A child blows out a candle, a bird lands on the fence, or a rainbow appears briefly over the street. By the time you have unlocked the phone, found the camera and waited for it to open, the moment has often passed. Fortunately, most phones offer a shortcut that lets you reach the camera straight from the lock screen. It is worth learning, because it takes only a second.
On many phones, a small camera symbol appears in a corner of the lock screen. Pressing it firmly, or sliding it across the screen, opens the camera without your having to enter a code. Some phones also allow you to open it by pressing a side button twice or by making a certain movement. Look in your phone's settings to see what is available, and choose the option that feels easiest for your hand.
Practise until it is automatic
A shortcut is only useful if you can use it without thinking. Practise a few times when nothing is happening, so that your thumb finds the symbol on its own. Try it with one hand, because that is how you will often hold the phone when you need it. Notice where you place your fingers, and see how quickly you can get from a dark screen to a ready camera.
Be aware that opening the camera from the lock screen does not usually give anyone access to your other pictures or messages. It simply lets the camera start. That means you can hand the phone to a friend to take a group photograph without unlocking it, which is convenient and safe. Once you have finished, the phone returns to its locked state.
There are a few small pitfalls. If the phone is in a pocket or bag, it may open the camera by accident and take pictures of the inside of your coat. Check the gallery now and then for blurry pictures of fabric. Also, wipe the lens before an important moment, since a smudge is the commonest cause of hazy results. A quick route and a clean lens together give you the best chance of catching a special moment.
