Published on July 3, 2026
You don’t need an expensive camera or photography lessons to take pics like a pro. All you need is your smartphone and a few simple tips from Cricket Wireless. Summer can give you memories of a lifetime and you’ll want to capture these moments with clear, high-resolution pictures that were made to last.
How do I take the best pics in the sun?
Bright summer sun can create long harsh shadows, unwanted glare and overexposure. But a few precautions can help make each smartphone photo a keeper.
- Find the best light - If possible, take your pics early in the morning or early in the evening, when the sun isn’t as strong and shadows are less likely to obscure your subjects.
- Tap to focus - With most phones, you can bring your subject into focus by simply tapping your screen. Tapping your screen will “lock” your focus, automatically reducing shadows, sharpen your subject and adjust the lighting on your camera.
- Steady as she goes - A tripod, a selfie stick or a phone mount are key tools of the trade to keep your phone stable while taking photos. Even if you’re on your own, try to steady yourself and use both hands to reduce shaking.
- Keep your lens clean - The summer can be a minefield of salt water, picnic condiments and smudges that prevent your phone from taking great photos.
How do I keep my camera lens clean?
A dirty smartphone lens can ruin your summer photos. Even a small smudge can cause blooming – when a bright light source spreads to nearby subjects, washing out the color. This is common while taking pictures of streetlights, fireworks or sunsets. Here are some tips to keep your lens clean without damaging it.
- Use a microfiber cloth - Gently wipe the lens with a clean microfiber cloth, like one used for glasses.
- Avoid rough materials - Don’t use paper towels, tissues, shirt fabric, or napkins if you can avoid it - they may scratch the lens coating or spread oils.
- Use gentle circular motions - Wipe lightly in small circles to remove fingerprints and smudges.
- Slightly dampen the cloth - For stubborn grime, use a tiny amount of water or lens-safe cleaner on the cloth - not directly on the phone
- Check your case opening - Dust and lint can collect around the camera cutout, so clean that area too.
Which camera settings should I use when I’m taking photos with my smartphone this summer?
Which settings you should use for taking pics depends on your device, operating system and available features you have on your camera app. Most iPhone models tend to use simple camera settings, like tapping your phone for focus and an easy-to-use flash and timer. Android phones vary depending on brand and model. Many feature advanced settings such as manual shutter speed, focus and zoom options with more range.
| Feature | Function | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HDR | Balances light and dark colors in your photo | Photos near the beach, in bright sun |
| Portrait | Keeps the subject sharp while blurring background | Family photos, vacation pics, pet pics |
| Burst | Takes a series of rapid photo | Sports, rapid motion, unpredictable action |
| Live | Creates a short video 1.5 seconds before and after your pic |
Candid moments, adding audio, looping or bouncing your pic |
Should I back up my summer photos?
Yes! Saving your photos in a cloud backup will allow you to protect your photos, free up storage space and access your photos from another device. Some wireless providers include cloud storage in their plans or it can be added as a feature. Before you leave on that big summer getaway, check if you have cloud storage on your device and it’s enabled.
Does Cricket Wireless offer storage for my photos?
myPhoto Vault is a cloud backup option that helps Cricket customers save, protect and access their photos and videos beyond their phone’s local storage. If you exceed the storage space on your phone, myPhoto Vault will automatically back up your photos.
Do any Cricket Wireless plans include the myPhoto Vault app?
Yes. It’s included on our Smart Unlimited™ and Supreme Unlimited plans. If you have already added Cricket Protect as a feature, myPhoto Vault is included.
How do I add the myPhoto Vault app to my Cricket Wireless plan?
myPhoto unlimited add-on is available for download at the App Store or Google Play. You can also call Cricket Customer Support.
How can I capture fireworks on my phone without streaking or blurring?
Capturing fireworks can be challenging even for the most advanced camera phone but you can capture clear, colorful shots of fireworks with a little practice and a few pointers. Start by using the general tricks we discussed earlier – steady your camera, tap to focus and a use a clean lens. If you’re still having issues, try these tips:
- Turn off the flash - Your flash isn’t built for long distance pics and it’s more likely to illuminate smoke and cause unwanted glare than brighten your subject.
- Use burst mode - Fireworks move fast so taking several photos at once is a good strategy to increase your chances of getting a few keepers.
- Try video mode – If there’s not enough time to line up the perfect shot, try shooting a short video instead. With just a few seconds of video you can extract a frame or take a screen grab for a great shot.
- Look before you zoom -The zoom function may seem ideal for something like fireworks, but it often reduces clarity and can make the subject appear grainy.
Capture the summer
Summers are made of moments worth preserving, and with the right phone and a few pro tips from Cricket Wireless, your photos can look as bright, clear, and colorful as your memories for many summers to come.