A Guide to iPhone Photography: Be a Pro Photographer with Your iPhone
iPhone users frequently claim its superiority of having better camera quality than its competitors in most smartphone battles. However, not everyone knows how to maximise their iPhone photography.
Depending on the model of iPhone you own, you have vast choices of features like capturing macro photos and setting up Photographic Styles (iPhone 13 models), Scene Detection (iPhone 12 models and later), QuickTake and Prioritize Faster Shooting (iOS 14 or later), and many more.
But, what is good about having all these features when you don’t know the basics of iPhone photography?
Here are ten iPhone photography tips to level up your skills:
1. Switch on Grid Lines
Grid Lines are the holy grail of picture-taking or video recording. They divide the screen into nine equal parts, which helps centre the subject, using the rule of thirds, and more.
To activate the feature, simply go to Settings > Camera > turn on “Grid.”
2. Set Video Recording to 4K
Setting the quality you want to record videos in is crucial before shooting anything. However, some might not prefer this method as the higher the video quality you select, the more storage it consumes.
To choose your video recording quality, head to Settings > Camera > Record Video > select your preference.
3. Clean Camera Lenses
Think about it; your iPhone has to endure so much – your germy hands and dirty purses. So, it is normal for your photos to appear blurry at first. This can be easily handled by wiping off the lens with any nearby cloth (your shirt works, too!). You’ll thank me for this straightforward tip.
4. Lock Focus on the Subject
Once you decide on the subject of focus, tap and hold the subject until AE/AF LOCK (auto exposure/autofocus) appears in a small yellow box, this ensures the subject stays in focus even when the camera moves.
5. Adjust Lighting
Adjusting the brightness of your image or video can significantly improve the final product. When tapping the area you would like to brighten or dim, a yellow box will pop up. Now, just drag your finger upwards to brighten the scene or downwards to darken it.
6. Utilise Levelling Tool (+) for Aerial Shots
Your iPhone will automatically recognise if you want to take overhead shots. When tilting your phone directly on top of the subject of focus, two plus signs (+) will appear; one yellow, one white. The yellow + is your goal; meanwhile, the white is your camera’s current level. The plus signs will merge and turn yellow when the white + is directly on the yellow +. When there is only one yellow + on your screen, that’s when you know your camera is level!
7. Turn on Live Photos
Live Photos capture occurrences 1.5 seconds before and after you take a picture. When the feature is on, you will see the Live Photos button 
8. Take Portrait Mode Photos
The camera creates a depth-of-field effect with Portrait Mode. When the mode is ready, four edges will appear to indicate the subject.
To adjust the level of background blur, tap the Depth Control button at the top right of the screen 
9. Use Night Mode (iPhone 11 and later)
The camera automatically switches on Night Mode when it detects a low-light environment. The 
10. Take Ultra Wide Photos (iPhone 11 and later)
You can fit more in the frame by taking pictures with the Ultra Wide (0.5x) lens. Some users also call this feature a “zoom-out.” To shoot Ultra Wide-angle photos, click the “1x”, and it will automatically zoom out the frame. Alternatively, you can tap and hold the “1x” and drag to your preferred angle.
Get Out There and Start Shooting!
There is so much you can do with an iPhone! When used right, it can be a great alternative to buying heavy and expensive professional cameras. Now that you know all these helpful iPhone photography tips on maximising the camera features, you can start taking more appealing photos and videos.
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