Debates over megapixels and sensor size can easily overshadow what really matters. It’s the story, the emotions, and the light that make a great photo, not the technology. In this article, we’ll look at when it makes sense to use a smartphone and when a camera is the better choice. We’ll take into account how quickly you need to react, whether you want to remain inconspicuous in a crowd, how people around you respond, and what you plan to do with the photo. There is a comparison of the key settings of both options at the end.

Just about all of us have headed out on a trip without our camera before. But what if along the way, you run into an interesting landscape that you want to photograph? Fortunately you can just reach for your phone. After all, it can take beautiful pictures too. You just have to keep in mind a few basic rules for photographing landscapes with phones.

It’s always at hand. That’s the main advantage of a cell phone, a mobile phone, or whatever they call it where you live! And photographers capturing moments that would otherwise escape them also appreciate this tool. But your work isn’t done when you’ve taken your pictures. You then have to sort them and edit the best ones. And meanwhile, often it’s enough to make a few basic edits that will reliably improve your phone photos.

Mobile phone cameras—they’re always there for you, and they often give you as much quality as a real camera would. Mobile photography has real advantages. And so you see these kinds of pictures more and more often. But even phone photography has its rules that you need to follow to get the best photos possible. Get to know them.

Street photography has seen a real boom in popularity lately. If you live in the big city, then you have an ideal opportunity to strengthen your street-photography chops every day. And you don’t always have to pick up a DSLR to do it. You carry a phone with you, so why not take pictures with it? You may think a phone camera has nothing but disadvantages, but that’s not true—read on to discover all the ways it can come in handy for street photography.

Today’s smartphones have quite decent cameras and quick Internet access from almost everywhere. It is an ideal combination that lets you keep snapping practically nonstop. And if you’re the kind of photography fan who has lenses instead of eyes and sees the world in compositions, then this will be a great opportunity for you to get even better and promote your work.

It’s not so important what you photograph, and especially not what you use. It’s more important that you’re taking pictures. Take at least one picture daily—even if it’s with your phone. Practice composition, and watching your surroundings.

Smartphones aren't just valuable because they're always in your pocket.