Tips to taking better camera phone photos at Disney

The great thing about having a smartphone is that you always have a camera handy. Phones have taken the place of point-and-shoot cameras, turning almost everyone, it seems, into photographers. Here are some tips to help you make better photos with a smartphone, especially if you're heading out to any Disney theme park.

The Matterhorn at Disneyland

Stay steady: You want to keep your camera as stable as possible. A sneeze, a heavy sigh, anything that causes the camera to move will create a blur. To get sharp photos, hold the phone with both hands. If you really want to remain stable, hold your breath right before you take the photo and exhale two seconds after you release the shutter button.

Special iPhone tip to stay stable: Put your finger on the shutter release button before framing the shot. Frame it and then release your finger. The picture isn't taken until your fingers comes off the button.

Anticipate: There's nothing worse than lifting up your phone to take a picture and realizing it needs to be turned on or unlocked. Be prepared for photos when you get in certain situations. Have the phone ready as you approach a Disney character; even if you're standing in line, you never know what kind of candid photos you'll get. Also, if you are in line for a ride and think there is a fun photo 20 feet ahead, get ready. You may think the line is moving at a glacial pace, but it could start moving fast all of a sudden.

Let there be light: You always want to make sure you have enough light on your subject, so when outdoors make sure the subject is facing the sun. You need to be careful to make sureit's not just a beam of sunlight on the subject and darkness all around. If the sun is shining brightly, try to put your subject in the brightest shade possible. If you are inside, make sure the lights are on. Also use you flash if you have one.

Avoid using the digital zoom: Sure, the entire purpose of the zoom is to get as close as possible for a photo, but it will most likely be pixilated and not very high quality in the end. Instead of using the zoom, use your feet and get as close as possible.

A dessert at Beaches and Cream
in Walt Disney World

Take different angles: Most people take photos from their own eye level. Many times, using a different angle or perspective creates a more interesting image. Get lower, get higher, put the camera down near your knees and take a shot ... try something different.

Take detail shots. You can hit every Kodak Picture Spot in the parks and get a collection of classic images, but don't miss the magic in all of Disney's details. Round out your photo album with memorable details, whether it's a shelf stuffed full of Mickey Mouses, a bouquet of balloons or an ice cream sundae with character.

Take lots of photos: Take as many shots as you feel you need to. The great thing about digital is that that you can delete photos.

Wait to delete photos: Yes, you have the instinct to immediately delete something you don't think is good, but once you get it home and see it on your computer, or have time to play with it in an phone app, you may like it more.

Keep the lens clean: Phones are usually kept in pockets and purses filled with lint and dirt. Take your time once in a while and clean off the the camera lens.

Get a good collection of phone apps: There are numerous apps you can use to clean up your photos. The most popular sharing app is Instagram. Other good ones are Photogene and Adobe Photohop Express.