[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: MOBILE - 25 Ways to Use Your Smartphone Camera (Other than Selfies)

Wed Oct 8 09:22:21 PDT 2025

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MOBILE - 25 Ways to Use Your Smartphone Camera (Other Than Selfies)

Intermediate

[smart phone uses]

[MOBILE] Smartphones are so, well… smart and we're using them in more creative ways -- especially the camera. Snapping a picture of something for reference (to remember something) is as common as taking a picture to print or post.

What does your photo library look like? About what percentage of your images were taken as pictures vs for another reason?

Here's a challenge for you. Look at the images on your smartphone and see how many of them were actually taken as a traditional "picture." You know, an image that you would print out or post… as opposed to something that you snapped for reference (probably thinking you would delete it later).

We were curious about how people are using their smartphone cameras in creative ways, so we polled readers, colleagues, friends, etc… and asked them to share their uses and ideas.

Read on for inventive ways to use your smart phone's camera -- other than for pictures.

[router cords]
Technology Uses

1. When unplugging and moving a computer, router or audio/video components, first, snap a picture of how the cords are plugged in before taking it apart. This gives you a diagram for putting them back together -- especially when you're working in a dark corner or behind a desk or cabinet.

2. Keep a photo of your home's wireless network and password to text to visitors.

3. Send a picture of computer errors that you see on your screen ... to your IT person.

[computer errors]

[white board]
Documentation Ideas

4. At the end of a meeting, take a picture of notes on a white/chalkboard or flip chart to transcribe for reference later.

5. Your vehicle's license plate. This is quite handy when you check into a hotel and you can't remember your plate number.

6. The items in your wallet. Snap a pic of your credit cards, driver's license, etc. so that if it is lost, you have the details.

7. Create digital documents of papers that you want to save as an online file. For example, I received a document in the mail that my daughter needed. She lives in another state so I took a picture of it and texted it to her.

8. Take a picture of a package or product that you are returning for proof. For example, I sent in an older iPhone for a credit. I took pictures of the front and back before sending. When received, I was told there was a crack in the screen (even though there was not). When I emailed the picture of the phone I received the full credit because of this proof.

[parking garage sign]
Travel / Outings

9. Have trouble remembering where you parked? Take a picture of the airport or garage parking lot sign so that you can quickly find your vehicle when you return.

10. Snap a pic of luggage for proof if lost.

11. When renting a vehicle, document the starting fuel level, the license plate and any current damage for the record before rolling out of the rental lot.

12. A picture of travel documents (reservation confirmations, flight schedule) creates a great backup if needed.

13. Snap a picture of your kids when you are heading out to a crowded amusement park, mall, sporting event, etc. If anyone gets separated, the photo will help you accurately describe their hair, what they are wearing, etc.

14. In case of a minor fender bender, use the camera to document the damage, and take pictures of the other driver's insurance card and driver's license.

[recipe]
Things You Like That You Want to Remember

15. Discover a great bottle of wine at a restaurant or bar? Take a picture of the label so that you can purchase it later.

16. Don't tear out an article or recipe you read in a magazine while in a waiting room (that's rude!). Just take a picture of it.

17. Find an item when shopping you want to remember for a gift idea? Or doing some comparison shopping? Take a pic. For example, when trying to decide on a new light fixture, I snapped pictures of several in different stores so that I could show my spouse and remember where each were located.

18. Take a picture of a business card if they don't have an extra one to give you.

19. If you use a dry erase or chalkboard in the kitchen to keep a shopping list... instead of transcribing it to a paper list, just snap a photo before heading out to go shopping.

20. Take a screenshot of an ad for a product you may actually want to buy later that you see in social media or on a website.

21. Take a picture of someone's haircut that you like to send to your hairdresser.

[use phone as a mirror]
Other Ideas

22. Use your camera as a mirror to check your appearance, or put on lipstick.

23. When something is too small to read on a paper or bottle, take a picture and use the Zoom feature to enlarge it to read.

24. When shopping and you need advice on a product to purchase, text a picture to your "expert" for advice.

25. Send a picture of a medical issue for a person (or pet) to your physician (or veterinarian).

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Communications

Pass It On

One of the biggest problems with communication in the workplace (and in families) is assuming others know.

No matter what it is ... the vision of the new building, the purpose of an upcoming team meeting or your weekend plans ... there are folks who should be enlightened, who are still in the dark.

Why? Because people "in the know" think everyone else is as well.

What can you do? Remember to Pass It On!

Assuming others already know, and therefore not articulating the information that you know, puts people and projects at risk.

When you have information, think about passing it on. When we share what we know, we empower others. Goals are achieved more easily and more successfully. Relationships are more positive!

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When was the last time you visited the Tech-Talk online resource? It has all kinds of fun ways to solve issues, discover new ideas, and hone your skills!

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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