Last updated April 12, 2019
Despite its name, Apple’s iPhone is much more than a cell phone. It’s a gaming platform, business lifeline, book reader, jukebox, and with the advent of apps and better lenses, a camera.
More people are turning to their cellphones than point and shoots to take pictures. As the technology gets better so does the quality of the pictures being taken. Below are some tips and hints to help get the most out of using your iPhone’s camera.
Always Have Your iPhone With You
This one is pretty easy. Most people remember to bring their phone with them but not their camera. Make sure your iPhone is resting within easy reach, like a pocket or belt holder. It will make it easier to snap shots of unexpected moments when they pop up.
Make Sure Your Camera App Is Handy
Going along with the tip above, you should make sure your camera app is easy to get to as well. There a host of camera apps in the iTunes Store and you don’t have to settle for Apple’s native app.
There are two ways to access the iPhone’s camera. From the home screen, press the app icon. Alternatively, from the lock screen swipe up the camera icon next to the swipe bar. The second technique only opens Apple’s camera. If you are using a third-party app, make sure it is in the first screen or the menu bar for quick access. Keep in mind that many apps ask for access to your Photos and more, you want to make sure you have these permissions settled before taking your first photo with the new app. It would be a waste if you want to capture a fleeting moment and miss it because you are setting up the app’s permissions.
Use Two Hands For Stability
Trying to take a picture one-handed can result in pictures being blurry as your hand shakes. Without a tripod handy, use both hands to help keep the iPhone steady and produces a clearer image.
Avoid Using The Digital Zoom
Unlike standalone cameras, the iPhone doesn’t have an optical zoom. When you tap the screen to focus and that zoom bar appears, the iPhone simply enlarges the image digitally. The pixels become bigger, causing the photo to become more grainy and blurry. If want your pictures to look like they were taken close up, then move close up. Use your arms, feet, and body as the zoom. Get close.
Keep Compositions Simple
Besides contributing to design and mood, there is a practical reason for making your compositions simple: the photo will be shrunk when sent to other phones and when uploaded to photo sites. Viewers won’t be able to see the details until they click on it to open it to full size. Their first view of the photo will be as a thumbnail.
Lighting Is King
The same as using a standalone camera, the quality of light can determine the success of a photo taken on an iPhone. When you’re taking portraits, avoid sunny and direct light on faces, which can create harsh shadows. Keep the sun at their back or stay in the shade. The pictures will definitely look better.
Create A Sense Of Scale If Possible
People love knowing how big or small things are. If you can create a sense of scale, it will improve your photos.