Observe the camera's decisions
Tap different parts of the scene and watch focus and brightness change. Learn what your particular phone lets you control. Keep important highlights in view while checking that the subject remains readable.
Use light with direction
Place a subject near a window and turn it gradually. Compare shadow shape and surface detail. Avoid relying on a filter to create the separation that directional light can provide at capture.
Review at a larger size
Check edges, texture, and colour away from the small screen before sharing or printing. Keep an unedited original and compare the final image with it so sharpening and contrast remain deliberate.