Over the years, the iPhone camera has improved dramatically and any iPhone user is able to take stunning photos without the need for learned photography skills. With each new iteration of the iPhone, the camera gets better and better, like the ability to take 4K videos on the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and SE.

If, like most users, you love taking photos with your iPhone, make sure you know these tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your iPhone’s camera.

Implement the ‘Rule of thirds’ with a grid overlay

Ensure your iPhone photos are perfectly lined up with a 3×3 grid overlay. Go to Settings > Photos & Camera > toggle Grid to the On position. The grid overlay acts as a perfect guide, but you can switch it off at anytime, by toggling it back to the Off position.

Your EarPods can take photos

Professional photographers use a remote shutter release when they are taking long exposure shots and need to avoid camera shake. iPhone users do not have to buy an extra gadget, but can rather just use their standard Apple EarPods.

With the Camera app open and your EarPods connected, press the center button on your EarPods to take a photo.  

Bonus tip: You can also use the volume button on your iPhone to take a photo, if you cannot reach the main on-screen camera button.

Use your Apple Watch as a viewfinder and trigger

Not only can you use your Apple Watch as a viewfinder, but you can also use it as a remote shutter.

Open the Camera app on your iPhone and the Camera Remote app on your Apple Watch. Use the viewscreen on your Watch to ensure your shot is lined up properly. When you are ready to take the shot you can choose an immediate shutter or a three-second timer. The immediate shutter will take just one photo while the three-second timer will snap a burst of photos after the countdown has completed. Tap the Camera roll icon in the bottom left-hand corner of your Watch to view your photo.

Use 3D Touch to quickly choose different shooting modes

For iPhone 6s and 6s Plus owners, you can use 3D Touch to go straight into a specific shooting mode. Hard press the Camera app icon to see a list of shooting options, including regular photo mode, slo-mo, video, and selfie.

Make use of Burst mode for action shots

When using your iPhone to capture action shots, Burst mode is ideal for ensuring you capture at least one good shot.

To start shooting your action photos in Burst mode, tap and hold down the shutter button. While holding down the button, you will see a counter of the number of shots taken at the bottom of your screen. Simply release the button when you want to stop shooting.

Bonus tip: You can also shoot in Burst mode by holding down the volume up button.

Lock auto-focus and auto-exposure

The auto-focus feature allows you to set a focal point before taking the shot. Simply tap on your iPhone’s screen to select your focal point and take your photo. If you don’t set a focal point, your iPhone’s camera will automatically select the item that it thinks you are focusing on.

The auto-exposure feature allows you to add or remove light from your image. Simply tap on your iPhone’s screen > swipe up or down to adjust the light > once the desired lighting is obtained you can take your photo.

You are also able to lock both auto-focus and auto-exposure. Press and hold on the viewfinder > a yellow AE/AF Lock banner will appear above the image. Tap anywhere on the viewfinder to remove the lock.

Take certain photos in HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR) blends together three photos – low, medium and high contrast – to attempt to provide you with a final photo as close to what your eye sees as possible. HDR works great for stationary images, but obviously doesn’t work well for action shots.

In the Camera app, tap HDR at the top of the screen > choose between On, Off or Auto. In Auto mode your iPhone will decide when to use it.

Bonus tip: Sometimes the HDR version of a photo can look a bit flat, so ensure you select to also keep a copy of the original (non-HDR) photo. Go to Settings > Photos & Camera > toggle Keep Normal Photo to On.  

Make use of the in-built photo editing tools

In the Photos app, open a photo you want to edit > tap the Edit option in the top right-hand corner. Tap the light icon (sun icon) and you will be presented with a list of light, color and B&W editing tools.

Nifty gadgets to become an even better iPhone photographer

There is a wide variety of gadgets available that will take your iPhone photography skills to the next level. Here are just five iPhone camera accessories, including lenses, tripods and Bluetooth camera remotes.

Image credit: DariuszSankowski, Pixabay