As this is digital age, nothing to worry about films and always take plenty of pictures. Fire multiple shots for each scene and choose the best later. And remember to take snaps from multiple angles, wide or close-ups.
Use burst mode if available
Burst mode will help you take cool snaps especially when the object is moving. Also helpful as sometimes you can choose the best frame out of 10 frames.
Use flash wisely
We all know flashlight on smartphone cameras are not good enough and not much manageable. Most of the time using flash will blow out the frame and photos wont be usable. So a friend with Smartphone is the best solution; use his flashlight, make your frame study in terms of light, shoot with your camera.
Use Camera Grids
You have already mentioned about this; use of grids while taking photos are great help in terms of alignment; you can save time on cropping and adjusting the angle. Also do read about Rule of Thirds.
Use High Resolution
Always set highest resolution available on your smartphone. More higher resolution means better clarity for your images.
Always wait for that moment
Learn how to quickly open Camera app on your smartphone as some moments will not wait for you. eg: on iOS 10, swiping to left will open the Camera App.
Do not Zoom
All cameras (exclude smartphones with Dual cameras) are coming with Digital zoom and by zooming you are re-sampling the pixels. Better go closer as much as possible and take photos; crop it later.
Do not use filter
By using filter, you are spoiling your raw image. Take normal pictures and edit using any app like Photoshop Express, or SnapSeed.
Always use Back Camera/Main Camera
Front cameras are made for selfie snaps, and wont useful for better photos. Even with a Tripod Selfie stick you can use your back camera for taking selfies
Use better Camera Apps
If you are feeling that your default smarphone camera app is not satisfying you, use better but usefull camera apps. There are plenty of free camera apps in store and try better one.
Use a Selfie Stick with Tripod
Those are so handy and easy to carry (Not like heavy DSLR Tripods). You will see the difference soon after you use this accessory by getting shake-free and stabilized images. Also easy for taking group photos while traveling.
Enable GeoTagging
Enable GeoTagging on your smartphone or DSLR while taking pictures; this will help you to identify the exact place where you took the photo.
Re: How to take great photos in your favorite stores
Thank you so much @AnnaDickson. I have quite a few photos for people to see. Somewhere of the neighborhood of 1200. Over 1.5 million views total. But a great % of them are outside. I have been discouraged about going inside and revieling the true store. I will start tomorrow.
2022
