Mastering Campaign Photography
Your Smartphone Is Your Most Powerful Tool

In politics, authenticity is everything. Professional DSLR cameras used to be the only way to capture high-quality photos, but today’s smartphones are powerful cameras that can capture professional-quality images for digital ads, websites, and, yes, even printed mail pieces.

It’s important for today’s campaigns to understand how they have the power in their hands – through their smartphones – to take the great images that lead to great political advertising.

Optimize Your Technical Settings
Before you start shooting, you must ensure your phone is configured to capture the highest quality data possible.

Resolution and Format
Always set your phone to its highest resolution setting. For iPhones, navigate to Settings > Camera > Formats and select “Most Compatible”.

File Compatibility
Be aware that many phones use HEIC/HEIF formats; you may need to convert these to JPEGs or PNGs for printing or sharing with your design team.

Hardware Matters
Use a phone from the last 4-5 years (e.g., iPhone 11+, Pixel 6+, or Galaxy S21+) to benefit from significantly better sensors and software processing.

The “No Zoom” Rule
Avoid using digital zoom. It creates grainy, low-quality images. If you need a tighter shot, physically move closer to your subject.

Composition Techniques That Win
Good photography is intentional. Use these three easy-to-master techniques to make your photos stand out.

The Rule of Thirds
Enable gridlines in your settings and place your subject off-center to create a more balanced and engaging image.

Negative Space
Don’t crop too tightly. Always leave “breathing room”—like open sky, grass, or walls—around your subject. This provides essential space for designers to add headlines or text in the final ad.

Leading Lines
Use natural elements like fences, roads, or railings to guide the viewer’s eye toward your subject.

Mastering Light and Focus
Lighting can make or break a photo. Aim for soft, natural light and avoid harsh shadows.

The Golden Hour
The best time to shoot is during “Golden Hour” (early morning) or “Blue Hour” (late afternoon).

Shade is Your Friend
If shooting during the day, look for “open shade” under trees or beside buildings. Avoid using your phone’s built-in flash, as it is often harsh and unflattering.

Manual Control
Tap the screen on your subject’s face to lock the focus. You can then slide your finger up or down to manually adjust the brightness before taking the shot.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid
To ensure your photos are usable for professional campaign creative, keep this checklist in mind.

Clean Your Lens
Smudges are often the reason images lack sharpness.

Scan the Background
Before you click, check for distractions like poles, trash, or off-message signs.

Capture the Moment
Don’t just take one photo; capture 3-5 shots per scene with different expressions and angles so you can select the best one later.

Skip the Filters
Never use built-in filters or enhancements. These distort the natural look of the photo; let the professional Photoshop experts handle the editing to ensure it aligns with your campaign’s brand.

Ready to see the full list of tips and the complete checklist? Download the full “Mastering Smartphone Photography for Campaigns” guide today.

For more information on building a winning strategy, reach out to the Majority Strategies team at [email protected].