Tips and Settings for the Ōwhango Alive Youth Photo Competition 2026
Here’s some tips from KoruForm on how to Take High-Resolution Photos on Your Phone
You don’t need an expensive camera to enter the Ōwhango Alive Youth Photo Competition 2026. Today’s smartphones are capable of capturing stunning, print-quality photographs that can look fantastic in calendars, displays and online galleries.
However, the quality of your photo depends on more than just pointing and shooting. A few simple settings and techniques can make a huge difference.
Before heading out to photograph Ōwhango’s landscapes, wildlife, rivers, forests and community life, take a few minutes to check these tips.
1. Turn on Maximum Photo Quality
Make sure your phone is set to capture images at the highest resolution available.
iPhone
- Settings → Camera → Formats → Choose High Efficiency or Most Compatible
- Settings → Camera → Preserve Settings → Turn on Camera Mode
Android
- Open Camera App → Settings
- Select Picture Size or Resolution
- Choose the highest quality setting available
Higher-resolution photos give us more flexibility for printing and calendar layouts.
2. Avoid Social Media Compression
One of the most common mistakes is submitting images that have already been shared through social media or messaging apps.
Never submit:
- Screenshots
- Messenger images
- Facebook downloads
- Images saved from social media
Instead, send:
- Original image files
- Full-resolution exports
- Email attachments
- Google Drive links if files are large
3. Shoot in Landscape Orientation
Turn your phone sideways before taking most photos.
Landscape images work much better for:
- Calendars
- Websites
- Newsletters
- Printed publications
Portrait images can still be beautiful, but landscape orientation generally offers more flexibility for publishing.
4. Use HDR Carefully
HDR (High Dynamic Range) helps balance bright skies and dark shadows.
Generally:
- Turn HDR on for landscapes and scenic views
- Turn HDR off for moving subjects such as birds, wildlife or people
Using HDR in the wrong situation can sometimes create blur or unnatural-looking images.
5. Avoid Digital Zoom
Digital zoom reduces image quality because it simply enlarges the image rather than capturing more detail.
For the best results:
- Move closer to your subject
- Crop the image later if needed
- Use optical zoom only if your phone supports it
6. Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure
Before taking a photo, tap on the subject you want to highlight.
Most phones will then:
- Focus on that area
- Adjust brightness automatically
Many devices also allow you to slide your finger up or down to make the image lighter or darker.
7. Make the Most of Natural Light
Lighting can transform an ordinary photo into a great one.
The best times for photography are:
- Early morning
- Late afternoon
- Sunset
- Misty or foggy winter mornings
Whenever possible, avoid the harsh midday sun, which can create strong shadows and washed-out colours.
8. Keep Your Lens Clean
A dirty lens can make photos appear blurry or hazy.
Before taking photos:
- Wipe the lens gently with a soft cloth
- Remove fingerprints, dust and smudges
It’s a simple step that can dramatically improve image quality.
9. Hold Your Phone Steady
Camera shake is one of the biggest causes of blurry photos.
To improve sharpness:
- Hold the phone with both hands
- Pause briefly before pressing the shutter
- Lean against a tree, fence or wall if possible
- Use burst mode for moving subjects
10. Take Lots of Photos
Professional photographers often take dozens of photos to capture a single great image.
Don’t be afraid to:
- Experiment with angles
- Try different lighting
- Photograph the same subject multiple times
The more photos you take, the more likely you’ll capture something special.
Show Us Ōwhango Through Your Eyes
Whether you’re photographing native wildlife, misty mornings, rivers, community events or the changing seasons, we want to see Ōwhango through your unique perspective.
Get outside, explore, be creative and most importantly, have fun.
We can’t wait to see what you capture for the Ōwhango Alive Youth Photo Competition 2026.