7 Ways to Improve Your iPhone Photography
The iPhone is one of the most popular camera devices in the world, and for good reason. With its advanced camera technology and ease of use, it's no wonder that millions of people use their iPhones to capture memories every day. But if you're looking to take your iPhone photography to the next level, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to improve your photos.
Before we begin, yes, the feature image for this article was taken on an iPhone in 2019.
Experiment with lighting
Experimenting with lighting is one of the key elements of taking high-quality photos with your iPhone. Here are some ways to experiment with lighting to improve your iPhone photography:
Use natural light: Natural light is often the most effective source of light for taking photos. Try taking photos outdoors during the golden hour, which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. This is the right time for snapping portraits and landscape photos.
Backlight your subject: Backlighting is when the light source is behind your subject. This can create a halo effect around your subject and add interest to your photos. Experiment with backlighting by taking photos of your subjects with the sun or another light source behind them.
Add artificial light: In low light conditions, you can use artificial light to improve your photos. This could be a flashlight, a lamp, or even the screen of your iPhone. Experiment with different artificial light sources to see what works best for your photos.
Play with shadows: Shadows can add depth and interest to your photos. Experiment with taking photos in different lighting conditions to see how shadows affect your photos. Try taking photos with the light source in front of your subject, behind your subject, and from the side.
Use the flash: The flash on your iPhone can be useful for filling in shadows and adding light to your photos. However, be careful not to overuse the flash, as it can create harsh and unflattering light. Experiment with using the flash in different lighting conditions to see how it affects your photos.
By experimenting with different lighting sources and conditions, you can learn how to use light to create interesting and impactful photos with your iPhone.
Use the focus and exposure controls
The focus and exposure controls on the iPhone camera are key tools for taking high-quality photos. Here's how to use them to improve your iPhone photography:
Focus: To adjust the focus of your photo, simply tap on the area of the screen that you want to be in focus. The camera will then adjust the focus and exposure to correctly capture that part of the scene. This is useful for portraits, macro shots, and any other situation where you want to draw attention to a specific part of the scene.
Exposure: The exposure of a photo is how bright or dark it is. You can adjust the exposure of your photo by tapping on the screen and sliding your finger up or down. Sliding up will make the photo brighter, while sliding down will make it darker. This is useful for photos taken in bright sunlight or low light conditions, where automatic exposure may not produce the best result.
Lock focus and exposure: Once you have adjusted the focus and exposure, you can lock it in place to prevent the camera from changing it. To do this, simply hold your finger on the screen until you see the AE/AF Lock message. This is useful for taking photos of moving subjects or when you want to ensure that the focus and exposure remain constant throughout the shot.
By using the focus and exposure controls on your iPhone camera, you can take more control over the final results of your photos. This will ensure that they are exactly how you want them to be.
Use the grid lines
The grid lines on the iPhone camera display are a helpful tool for composing your photos. Here's how to use them to improve your iPhone photography:
Rule of thirds: The grid lines on your iPhone camera display are based on the rule of thirds. This is a basic photography principle that suggests that an image is more balanced and pleasing to the eye if the subject is positioned along one of the grid lines or at one of the intersections. By using grid lines, you can ensure that your photos are well-composed and visually appealing.
Aligning elements: Grid lines can also be used to align elements in your photos. For example, if you're taking a photo of a building, you can use grid lines to make sure that the building is straight. This is because the building is not leaning to one side. This can help create more balanced and professional-looking photos.
Creating symmetry: The grid lines can be used to create symmetrical compositions. For example, if you're taking a photo of a person, you can use the grid lines to position them in the centre of the frame. This can help to create a balanced and harmonious composition.
By using the grid lines on your iPhone camera display, you can take more control over the composition of your photos and create visually appealing and well-balanced images.
If you want to learn more about photography composition, you can read my article on it now.
Take advantage of Portrait Mode
Portrait Mode is a feature on newer iPhones that allows you to take portraits with a blurred background, giving your subject a professional, studio-like look. Here's how you can use Portrait Mode to improve your iPhone photography:
Understanding depth: Portrait mode works by using depth information to separate your subject from the background and apply a blur effect. To get the best results, make sure your subject is close to the camera and there is a clear distance between them and the background.
Lighting: Portrait mode is best used with proper lighting. Try taking portraits in soft, even lighting for the most pleasing results. Avoid using Portrait mode in low light conditions, as the results can be less effective.
Experiment with focus: Portrait mode allows you to control the focus of your photo. By tapping on different parts of the screen, you can change which part of the image is in focus. This can be useful for creating more interesting and dynamic portraits.
Adjust the amount of blur: Portrait mode allows you to adjust the amount of blur applied to the background. You can do this by using the slider in the camera app. Experiment with different levels of blur to see what works best for your photos.
By taking advantage of Portrait Mode, you can create professional-looking portraits with a blurred background that draws attention to your subject. Whether you're taking photos of people, pets, or other subjects, Portrait Mode is a powerful tool that can help you improve your iPhone photography.
Edit your photos on your iPhone
Editing your photos is an important part of the iPhone photography process, and it can help you to take your photos to the next level. Here's how you can use the built-in editing tools on your iPhone to improve your photos:
Adjust brightness and contrast: The brightness and contrast of a photo can greatly impact its overall look and feel. The iPhone's editing tools allow you to adjust the brightness and contrast of your photos to create the desired effect.
Adjust saturation: Saturation refers to the intensity of the colors in a photo. If your photo is looking a bit dull, you can increase the saturation to make the colors more vibrant. Conversely, if your photo is looking too vivid, you can decrease the saturation to create a more natural look.
Apply filters: The iPhone has a range of built-in filters that you can apply to your photos to change the look and feel. Experiment with different filters to find the one that best suits your photo.
Crop and rotate your photos: Cropping and rotating your photos can help to improve their composition and balance. You can use the crop and rotate tools on your iPhone to adjust the size and orientation of your photos as needed.
Remove blemishes: If your photos have any small imperfections, such as blemishes, you can use the editing tools on your iPhone to remove them. The iPhone's editing tools also allow you to adjust skin tone and smoothen skin to create a more polished look.
By editing your photos, you can make tweaks and adjustments to improve their overall quality and create photos that look exactly how you want them to. Remember, though, to be mindful of over-editing and avoid making your photos look unnatural.
Use accessories
Using accessories is another way to improve your iPhone photography. Here are a few accessories that can help you take better photos with your iPhone:
Tripods: A tripod can be a very helpful tool for taking photos, especially when you want to keep your iPhone steady for long exposures or to avoid camera shake. There are many small, portable tripods available that are designed specifically for smartphones.
Lenses: Adding a lens to your iPhone can greatly enhance its camera capabilities. There are a variety of lenses available, including macro lenses for close-up shots, wide-angle lenses for capturing more in a scene, and telephoto lenses for zooming in on distant subjects.
Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for great photos. If you're taking photos in low light conditions, you can use a small, portable LED light to add more light to your scene. There are also ring lights available that attach to your iPhone and provide soft, even light for portraits.
Cases: A case with a built-in lens or tripod mount can be a convenient way to enhance your iPhone photography. Some cases even come with additional lenses or a tripod built-in, so you always have them on hand when you need them.
By using accessories, you can greatly enhance your iPhone's camera capabilities and take your photos to the next level. Whether you're looking to take better portraits, landscape photos, or anything in between, the right accessories can make a big difference.
Practice makes perfect
Practice is one of the best ways to improve your iPhone photography. Here's how you can use it to your advantage:
Experiment with different techniques: Try different techniques and approaches to taking photos, such as using different lighting setups, compositions, and editing techniques. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn about what works and what doesn't.
Take photos regularly: The more you take photos, the better you'll get at it. Make a habit of snapping photos regularly, whether it's just of your daily life or during specific photo shoots. The more you do it, the better you get.
Study the work of others: Take the time to study the work of other photographers, both professional and amateur. Look at their compositions, lighting, and editing techniques and see what you can learn from them.
Seek feedback: Get feedback on your photos from friends, family, or fellow photographers. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and give you suggestions for how to do so.
Keep learning: There's always more to learn about photography, so make sure to keep educating yourself. Read photography books, watch online tutorials, and attend workshops or photography classes if possible.
By practicing regularly and seeking out feedback and learning opportunities, you can continuously improve your iPhone photography and develop your own unique style and approach. Don't be afraid to experiment and try various things, and remember that the more you practice, the better you'll get.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can greatly enhance your iPhone photography and create images that truly stand out. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned photographer, these tips will help you take better photos and capture memories in a way that's meaningful to you. Remember, photography is a journey, so be patient, have fun, and keep practicing. You'll be amazed at the results you can achieve with your iPhone camera!