TIP: Using a flash can sometimes ruin an otherwise cute photo

Posted by Louie on Aug 8, 2010 in iPhone, Mobile, Multimedia, Photos, Tips, Uncategorized | 0 comments

All the smartphones in the world have a flash for taking pictures. Well, at least all the ones I’ve played with do.

They all suck hard. None take even decent photos with flash in situations where the subject is close to the lens.

They’ll add a sprinkle of light in medium-light situations, but the flash just ruins photos when the darkness begins to spread.

So my suggestion is to avoid using the flash at all costs. If you absolutely have to have flash to even make out the subject, feel free to take the photo.

You’ll have something you can share even if it won’t be very good. Just be sure to try taking the photo without the flash with the lamps on. You’d be surprised how much natural light these phones can capture.

Here’s an example. Click on the images to see them with and without the flash. These were taken with the iPhone 4. I didn’t edit them at all, though I did crop and shrink before posting.