How to Take Better Portrait Photos on Your Phone (That Aren’t Just Selfies)

BY: GOOD.

Let’s be honest — most of us have hundreds (if not thousands) of photos on our phones… but very few we’d actually frame.

The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera to take beautiful, meaningful portraits. With a few simple tweaks, your everyday snaps can become photos you genuinely love.

Whether you’re capturing your kids, your pets, or just everyday life, here’s how to take portraits that feel a step above the usual selfie.

Start With Light (It Makes Everything Better)

Lighting is the biggest difference between an “okay” photo and a great one.

What to do:

  • Face your subject towards natural light (like a window or open shade)
  • Avoid harsh midday sun — it creates strong shadows and squinting
  • Early morning or late afternoon (“golden hour”) gives soft, flattering light

Simple rule: If you can see soft light on their face, you’re on the right track.

Think About What’s Behind Them

A great portrait isn’t just about the person — the background matters too.

Try this:

  • Keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered
  • Move a few steps left or right to avoid distractions (bins, cars, random objects)
  • Use depth — stand back slightly so the background blurs (portrait mode helps here)

Sometimes the difference between a good photo and a great one is just taking one step sideways.

Use Composition Tricks (Without Overthinking It)

You don’t need to be a photographer to use composition — just a few easy habits:

  • Rule of thirds: Turn on your grid and place your subject slightly off-centre
  • Leave space: Don’t crop too tight — give the photo room to breathe
  • Frame naturally: Use doorways, trees, or windows to “frame” your subject

These small shifts make photos feel more intentional.

Capture Moments, Not Poses

The best portraits rarely feel staged.

Instead of saying “smile,” try:

  • Talking to them while you shoot
  • Getting them to move (walk, spin, play)
  • Capturing in-between moments — laughter, concentration, curiosity

Real expressions always beat forced ones.

Create a Mood

Think about how you want the photo to feel.

  • Soft and calm → neutral tones, gentle light
  • Fun and playful → movement, bright colours
  • Quiet and thoughtful → shadows, stillness

You don’t need editing apps to create mood — it starts with how you shoot.

Upgrade the “Selfie”

If you are taking a photo of yourself:

  • Use the back camera (better quality) with a timer
  • Prop your phone up (books, a ledge, anything stable)
  • Step back — it instantly looks more natural
  • Relax your face — think of something, don’t just “pose”

It turns a quick snap into something that actually feels like a portrait.

Extra Tips for Photographing Kids & Pets

Let’s be real — they don’t sit still, and they don’t take direction.

So work with that, not against it.

For Kids:
  • Get down to their eye level
  • Let them play — don’t interrupt the moment
  • Shoot quickly (burst mode is your friend)
  • Embrace the chaos — imperfect is often perfect
For Pets:
  • Use treats or toys to grab attention
  • Get low (their level again!)
  • Flip your phone upside down so the lense is aiming up rather than down
  • Focus on the eyes — that’s where the magic is
  • Be patient — take lots, keep a few

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s personality.

One Simple Habit That Changes Everything

Take an extra 10 seconds before you tap the shutter.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the light good?
  • Is the background clean?
  • Am I close enough (or too close)?

That tiny pause can completely transform your photos.

You don’t need better equipment — you just need to see differently.

The best portraits aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection, mood, and capturing a moment that actually means something.

And the best part?
You’ve already got everything you need — right there in your pocket.

In A PICTURE OF HER, Beth unwittingly becomes the subject of an award-winning magazine’s cover and goes on a quest to uncover the true identity of the mystery photographer who snapped her photo. A PICTURE OF HER is now streaming on the GOOD. app. Start watching: CLICK HERE.

Feature Image: Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels