. The clouds act as a giant softbox, diffusing the light perfectly and saturating colours. The greens of the Welsh valleys are never more vibrant than right after a rain shower.
The ninawelshlass1 Editing Workflow: From Snapshot to Story
A great photo is created in-camera, but it’s perfected in editing. I use a simple, consistent workflow, primarily in Adobe Lightroom Mobile.
1. The Foundation: I always start by correcting the basics. I adjust the exposure so the image is bright but not washed out, tweak the contrast for punch, and play with the white balance to ensure colours look natural.
2. The Magic of Grading: This is where my style comes to life. I gently boost the shadows to reveal detail and pull back the highlights to recover sky details. A slight increase in texture and clarity adds that final bit of punch.
3. A Splash of Colour: I’m known for my earthy, yet vibrant tones. I often slightly desaturate the oranges and yellows while boosting the blues and greens. This makes the lush Welsh landscapes truly pop without looking artificial.
My rule of thumb? Edit to enhance the mood you felt, not to create a new, unrealistic one.
Building a Community, Not Just a Feed
Being ninawelshlass1 isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It’s about connection. I make a point to tell a small story in every caption. Where I was, what the air smelled like, a conversation I had. I ask questions and I always reply to comments. My followers aren’t just an audience; they’re my fellow wanderers. I also meticulously geotag my locations and use relevant hashtags like #WalesTravel, #FindYourEpic, and #MyLittleWales to help others discover these incredible places.
Your Next Steps: 5 Quick Tips to Transform Your Photos Today
- Clean Your Lens: It sounds silly, but do it right now. It’s the easiest win.
- Turn on Your Gridlines: Use the rule of thirds for your next five photos.
- Chase the Light: Plan one short walk during the golden hour this week.
- Find a Lead-In Line: Look for a path, a road, or a river in your local area and use it to compose a shot.
- Experiment with One Edit: Play with just the “shadows” slider in your phone’s native editor. See how it brings out hidden details?
The world is an endlessly beautiful place, and you have a unique way of seeing it. Your phone is the key to sharing that perspective. So get out there, explore, and don’t forget to look up from your screen to soak it all in, too.
I’d love to see what you create! Share your favourite Welsh landscape shot with me on Instagram by tagging @ninawelshlass1.
You May Also Like: Sosoactive: The Modern Media Brand for a Conscious Generation
FAQs
What phone do you use, and do I need the latest model?
I currently use an iPhone 15 Pro for its fantastic raw capabilities and versatile lenses. However, you absolutely do not need the latest model. Phones from the last 3-4 years have phenomenal cameras. The key is learning to master the one you already own.
What is the one biggest mistake beginner mobile photographers make?
Not getting close enough. We tend to use the wide-angle lens and stand back, which includes too much clutter. Take a step—or three—closer to your subject. Fill the frame. The difference is instant and dramatic.
Which editing app would you recommend for a complete beginner?
Start with Snapseed. It’s free, powerful, and user-friendly. Once you’re comfortable, moving to Adobe Lightroom Mobile offers more advanced control, but Snapseed has everything you need to start making beautiful edits today.
How do you take such clear photos in low light, like inside a cafe or at dusk?
Use that momentary tripod! Or, prop your phone on something stable like a table or a wall. This prevents camera shake. Also, use the “Night Mode” on your phone if it has one—it works by taking multiple images and blending them for a clean, bright shot.
How can I develop my own unique photography style?
Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Your style will emerge naturally from what you’re drawn to. Do you love moody, dark scenes or bright, airy ones? Do you focus on vast landscapes or small details? Review your work after a month and you’ll see patterns. Lean into them.
Is it worth shooting in RAW format on a phone?
If you’re serious about editing, yes. RAW files contain much more data than JPEGs, giving you far greater flexibility when adjusting exposure and colour. It does require more storage and an app like Lightroom, but the quality upgrade is significant.
Any tips for staying safe and respectful while photographing in nature?
Always. Stay on marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems. Be aware of tide times on the coast and weather changes in the mountains. And of course, leave no trace—take only photos, leave only footprints.
