Better Photos and Video with Your Phone – Not all the methods for improving your photography skills involve using a gadget or working with software tools. Some of the most important methods are in your mind. Beyond the mechanics of setting a shutter speed or transferring a file is your power to communicate. Through the process of taking pictures and sharing them with other people you’re revealing a desire to express the individual creativity of your point-of-view. You’ll become even more effective at implementing this process through practice. As you learn more about photographic techniques your skill in photography will increase along with your pleasure. When taking a photo learn to ask yourself questions such as: 1. What mood am I trying to convey? 2. Am I trying to make a journalistic point? 3. Does this composition communicate to my intended audience? 4. Does my composition have the capacity to capture interest out of a casual glance? 5. Does my composition lead the eye, or the mind’s eye, to a place where I can engage the viewer? 6. Will my composition repel the viewer and short circuit my effort to make a visual impression? 7. Am I including all the picture elements necessary for the viewer to understand what the picture is about? Bonus Idea: Is my photo entertaining, informative or humorous? You may have your own list of questions that helps you take pictures that are interesting and that communicate your message.