The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and people across the country will celebrate with friends, family and fireworks. Get the most out of your phone while keeping it safe over the holiday weekend.
Protect Your Phone
Independence Day celebrations include a vast array of activities, but two common elements are hot days and water sports. If you plan to be outside on the Fourth of July, be sure to protect your phone from both.
Heat
On hot days, it’s important to keep your phone cool. If you can’t leave it inside, be sure to keep out of your pockets and in the shade. Removing the protective case can also help keep it cool. Finally, if you’ll be using your phone often throughout the day, turn the screen brightness to its lowest setting.
Water
Many of today’s smartphones are water resistant…but that doesn’t make them lake-proof. Consider covering your phone with a waterproof pouch or a ziplock bag if you’ll be poolside, lakeside or on a boat.
Photos of Fireworks
The night sky is always alight with fireworks over the holiday weekend! If you’ve ever tried to capture the beauty with a photo, you know it can be challenging. Here are a few tips for taking great fireworks photos on the Fourth of July:
Clean your lens.
Quality photos start with a clean camera lens. Take a few minutes to clean your lens with a microfiber cloth.
Choose your location wisely.
Arrive early and choose a location with an open view of the sky.
Use burst mode.
Many smartphones today feature “Burst Mode,” or continuous shooting mode. Burst Mode allows you to shoot several images in a row, increasing the likelihood of capturing the most beautiful moment.
Try taking a video instead.
Capturing a still image of fireworks is tough, but taking a video is simple. Keep your camera rolling during the show. After, you can choose the best moments from the video and save them as still images.
Shoot with Timelapse.
Timelapse takes several photos to create a fast-paced video you can share later. One catch: You’ll need a tripod, which you can purchase for about $20.
Stay Charged!
Using your phone all day in the heat can run the battery down. Be sure to have a charger or backup battery with you during the day.
Use these tips to get the most out of your phone on the Fourth of July.