Using a step-by-step approach, I will illustrate some of the tricks and tips that pro's use to get the best shots from any equipment, and that includes your new mobile phone!

STEP 1: Get supported.

Your phone gets the best shot by holding it still. The best way to achieve this is to use a tripod or gimble. Good advice, but no one lugs these things around, right?. So what do you do when the light gets low? Find support. See that railing with the dude? I leaned right up on that so my arm and phone were as steady and solid as a tripod, so even in the low light I could keep the phone steady and the shot sharp.

STEP 2: First make it POP! Process your shots

Now you have sharp shots, next get your shots in a photo editor. I like to use Google's free online editor (search: photos.google). In Google's editor (press the levers icon) you can first use 'Pop' to bring out the details while still keeping the image looking natural. For best results use 'Pop' first, then edit other aspects such as shadows and blacks afterward to get a good balance of color and contrast. Doing non-Pop edits first and then turning up the 'Pop' can render the image to mechanical and unnatural.

STEP 3: Push the COLOR!

Once you pushed that 'Pop' you can pump the colors in your scene by pushing the 'Saturation', 'Skin tone', and 'Deep blue' levers in the editor to the right, don't be afraid to let your colors show!

STEP 4: Zoom in if you got it

Newer phones have dedicated zoom cameras built-in with magnification from 2 to 5x. Be sure to learn how to switch to your zoom, and know when your switching to software zoom. Software zoom is never as sharp as an actual lens zoom. You can apply the same tricks with pop and color with your zoom camera as well.

STEP 5: Going wide for that dramatic effect

Now many of the newest phones from Apple, Samsung, and Huawei feature wide-angle cameras as well. Wide-angle is super useful when close to a structure to capture more of it in detail, or when trying to capture a big vista through a large arch with your back against a wall, such as in the image above. All the same post-processing tricks apply, be sure to learn how to switch to your phone's wide-angle lens.

STEP 6: Take advantage of the 'Blue hour'.

Once the last warm colors from the setting sun have gone, the 'Blue Hour' begins. Approximately for one hour, the sky will still show a rich blue in photos. At that time, support becomes even more important. look for railings, posts, even tree trunks to give your phone extra stability when making your shots. and note that your wide-angle camera has the best chance to capture this most heavenly of blue tones. All the post process tricks above will work, pay particular attention now to the 'Deep blue' as you may not need too much adjustment on this one, and going too far with the blue will not look natural.

I hope these steps and tips help you get the most out of your mobile shots!This is a wrap for me, now get out there and start shooting!

Photo credits: Duncan Pond.