5 stellar photography tips for iPhone

Remember when you needed a powerful camera and a suite of editing tools to click an excellent photo or a darkroom to print your iconic shots?

Now, cell phone users create stunning images right from their phones without needing a degree in photography – some have even shot movies and weddings!

The editing tools on our devices correct hues, brighten shadows, and sharpen images. And Apple kicks it up a notch with almost every update and iPhone launch. Whether it’s the camera quality or features such as “Cinematic” and “1x zoom,” Apple is a winner.

So iPhone users, it’s time to take your skills to the next level and leverage your phone camera’s features. Learn how to take good pictures (and edit them to perfection) using these photography tips for iPhone.

Best iPhone camera settings for taking a picture

Great iPhone photography starts before you even click a photo. Set yourself up for success by taking a solid picture and reducing editing time. In an age where the #nofilter photo is king, your viewers will appreciate a natural image that looks sharp. Here are six settings to remember when clicking great snaps on your iPhone.

1. iPhone photo timer: We’re all familiar with the taken-from-above, angled-down selfie, but that does take a lot of hits and trials. However, there’s a great solution – the photo timer. Click a more professional-looking self or group portrait within seconds. This helps you set the scene and get into position before the digital shutter snaps. Find this feature by clicking on the arrow (^) to bring up a toolbar. It looks like a clock.
2. Grid: This feature looks like a tic-tac-toe board, dividing the screen into nine squares. It helps you accurately place your subject or object. You can also line up photos correctly, ensuring that the corners of buildings are straight or the horizon line isn’t slightly off. Enable this feature by going to your iPhone’s settings, clicking on Camera, scrolling down to Composition, and toggling the Grid feature to the “on” position. The grid helps you.
3. HDR: Short for high-dynamic range, HDR is a super-cool feature that allows you to click images in poor lighting. In this setting, the camera app takes three photos quickly with different brightness levels and compiles the best exposures so your image has the right contrast. You can also find this tool in your settings – go to Camera, scroll down to the Smart HDR option, and toggle it to the “on” position.
4. Burst mode: When taking photos of a scene in motion, use burst mode. This function takes 10 shots in one second, increasing the odds of getting the perfect snap. Activate the feature by swiping left on the shutter button and releasing it when you’ve taken as many photos as you’d like.
5. Focus: The iPhone makes it easy to tweak your focus. If the camera can’t find the object in focus, tap on the screen (where you want emphasis), and the camera will refocus.
6. Exposure: Exposure is the level of light in your image. In other words, it’s how bright or dark the setting is. Change the exposure by tapping and holding the screen and sliding your finger up to add more light, or sliding down to darken it.

How to edit iPhone images like a professional photographer

Even the best laid plans don’t work out sometimes. You might have the best background, but your snap is blurry, over-/under-exposed, or otherwise needs a boost using the device’s editing tools. Here are a few you should know.

• Filters: Sometimes, a one-and-done filter does the trick. Add a filter to your photos by clicking on Edit at the bottom of the screen and then hitting the three overlapping circles icon. Slide the different filter choices to find the right one for your pic.
• Effects: Tap the icon that looks like a dial from the editing menu at the bottom of the camera screen. Shift your photo’s exposure, and sharpen image lines. Also, remember to increase or decrease highlights, shadows, and contrast to achieve the perfect shot.
• Magic: Use the wand tool from the same menu to apply an overall fix to your photo. The app lightens up dark shadows and color-corrects the image.

5 tips for cool iPhone pictures

Although you have filters and edits to save the day, follow these tips to take fantastic snaps from the get-go.

1. Follow the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a photography specification that segments the screen into nine parts (the thirds) – just like the Grid feature. Mentally divide your scene into three parts and situate your subject in the left or right third instead of the center.
2. Don’t zoom in: Unfortunately, the zoom-in feature reduces a photo’s overall quality, making it look grainy and less detailed. Sometimes, it’s a must, say, when trying to take a picture of a mountain peak tens of miles away. Get closer to your subject if you can.
3. Use accessories: Taking photos while you cook can be a juggling act, and getting the right group shot is a similar feat. Use tools such as a selfie stick, tripod, and lighting devices created especially for cell phone photography to achieve well-lit and composed images.
4. Leverage portrait mode: Achieve studio quality on your selfies by using the portrait mode. This tool offers various options to give you that coveted glow or the natural light look. Access the tool by opening the camera, sliding over to Portrait (above the shutter button), and moving your finger across the screen to reveal the tool’s filters.
5. Use night mode: When an iPhone detects low-light conditions, it automatically uses night mode. The icon for this mode, which looks like a moon, turns yellow. The camera illuminates your scene to highlight details and preserve quality. However, this feature is only available on iPhone 11 and beyond.

FAQs

Reading iPhone photography tips is a solid place to start when learning to make better content. But you may still have some remaining questions. The following FAQs should clear them up.

How do I manage camera settings on an iPhone?

Change your iPhone’s settings by opening your device’s configuration and scrolling down to Camera. Modify the settings for slow-motion takes, the grid lines feature, and HDR mode.

How do I reset my iPhone camera to default settings?

Return your iPhone camera to factory settings with the following steps.

1. Click Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Click Transfer and Reset iPhone.
4. Select Reset.
5. Tap Reset all settings.

Your iPhone will reboot with the original settings, and you won’t lose any data.

What are the best iPhone camera settings?

It depends on what kind of photos you’re taking. The HDR feature is one of the best options for achieving great exposure. The portrait feature is excellent for selfies and studio-quality group shots. And the burst function is perfect for action shots.

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