Getting Started with iPhone Photography: The Complete Starter Guide

Getting Started with iPhone Photography: The Complete Starter Guide

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Why Should You Shoot Photos with Your iPhone?

iPhone photography is hands-down one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get into photography.  If you’re just starting out, there is no need to spend a ton of money on bulky camera gear.  It would be like learning how to be a race car driver before learning how to even drive the car.  If you have an iPhone, then you already unknowingly have a very powerful camera. Most newer models can take amazing, high-quality photos and with the right tools and settings, you can shoot images that rival professional DSLR results.

You may have heard the saying “the best camera is the one you have with you” and that is absolutely true here.  Since your phone is always on you, you’re always ready to snap a photo.  Moments pass by so quickly and if you’re having to fumble around getting your camera, lenses, and settings all ready to go to take the shot, chances are, the moment has already passed. 

When it comes to editing your photos, you also already have all the tools you need right there in your phone.  There are apps like Lightroom, Snapseed and VSCO that let you fine-tune your photos and share them instantly.  You never have to bring them into the computer for processing unless you really want to.

What makes iPhone photography even better is how versatile it is.  It doesn’t matter if you’re into landscapes, wildlife, portraits or even close-ups, your iPhone can handle it all.  It’s honestly the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of photography without going all-in on expensive gear.  More than anything, focus on learning the basics–like composition, lighting, and angles–with a tool you already own. Then, when you’re ready to upgrade, you’ll be way more confident in your skills and know exactly what kind of gear fits your style.  Remember, you have to learn to drive first before you can race with the professionals.

Essential Gear for iPhone Photography

Now that you know why your iPhone is a solid starting point for photography, let’s talk about how to take things up a notch. With just a few affordable accessories, you can seriously boost your photo quality and unlock even more creative possibilities.

Here are a few accessories that we recommend to get you started.

  • Tripod

Even if you think you’re holding your phone super steady, the slightest movement—like breathing—can still lead to blurry photos. That’s where a tripod comes in. It helps keep your phone completely still, which is especially important when shooting in low light or using long exposure settings.

Recommended: SENSYNE Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick with Wireless Remote

  • Clip-On Lenses

Clip-on lenses let you experiment with a variety of creative shots that your iPhone can’t capture on its own. From dramatic wide angles and crisp macro close-ups to sharper zoomed-in details, each lens opens up a new way to frame your subject and tell your story.

Recommended: Apexel 2 in 1 Cell Phone Clip-on Lens Kit

  • Lighting

Good lighting makes a big difference in photo quality. A small portable light can be a game-changer in low-light situations and also lets you experiment with different lighting styles to create unique looks in your shots.

Recommended:  Neewer 13" 2-Pack Dimmable LED Panel Lighting Kit

  • Lens Cleaning Kit

Don’t let a smudged lens ruin your amazing shot.  Always keep a microfiber cloth handy and use it before every shoot.

Recommended: Koala Lens Cleaner Spray Kit

  • Remote Shutter or Timer

Using a Bluetooth shutter or your phone’s built-in timer is another simple way to avoid camera shake and keep your shots crisp and clear. It lets you snap the photo without physically touching your phone, which helps maintain stability.

Recommended: Zttopo Wireless Camera Remote for Smartphones

Having the right gear can make a big difference, but your iPhone’s settings play a huge role in photo quality too. Before you head out to shoot, take a few minutes to tweak these built-in settings to get the best results right from the start.

Must-Change iPhone Settings for Better Photos

1. Turn On the Grid

  • Go to Settings > Camera > Grid > Toggle On
  • Why?: It helps you apply the rule of thirds and line up your compositions.

2. Enable HDR (High Dynamic Range)

  • On iPhone Models iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 models, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone 12 - Go to Settings > Camera > Smart HDR
  • On newer iPhone Models its under the photo settings: Go to Settings > Photos > View Full HDR > Toggle On
  • Why?:  It balances bright highlights and dark shadows in your photos.

3. Use Apple ProRAW (iPhone 12 Pro and later)

  • Go to Settings > Camera > Formats > Apple ProRAW
  • Why?: RAW formats gather more information about your scene which will give you more flexibility when it comes to editing.

4. Adjust Exposure Manually

  • When in the Camera app, tap to focus, then slide up/down to manually adjust the exposure (brightness) for better control.

5. Turn Off Live Photos (When Needed)

  • If you're taking stills that need to be sharp, disable Live Photo to avoid motion blur.

6. Use Portrait Mode Wisely

  • Portrait mode is great for headshots or artistic shallow-depth shots.  Just make sure the lighting is adequate for best results.

 

Bonus Tips for Better iPhone Photos

  • Clean your lens before every shoot to avoid smudges or dust in your photos.
  • Tap and hold on your subject to lock AE (auto exposure) and AF (auto focus).
  • Use burst mode for moving subjects—then select the best shot.
  • Shoot during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for natural, flattering light.
  • Edit lightly—a little contrast, brightness, and sharpening goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Curious

We hope you agree now that iPhone photography is an amazing way to jump into the world of photography without the overwhelm of expensive gear.  It’s accessible, portable, and packed with powerful features that let you create stunning images with something that you already own. With a few simple accessories, some easy setting adjustments, and an eye for detail, your iPhone can handle everything from quick snapshots to intricate creative projects.  Start practicing daily, explore new angles and light, and most importantly—just have fun with it.

👉 Click here to shop our full iPhone Photography Starter Kit on Amazon

👉 Click here to receive the FREE iPhone Photography Starter Guide

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