Riverside’s Darren Nile has rediscovered his love of photography while the government imposed lockdown is in place, as the finance analyst is missing his family. Here he gives some tips to snap that perfect picture.

As many of us are taking time out from our day to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills on your travels.

Finance Analyst Darren Nile has been using his daily walks to rekindle his love of photography and has taken some stunning shots, showcasing his talents.

Darren, said: “The lockdown has been incredibly tough as I am missing my two sons and my fiancée alongside my mum being unwell – my mental health has been tested to the full. My daily walks have allowed me to appreciate the wonderful area I live in.

“While on my walks I’ve fallen in love again with photography and have loved capturing some shots of the area. I’ve shared them in a few groups to try and raise spirits and encourage others to try to capture some shots of their areas.

“My photos have received warm and positive feedback. It’s a hobby that gives me a smile and hopefully has made others smile too.”

It’s easy to try your hand at photography, especially as most of us have powerful cameras in our pockets. Here’s a few tips to help you make the most out of your smartphone camera:

Use portrait mode
In portrait mode, the background behind your subject will be blurred while the main focus is crystal clear. Although named ‘portrait mode’, this function works well on any subject.

Look for the light
If you’re indoors, try to set up your shot so there’s light falling on your subject. It’s always better to find good light rather than use your phone’s LED flash.

Take a ton of photos
Always hit the shutter button a few more times, slightly changing your position, focal point or angle as you fire off photos. This will improve your chances of getting that perfect shot.

Clean the lens
It might sound obvious, but can make a huge difference. A quick wipe with your top will do, but try to use lens cleaning fluid or glasses wipes every so often to lift dirt and debris.

Remember you can crop
Today’s smartphones are pretty capable of handle basic cropping, so don’t be afraid to shoot wider than you want and then crop in on the end result.

Don’t stop shooting
You can’t expect to be an expert at anything without practice. So try shooting a little every day, even if you’re lacking inspiration some days.

Have we inspired you to try out your photography skills? If so, post your photos to Yammer using #WTW and we’ll share a selection of them later in the coming weeks.