iPhones are renowned for their exceptional camera capabilities, making them one of the best choices for mobile photography. However, capturing stunning photos goes beyond having a great camera – it’s about knowing how to use your iPhone‘s camera app effectively.
While the core features of iOS have remained relatively consistent over time, Apple has introduced specific camera enhancements that can elevate your photography game. Here’s a valuable collection of iOS tricks to help you capture photos like a pro.

Use Portrait Mode for Artistic Depth Effects
Portrait mode is a powerful tool that adds depth and artistic flair to your photos by emphasizing the subject and blurring the background. To utilize this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Camera app.
- Swipe to select Portrait mode.
- Aim at your subject and adjust the distance to achieve the desired effect.
- Experiment with various lighting options like natural, studio, contour, or stage.
Harness Smart HDR to Capture Details in Any Lighting
Smart HDR is an invaluable addition to the iPhone camera interface, designed to capture details in both shadowed and highlighted areas. To activate Smart HDR, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to the Camera menu.
- Enable the Smart HDR option.
Smart HDR automatically combines multiple shots taken at different exposures to produce a balanced, detailed image. It’s especially effective in high-contrast situations.

Explore Night Mode for Low-Light Photography
Night mode empowers you to take incredible photos in low-light environments without relying on a flash or tripod. To make the most of this feature:
- Open the Camera app.
- Wait for the moon icon to appear in the upper left corner.
- Press the shutter button.
- Keep your iPhone as steady as possible during the exposure.
You can adjust the exposure duration by sliding your finger on the moon icon. To ensure sharp results, maintain a stable grip during the exposure.
Seize Fleeting Moments with Burst Mode
Don’t miss a beat – the iPhone’s burst mode lets you capture a series of rapid-fire shots by holding down the shutter button. This is perfect for seizing moments that happen in the blink of an eye, such as jumps, quick gestures, or rapid movements. To use burst mode:
- Open the Camera app.
- Hold down the shutter button for the duration you want.
- Afterward, review the images taken and select the best ones.
Create Slow-Motion and Time-Lapse Videos
Your iPhone offers both slow-motion and time-lapse video modes, allowing you to craft captivating video content. To access these modes:
- Open the Camera app.
- Swipe to choose either slow-motion or time-lapse mode.
- Tap the red button to commence and conclude recording.
In slow-motion mode, your video is recorded at a higher speed than normal and can be played back in dramatic slow motion. Conversely, time-lapse mode captures videos at a slower pace than standard and delivers a fast-motion effect.

Edit Your Photos and Videos with Built-in Tools
The Photos app provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools to enhance your photos and videos. You can crop, rotate, adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, color balance, apply filters, add text, stickers, drawings, and more. To edit your media, follow these steps:
- Open the Photos app.
- Select the image or video you wish to edit.
- Tap the Edit button.
- Choose from the available editing tools and apply your desired adjustments.
Experiment with these editing tools to achieve your preferred style and appearance for your photos and videos.
With these iOS tips, you can harness your iPhone’s camera capabilities to take professional-quality photos and videos. Elevate your photography skills and make the most of your iPhone’s potential.