How to Make Your Coffee-for-One Look Cinematic (Using Just Your Phone)
Let’s be honest — drinking coffee alone because you’re single? I feel you.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t look like a scene straight out of an indie film.
On my Instagram @timothyfelix, I started a new phone-only tutorial series called “How to Make Your Boring Life CINEMATIC” — and this episode is all about romanticizing solo coffee time (and more places) with creative shots anyone can take.
Here’s How You Do It:
- Stabilize Your Phone
Use anything on the café table to hold your phone upright. Get creative — it doesn’t have to be fancy.
- Front Camera in Portrait Mode
Set your camera to portrait mode, and drop the aperture down to f/5.6 for that smooth depth-of-field look.
- Lock Focus + Lower Brightness
Lock the focus on yourself and bring the brightness down slightly to add that moody, cinematic vibe.
- Get That Depth Pose
Stretch one hand toward the camera while taking a sip. The foreground (your hand) + background (your face) combo gives drama and story.
- Explore Your Surroundings
Don’t just sit still — look around. A good location often hides subtle magic. In my case? A skylight above the café was begging for a shot.
- Use the 0.5x Trick
Switch to photo mode, set it to 0.5x, and position your phone on the ground pointing up to the sky. Set a 10s timer.
- Cinematic Sky Pose
Stand over the phone, look down, and strike a few natural poses. The contrast between you and the open sky, framed by architecture, will look amazing.
- Final Step: Editing
Editing is up to you — it’s the spice, not the main dish. Whether you apply a filter or do a full-on grade, just focus on maintaining the originality and quality of your shot.
It’s Not About Equipment — It’s About Intention
You don’t need a DSLR or a full crew to create cinematic content. You just need a phone, a little vision, and the guts to be the main character — even when no one’s watching.
Check out the full video tutorial here:
👉 Watch the Reel on my Instagram
More tips coming soon in this series — because your “boring” life deserves a spotlight too.
