It’s the perfect time to reflect on how photography has evolved. In recent years, smartphones, especially iPhones, have become our go-to cameras, allowing us to capture life’s moments with just a tap. While iPhones boast impressive cameras straight out of the box, tweaking a few settings can significantly enhance your photos, giving them a professional touch. Here are five iPhone camera settings you should consider changing to take your photography to the next level.
1. Enable Grid for Better Composition
One of the fundamentals of photography is composition, and the “rule of thirds” is a simple yet powerful technique to master. By enabling the grid on your iPhone camera, you can easily apply this rule. The grid divides your screen into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place your subject along these lines or at their intersections to create a more balanced and engaging composition.
To enable the grid, go to Settings > Camera and toggle on Grid. With the grid on, you’ll find it easier to frame your shots and align elements in your photos, resulting in more visually appealing images.
2. Use the ‘ProRAW’ or ‘RAW’ Format for More Control
If you own an iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, or newer, you have the option to shoot in Apple’s ProRAW format. This format combines the flexibility of RAW photography with the iPhone’s computational photography features, like Smart HDR. Unlike JPEG or HEIF formats, which compress the image and limit post-processing, ProRAW gives you a much higher level of control over exposure, white balance, and color during editing.
To activate ProRAW, navigate to Settings > Camera > Formats and toggle on Apple ProRAW. Once enabled, you’ll see a “RAW” option in the camera app. Keep in mind that ProRAW images take up more space, so use it when you plan to edit your photos.
3. Adjust Exposure Manually for Perfect Lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo. While the iPhone camera automatically adjusts exposure, taking control of this setting can lead to better results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. You can manually adjust the exposure by tapping on the screen to focus on your subject, then dragging your finger up or down to increase or decrease the exposure level.
For even finer control, use the exposure compensation slider available in the camera app on iPhones running iOS 14 or later. After tapping to focus, look for the sun icon and slide it left or right to achieve the desired exposure.
4. Enable Smart HDR for Enhanced Dynamic Range
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography helps capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights of a scene. The iPhone’s Smart HDR feature automatically blends multiple exposures to create a single image with better detail across all lighting levels. This is especially useful in high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes or backlit subjects.
To ensure Smart HDR is enabled, go to Settings > Camera and toggle on Smart HDR. With this setting active, your iPhone will automatically apply HDR processing to your photos when needed, giving you more vibrant and detailed images.
5. Activate Live Photos for Dynamic Moments
Live Photos bring your photos to life by capturing 1.5 seconds before and after you press the shutter button. This feature is perfect for dynamic scenes where movement adds to the story, such as a child’s laughter or waves crashing on the shore. While Live Photos can be edited and shared as still images, they can also be turned into short videos or GIFs.
To activate Live Photos, open the camera app and tap the circular icon at the top of the screen. When the icon is yellow, Live Photos is enabled. You can also set your iPhone to automatically shoot in Live Photo mode by default.
Conclusion
Photography is both an art and a science, and with the right tools and settings, anyone can take stunning photos. As you celebrate World Photography Day, consider experimenting with these iPhone camera settings. Whether you’re a casual snapper or an aspiring photographer, these adjustments can help you capture your best photos yet. So, get out there, explore your surroundings, and let your creativity shine through your iPhone’s lens.
