Most phone cameras allow you to turn on a grid that often divides your view into nine sections with two parallel vertical and two horizontal lines. This allows you to follow the "rule of thirds" by placing objects at the intersections of a horizontal and vertical line. For an iPhone, go to "Settings," select "Camera" and under "Composition" click the button to turn on "Grid." If you have an Android phone do a search for grid lines with the name of your camera. Link: How to use, and break, the rule of thirds.

Grid Lines

Use leading lines.

Leading lines are used in photography to draw the eyes to an endpoint or frame an object/scene. Link: Defining Leading Lines in Photography (with 12 examples)

Leading Lines

Change perspective.

Changing perspective can result in a unique and more beautiful photo. Link: Perspective in Photography: Tips for Beautiful Photos

Looking up . . .

Perspective: Looking Up

Looking down . . .

Perspective: Looking Down

Try angles from side to side, too.

Get closer.

Getting closer to the subject can make a big difference in the end product. Although you can crop a photo (which sometimes is a good idea), it is best to have the camera closer when possible. Link: Get Close for Better Pictures

Baby Photo

Look for repeating patterns.

This is something we often don't think about, but taking photos of repeating patterns can create some stunning photos. Link: Using Repetition and Patterns in Photography

Repeating Patterns