Today’s smartphone cameras do a remarkable job of enabling users to take stunning photos effortlessly. With features like auto adjustments and advanced computational photography, the results are often impressive. However, if you’re looking to elevate your photography skills even further, there’s more you can do. Having spent time with the iPhone 17 Pro, I’ve compiled six essential tips to enhance your photography quality.
As a professional photographer, my journey has transformed simple snaps into award-winning art pieces. Luckily, these tips aren’t solely for the latest iPhone users; you can apply them whether you have an older iPhone or even a recent Android device.
Let’s dive in.
Experiment with Different Lenses
Switching between the wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto views on your phone is effortless, but understanding which perspective complements a specific scene requires more thought. Consider your surroundings carefully.
If your focus is a subject—a statue or an impressive building—surrounded by distracting elements, the iPhone 17 Pro’s telephoto lens can help isolate your subject. Step back to frame your shot properly, simplifying the scene will enhance your subject’s prominence.
Longer optical zooms, available on models like the S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro, are excellent for candid shots without intruding on the subject’s space. Conversely, if elements around your subject add context, the standard zoom is preferable. The ultra-wide lens captures even more surroundings, so get closer and add intriguing foreground elements for enhanced composition.
Concentrate on Composition
No amount of editing can salvage a poorly composed shot. Good composition differentiates stunning images from mediocre ones, so it’s crucial to master this.
Basic principles include keeping horizons straight and avoiding cropping heads in portraits. Once you grasp these principles, experiment with angles. The rule of thirds suggests arranging subjects along imaginary grid lines for a balanced look.
Utilizing the rule of thirds grid on your iPhone screen as a composition tool can be invaluable. I also identify leading lines like roads or pathways that attract the viewer’s eye into the scene. Constantly experimenting with composition techniques, including negative space or unconventional framing, will elevate your photography game.
Revisit Locations at Different Times
While many factors are controllable, time of day and weather often come into play. Photographers gravitate toward sunrise and sunset, as low sunlight casts captivating shadows and ignites the sky with color.
To get the most out of a location, it’s beneficial to return multiple times in varying conditions. Early morning trips can yield mesmerizing shots at dawn, while mid-day lighting can enhance urban shots. Don’t shy away from rainy days; they can create moody atmospheres, with streets reflecting city lights after dark.
Embrace Low Light Conditions
Once daylight fades, don’t feel the need to stop shooting. The iPhone 17 Pro boasts an impressive night mode, enabling outstanding nightlife photography. Consider city scenes with illuminated storefronts and car headlights, particularly under rain-soaked streets that reflect colors beautifully.
Gain Control Over Settings
The iPhone efficiently adjusts settings for a balanced image, but this may not always produce the desired results. High-contrast images can significantly enhance visual drama.
Experiment with underexposure for moody, low-key shots. By tapping the screen, you can adjust the exposure slider to darken images, allowing for compelling photos that benefit from high contrast.
Add Flair with Editing
While the iPhone captures beautiful images natively, editing constitutes a crucial step in achieving your artistic vision. I recommend using Adobe Lightroom for detailed control over exposure and colors. Alternatively, apps like Darkroom and Snapseed are excellent for beginners and provide various editing options.
Editing doesn’t have to be drastic; minor tweaks can considerably enhance your images. Apple’s ProRaw format offers enhanced editing flexibility, so consider utilizing it for artistic projects.
Take advantage of Apple’s photographic styles to apply attractive tonal adjustments directly within the Camera app, lending a unique flair without extensive post-processing. The best part? You can always revert to the original image, allowing for creative experimentation without risk.