Ever seen photos with dreamy light leaks, ghostly motion trails, or surreal reflections and thought, “How did they even take that?” That’s the charm of experimental photography; it pushes the boundaries of what a camera can do and invites the photographer to see the world in new, unexpected ways. Traditionally, these images are captured using DSLR or mirrorless cameras, with plenty of manual control, interchangeable lenses, and sometimes even film.
But what if you’re only using a phone? Can you still tap into the fun, creative side of experimental photography with just your mobile camera? The answer: absolutely. With a bit of curiosity and some clever techniques, your phone can become a powerful tool for creating out-of-the-box imagery. Wondering where to start, how to pull off those artsy effects, or whether your phone can produce anything close to DSLR quality? Read on; we’re about to break it all down.
1. Use long exposure for motion blur magic
Motion blur isn’t just an accident when your hands shake. Done right, it can make photos feel alive (think silky waterfalls, trailing lights, or blurred crowds in sharp contrast to a still subject). While phone cameras don’t have traditional shutter speed dials, many allow for manual control via pro or advanced modes. You can also use third-party apps that simulate long exposures or let you tweak settings like ISO and shutter speed.
Try propping your phone against a stable surface or using a mini tripod. Then, find movement, like cars on a street, someone spinning with lights, or even your own hand waving a torch. With some trial and error, you’ll land on an image that captures both motion and mood.
2. Play With reflections and prisms
Got a glass of water nearby? A CD? Sunglasses? All these everyday objects can turn into makeshift tools for experimental photography. Place them in front of your lens to bend light, distort shapes, or double up reflections. It’s a low-tech, high-impact trick that adds dreamy or abstract elements to your frame.
Experimenting with puddles, mirrors, and windows also works wonders. Just change your angle or perspective until something interesting appears. The beauty lies in the spontaneity of it all.
3. Embrace intentional light leaks and lens flares
Rather than waiting for the sun to behave, you can create your own lens flare magic. Try pointing your camera partially towards a light source and using your hand or another object to block part of it. With the right angle, your photo will catch that beautiful glow or streak of colour.
There are also editing apps that mimic retro light leaks from old film cameras, great if you want a nostalgic touch. Use sparingly, though, as a subtle flare can make your photo pop, but too much can be distracting.
4. Try double exposure edits
Double exposures, which are two images blended into one, are a long-standing experimental technique that’s now easily accessible on your phone. Apps like Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop Express, or Picsart allow you to overlay one photo onto another.
Start by choosing a bold silhouette, maybe a portrait or a tree, and then overlay it with a texture like clouds, city lights, or flowers. It might take a few tries to align everything nicely, but when it works, it really works.
5. Use movement and zoom creatively
You’ve probably heard, “Hold the camera steady,” a million times. But when it comes to experimental photography, breaking the rules is half the fun. Try panning your phone sideways as you take a photo or zooming in/out quickly while the shutter fires. This can create a painterly blur effect or give your image a sense of chaos and energy.
You’ll end up deleting a lot of shots that didn’t quite hit the mark, but those one or two that do will be worth it.
6. Explore unusual angles and crops
Looking down from a high angle, crouching low to the ground, or flipping your phone upside down – all these subtle tweaks in perspective can result in photos that feel fresh and unexpected. Try shooting through textured glass, peeking between leaves, or getting super close to your subject. You’d be surprised how different the world looks when you change your approach.
Crop creatively, too. Don’t be afraid to remove conventional framing and go tight on details, off-centre, or even intentionally tilted. The more you break out of traditional rules, the more visually interesting your shots become.
7. Shoot in RAW when possible
Some smartphones now allow you to shoot in RAW format, a file type that retains more data than the standard JPEG. This gives you much more control during editing, especially when playing with shadows, highlights, and colours. If you’re keen on exploring surreal edits or moody tones, this is where RAW photography matters.
While not every phone or app supports RAW, it’s worth checking your settings or downloading a camera app that does. Just be mindful that RAW files are larger and may require more advanced editing apps like Lightroom Mobile.
8. Edit boldly and experimentally
Editing is where the magic really happens. Beyond correcting brightness and contrast, you can use apps to bend colours, add glitch effects, distort shapes, or turn a plain photo into something from a sci-fi film. Look out for filters and tools that let you adjust individual colours, fade shadows, or overlay textures.
Don’t be afraid to play! Experiment with edits just like you would with taking the photo. There’s no right or wrong when you’re trying to create something original.
9. Learn, experiment, repeat
If all this sounds exciting but slightly overwhelming, you’re not alone. That’s the beauty of learning; it’s okay to start with simple experiments and build up your skills from there. A mobile phone photography course in Singapore can also help demystify the technical bits, teach you about visual storytelling, and give you new ways to approach creative shooting.
Courses often cover lighting, editing apps, and framing techniques that can completely level up your photos, making your experimental shots look polished and intentional.
Conclusion
Experimental photography isn’t just for pros with fancy gear. Your smartphone has the potential to be a creative playground. You just need the tools and confidence to start exploring! Whether you’re looking to spice up your Instagram feed or discover a whole new hobby, there’s no better time to try something different.
At the Academy of Design Arts and Media (A.D.A.M.), our Smartphone Photography Essentials course introduces you to the fundamentals of photography using just your phone. You’ll learn vital skills such as editing photos on mobile, working with lighting, and mastering composition. Whether you’re aiming to pursue photography seriously or just want to express your creativity, this course gives you everything you need to begin, right from your smartphone.
