Master iPhone Photography
Capturing beautiful photos while travelling can elevate your social media game and allow you to share your adventures in a way that inspires others. With your iPhone, you can take professional-quality photos using just a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to transform your travel photography skills.
1. Mind Your Background
A cluttered background can distract from your subject. Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that complement the focus of your photo. Whether it’s a vibrant beach, a quaint café, or a historic landmark, pay attention to what’s behind your subject to create a cohesive image.
2. Turn On the Grid
The grid feature is an excellent tool for mastering image composition. It displays two vertical and two horizontal lines on your screen, dividing the frame into nine sections. Use the intersections of these lines to position your subject, following the Rule of Thirds for visually balanced photos. Check out this YouTube video - Rule of Thirds in 60 seconds
How to enable the grid:
Go to Settings > Camera > Grid and toggle it on.
3. Adjust Focus and Exposure
Focus: Tap the screen on the subject you want in focus. A yellow box will appear, ensuring the camera focuses on that spot.
Exposure: Adjust the brightness by dragging the sunshine icon up (brighter) or down (darker) next to the focus box.
4. Lock Your Focus and Exposure
For consistent shots without constantly readjusting, lock your focus and exposure:
Tap and hold on your screen until “AE/AF Lock” appears at the top.
Adjust exposure if needed with the sunshine icon.
To unlock, simply tap the screen again.
5. Use the Volume Buttons as a Shutter
Sometimes tapping the screen to take a photo can be inconvenient. Instead, use your phone’s volume buttons as a shutter. This feature is especially useful when your iPhone is mounted on a tripod or when you need extra stability.
6. Choose the Right Orientation
Selecting the right orientation can dramatically improve your photos:
Portrait Orientation: Best for personal profiles, social media posts, and portraits of people.
Landscape Orientation: Ideal for group photos, landscapes, and cinematic captures.
Consider the purpose of your shot and frame it accordingly for the best results.
7. Experiment with Portrait Mode
Portrait mode adds a stunning blurred background, also known as depth of field, to make your subject pop.
How to adjust Portrait mode:
Open the Camera app and select Portrait Mode.
Tap the “f” icon in the top-right corner.
Adjust the blur strength with the slider—lower numbers create a stronger blur, while higher numbers sharpen the background.
Important do these 3 things!
1. Clean Your Lens
A dirty lens can ruin even the best shot. Before you start snapping, wipe your lens with a soft cloth or your shirt sleeve to ensure clear, crisp photos.
2. Keep Your Phone Steady
Motion blur can affect photo quality. For sharper images:
Lean against a wall or prop your phone on a steady surface.
Use a tripod for extra stability—small, portable ones are great for travel!
3. Avoid Digital Zoom
Zooming in digitally can degrade image quality. Instead, move closer to your subject or crop your photo during editing.
Helpful Videos for More Tips
By incorporating these techniques into your photography, you’ll create stunning travel images to share with your friends and followers. Better photos mean better memories—and perhaps even inspiring someone else’s next adventure.
At Wanderlust Travel Experts, we believe in making every moment of your travel unforgettable—even the ones you capture on your phone.