iPhone Camera Tricks for Better Photos and Videos

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

The iPhone camera is simple to use, but it hides powerful features. These tricks will noticeably improve your photos and videos.

1. Turn on the grid and level

In Settings → Camera, turn on Grid and Level. The grid helps composition, and the level keeps horizons straight.

2. Lock focus and exposure

Touch and hold on your subject until AE/AF LOCK appears. Then slide up or down to adjust brightness. Great for scenes where the phone keeps refocusing.

3. QuickTake video

In Photo mode, press and hold the shutter button to start recording video instantly. Slide right to lock recording.

4. Burst photos

Slide the shutter button to the left (or press Volume Up, if enabled in settings) to take a burst of photos for fast action.

5. Portrait mode and lighting

Portrait mode blurs backgrounds. After taking a photo, tap Edit to change focus, blur strength and Portrait Lighting effects.

6. Night mode

In low light, Night mode turns on automatically. Hold still for the countdown, or rest the iPhone on something for a longer exposure.

7. Macro photos

On supported models, move close to small objects like flowers or text; the camera switches to macro automatically.

8. Live Photos effects

For Live Photos, tap the Live button in Photos to choose Loop, Bounce or Long Exposure, which is great for waterfalls and traffic trails.

9. Photographic Styles

Set a preferred look, like warmer or higher contrast, that applies consistently.

10. Video quality and Action mode

In Camera settings, choose video resolution. Use Action mode for smooth handheld video while walking, and Cinematic mode for background blur in video.

11. Mirror front camera

Turn on Mirror Front Camera so selfies look like you see yourself in a mirror.

12. Preserve settings

In Camera → Preserve Settings, keep your last-used mode, like Portrait, instead of resetting to Photo.

13. Scan text and QR codes

Point the camera at text or QR codes to copy text or open links. See QR codes explained, and be careful with unknown codes.

More tips that work on any phone: 15 tips for better phone photos.

Camera settings worth checking once

Formats: High Efficiency saves space; Most Compatible is better for sharing with older devices.
Record Video: 1080p at 30 fps for everyday clips; 4K for special moments.
Lens Correction: keep on to reduce distortion in ultra-wide and front camera shots.
Scene Detection / Photographic Styles: choose whether iPhone adjusts colours automatically.
Prioritise Faster Shooting: helps when taking many photos quickly.
View Outside the Frame: shows what's just outside the shot so you can frame better.

Editing tricks in Photos

Copy edits: after editing one photo, tap the three dots → Copy Edits, then paste them onto other photos from the same event.
Revert: edits are non-destructive; you can always revert to the original.
Straighten and perspective: use Crop tools to fix tilted horizons and buildings.
Clean Up (on supported models): remove small distractions from photos.

Managing all those photos

Great cameras create large libraries. Delete bursts you don't need, keep the best shot from each moment, and back up regularly. Our guides on iPhone storage and organising photos help keep things tidy.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use HEIF or JPEG?

HEIF (High Efficiency) saves space. Choose Most Compatible if you often share with older devices.

What is ProRAW?

A professional format on Pro models that keeps more detail for editing, but files are much larger.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.