Are you ready to take better iPhone photos?
Cell phones have come a looooong way since I got my first LG flip phone back in 2002. The things we can do on our phones these days is pretty much amazing. Including taking better photos.
I’ve been a hobby photographer since my daughter was born in 2011, and loved learning to use my DSLR in manual mode. I have taken some pretty fantastic photos of my kids over the years (if I do say so myself!).
But, the more kids I have, the less I find myself wanting to lug around a heavy camera along with all the other baby gear. I’m capturing more and more memories on my iPhone.
Thankfully, cell phone technology has improved so much that if I do it right, I almost can’t tell the difference between a photo taken with my iPhone and a photo taken with my DSLR.
My husband just got the new iPhone X, and the camera on it is remarkable. He snapped this shot of my little brother while I was hassling with my “real” camera.
Ok, why do I even bother?!
Taken with an iPhone X in portrait mode
The basics are the same
There is a lot about photography that remains the same regardless of what equipment you’re using. Photography is all about finding the right light, beautiful composition, and the photographer’s creative eye.
None of this changes when you’re talking about using an iPhone to take good photos.
If you’re looking to take better photos of your kids or everyday life, this e-book was what got me started in being able to capture candid moments more beautifully.
Even if you don’t want to dive into what makes a “good” photo, there are a few super simple things you can do to improve your iPhone photos.
What’s the secret to getting frame-worthy iPhone photos?
1. Wipe the camera lens clean. Ok so I didn’t learn this tip until recently and it was a complete “Duh!” moment when I heard it.
I’m a mom. My phone gets tossed around in a diaper bag, slobbered on by a baby, and played with by grubby hands all day long. So yeah, wipe the viewfinder clean if you want a chance at a clear photo!
I have a nice cleaning cloth, but when I’m on the go a T-shirt works fine too.
2. Use the grid. Frame-worthy photos usually have quality composition. This starts by using the grid to get your lines straight before you snap the photo.
To turn the camera grid on, go to Settings, select Photos & Camera, and tap the switch next to Grid to turn it on.
Follow the rule of thirds by placing your subject at one of the intersecting lines. Aim for the horizontal line in your photo to line up with either the top or bottom horizontal line of the grid.
3. Take photos in natural light. Lighting is one area where traditional cameras still heavily outperform the iPhone.
Natural light is the only acceptable light for quality iPhone photos.
Sure, there are ring lights and other gear you can buy, but natural light will never let you down.
The trick is that you don’t want the light to be too much or too bright. Indoors, you can usually find great light next to a window. Not one where the sun is beating in making harsh shadows, but one with a more gentle bright light.
Outdoor photos on a cloudy day are ideal, but if it’s really sunny, look for an area of open shade like under a big tree or in the shade of a tall building.
4. Stand still. Obviously. But really, since iPhone cameras are less sophisticated than the real deal, they take a little more care in making sure you get a good shot.
When I take an iPhone photo, I look for something to anchor myself. Rest your elbows on something, lean against a wall, anything to add stability. If you want to get really fancy you can use a little tripod like this one.
5. Clear the clutter. Candid shots are awesome, but they don’t have to look like just a snapshot. Take a minute before you click to evaluate the scene.
If you’re at home, you might push a laundry basket or a glass of water out of the frame. Or maybe you can move your subject two steps to the right for a cleaner view.
You can also try different angles to find the one that captures your subject the best without distracting clutter in the background.
A Note About Portrait Mode
The newer iPhone models have a really neat portrait mode that digitally gives you the effect that a great lens would on a DSLR. Without trying, you’ll get that beautiful blurred background and bokeh effect many photographers strive for.
But portrait mode comes with its pitfalls too. Go ahead and shoot in portrait mode, but it’s even more important to follow these tips. Without great light and keeping the camera completely still, you’ll have a grainy, blurry mess on your hands.
Finishing Touches
Most photos can benefit from a little bit of editing. I have tried so many photo editing apps, but Snapseed is my favorite. I’ll have to do an in-depth post on editing in Snapseed, but I usually adjust the brightness, contrast, and ambiance and add a little curve to brighten some more.
If you don’t want to mess with another app to edit, you can adjust the brightness and contrast right in the iPhone camera app.
I would love to see your frame-worthy iPhone pics! Tag your best photos #frame_worthy on Instagram so we can all follow along! Or maybe you’re ready for a photo project? And if you have any questions, email me at [email protected] I’d love to hear from you!
Nadene says
Thanks! Now I understand how to use my iPhone camera better. Great tips
admin says
glad this could help!
Keri says
These are great tips! I feel a little silly for not thinking of #1!
admin says
I felt the same way when I learned it! Makes such a difference!
Kalyn says
Isn’t it so funny how big of a difference wiping of the viewfinder makes – DUH! I just always use my shirt. I definitely need to get better at clearing the background too!
admin says
right? every time I do it, I’m like “Why didn’t I wipe this sooner!”
Nicole | Glamorously You says
These are wonderful tips! I’ll keep these in mind when I’m out and about without my camera 🙂
admin says
Yes, gotta get the photo ops when they happen!
Johanne says
Great tips! I have an iPhone 8 now and I haven’t taken a lot of pictures with it yet. But I’m going to remember your tips next time I do!
admin says
oh yes, you’ll be able to take some stunning pics with it!
Beth says
I think the one I find most helpful is wiping the camera clean! I almost never remember until I’ve taken 20 something grainy blurry photos, and it turns out my camera had a fingerprint smudge on it. Wipe it clean, and BAM! clear photo.
Great tips overall!
admin says
I know, me too!
Emily @ Pizza @ Pull-Ups says
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
admin says
glad they could be helpful!
Becca says
Loved this post!! I can count the number of times I’ve cleaned my iPhone lens on one hand… errr finger. Easy fix!
admin says
haha, that was me a few months ago! I heard that and was SHOCKED I had never thought of it before!
April@LoveOurRealLife says
I have an iPhone and I’m super anxious to try these tips! Thanks so much!
admin says
Awesome, hope they help!
Carley says
We are actually an android family so I’ve never had the opportunity to even play around with the camera of an iPhone. These pictures are amazingly beautiful!
admin says
Well I know android technology is coming along too- my dad has taken some really awesome pic of my kids with his android phone! The same tips would apply. 🙂
Erin says
I need to remember to wipe my camera off. ?
admin says
It’s always surprising how dirty it is!
Lyndsey says
love these simple tips for getting better iphone photos! thanks for sharing!
Steph says
Great tips and photos! I use my phone more than my camera most times. It takes great photos and is just more convenient, I think!
admin says
The technology is improving so much, the photos are really such good quality these days!
Adelina V Priddis says
I love these tips! My 11 year old read through them with me, and she practiced as we read each tip.
admin says
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Brittany L. Bergman says
These are such good tips! Sometimes I get so hooked on using my easy-to-access iPhone that I forget to dig out my DSLR. I appreciate how you say that these are the principles of good photography, period — so true! Natural light forever and ever.
admin says
Yes, natural light always, no matter what camera! Good light, and that’s probably half the battle!
Sarah says
Really appreciate these tips. I just started my blog so for now, my phone has to be my camera!
Halley says
Great Article! As a mom on the go, my iPhone is usually how I get 90% of my framed photos! ❤️
admin says
Awesome, I know how that is!