How long-exposure photography works

A long-exposure photo is created by using a slow shutter speed, which essentially renders still elements of a scene crisp and sharp while blurring any movement captured in the scene. Long-exposure techniques are great for capturing light trails, moving water, weather patterns, and the night sky.

Can iPhones take long-exposure photos?

With a traditional DSLR camera, you can use manual controls to ensure that the camera shutter remains open for a set period of time to create a long-exposure shot. iPhones aren’t equipped with these manual controls, but fortunately, there are several workarounds that allow you to capture long exposures with an iPhone.

These workarounds allow your phone to simulate long-exposure effects capable of being captured by DSLR cameras, but they’re not exactly the same. This is because your iPhone camera isn’t actually capable of keeping its shutter open for long periods of time to take a photo. Instead, long exposures are simulated by using several photos of the same scene and stitching them together to create stunning long-exposure images.

How to shoot long exposure on iPhone

Ready to dig into the details? There are a few ways to emulate the effect of long exposure on iPhone. Experiment with them all to see which method you like best.

1. Take a Live Photo and convert it to long exposure

The Live Photos feature automatically captures 1.5 seconds of video before and after you tap the shutter button, creating a 3-second video clip that you can use to create a long-exposure shot. You can shoot Live Photos purposefully to create your long exposure, or you can use Live Photos that you’ve already taken to create a long-exposure image. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your iPhone Camera app and turn on Live Photos by tapping the Live Photos icon at the top of the screen. (The icon looks like several concentric circles.) Some pop-up text will appear at the top of the screen, alerting you that Live Photos is on or off.
2. Mount your iPhone to a tripod for best results, and frame a shot with at least one moving element in it.
3. Tap the shutter button to take a Live Photo.
4. Now head over to the Photos app and pull up your Live Photo.
5. Swipe up to open Effects.
6. Scroll through the different effects under your photo and tap Long Exposure.
7. The motion that you captured in your Live Photo will now appear as a blurred long-exposure image.

2. Use a long-exposure app

If you want more flexibility than what you can achieve with 3-second Live Photos, try a dedicated long-exposure app, like Slow Shutter Cam, which is available for $1.99 on the app store. Here’s how to create a long-exposure image using Slow Shutter Cam on your iPhone:

1. Open Slow Shutter Cam on your iPhone and give the app the necessary permissions to access your camera and photos.
2. Tap the Settings icon to open the app’s settings. You can set the Capture mode to Motion Blur, Light Trail, or Low Light, and adjust the Light Sensitivity and Shutter Speed to fit your shooting conditions.
3. Mount your iPhone on a tripod and frame your shot with at least one moving element.
4. To reduce camera shake, tap the menu at the bottom left and choose to use the Self-Timer by selecting your desired shutter delay before taking a photo.
5. Tap Done.
6. Next, tap the shutter and wait for it to complete the process.
7. Finally, tap Clear to retry, Edit to make changes, and Save to save your photo to your library.

3. Use a digitally connected camera

If you want the real deal without paying top dollar for a DSLR, you can buy a compact camera that attaches to your iPhone and enables manual controls like a slow shutter speed. One stellar example is the DxO ONE, a 20.2 MP digital camera that comes with an f/1.8 prime lens, full HD video, and the ability to shoot long exposures up to 30 seconds. Here’s how to use the DxO ONE to create stunning long-exposure shots on your iPhone:

1. Download the DxO ONE app and attach the DxO ONE camera to your iPhone’s lightning port.
2. Give the app permissions to access your photos and camera.
3. The capture screen will appear on your iPhone. Tap the Capture Mode icon in the lower right, which is automatically set to Auto.
4. Choose shutter priority mode to set the shutter speed.
5. From the left-hand toolbar, select the shutter speed and set it to between 1/10″ and 30″ (depending on your end goal).
6. Tap the shutter button to take a photo, or use a remote trigger or the volume buttons on your earbuds to take your long-exposure photo.

Long-exposure photography on iPhone: Tips and ideas

Now that you know the technical how-tos for shooting a long-exposure photo, let’s take a look at some practical tips and fun ideas that will help you create magical long-exposure shots that will amaze your friends and social media followers.

Tip 1. Use a tripod

The idea behind long-exposure photography is to blur motion while making everything else appear as sharp as a tack. The only tried and true way to achieve this is with a tripod. A pocket-sized tripod like this Manfrotto tripod is perfectly acceptable. Use it anytime you’re shooting long-exposure shots for the best results.

Tip 2. Use a remote shutter or a self timer

To further reduce shake while snapping long exposures, use a remote shutter. You can use the volume control on your earbuds as a shutter release, or you can buy a dedicated remote shutter. The other option is to simply use your Camera app’s self-timer, which will delay the period between when you tap the shutter and when your camera takes a photo.

To set the self-timer, tap the arrow at the top of the screen to open the shooting menu, which will appear above the shutter button. Choose the clock icon and select 3 or 10 seconds. Then tap the shutter and wait.

Tip 3. Photograph the next lightning storm

Due to its unpredictable nature, lightning is virtually impossible to capture using traditional shooting methods. But you can increase your chances of getting a good shot by paying close attention to storm patterns, using a tripod, and taking a continuous series of long exposure shots of the storm. Because you can’t predict exactly when lightning will strike, luck definitely plays a role here. This just makes shooting lightning storms all the more exciting.

Tip 4. Capture crowds of people in busy places

Another fun idea is to find a striking and popular landmark to use as a focal point and then shoot a long-exposure photo to create a blurred image of the crowd movement below or in front of the landmark. As with most long-exposure shots, there’s an element of unpredictability to shooting crowds of people. You never know how it will turn out, and you may have to take hundreds of shots before you find one you like. For the best results, frame your shot in low-light conditions either just after sunset or just below sunrise. For this one, the more people, the better!

Tip 5. Try steel wool painting

You may have seen cool steel wool painting photos on Instagram or social media, but did you know that this is a relatively easy feat to pull off with some safety precautions and a long-exposure app? This experimental photography genre is fun to try, but be sure not to attempt it if the outdoor conditions are especially dry or windy.

To try this technique, you will need a piece of steel wool, a kitchen whisk, a pair of gloves (for safety), and a lighter. Set up your iPhone on a tripod first. Use a long-exposure technique mentioned above and a self-timer. Have your subject light the steel wool and begin spinning it rapidly as it burns while you take a photo. Experiment to your heart’s content — but be mindful of safety, as the steel wool burns quite hot.

There are so many fun ways to experiment with long-exposure techniques on your iPhone. Yes, you will need to experiment and practice to get it right, but that’s what makes it so interesting.

The post How to take stunning long-exposure photos with an iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

Yes! While Apple has always pushed the iPhone camera with each new model and the current ones are top-of-the-line, iPhone XR and iPhone XS still have decent cameras. In this article, you’ll read specifically about iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. We’ll compare these iPhone models and show you just how well each stacks up.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS vs. iPhone XS Max: The camera comparison

A comparison between any of these models and the current lineup will reveal many similarities in camera capabilities. All three of these iPhones have familiar features like Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, True Tone flash, and Smart HDR (introduced in this line of iPhones). And although iPhone XR only has a wide lens, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have dual-rear cameras with wide and telephoto lenses.

Here’s a quick overlook of the camera specs in each model:

iPhone XR

• Single 12MP Wide camera: ƒ/1.8 aperture
• Digital zoom up to 5x
• True Tone flash
• Portrait mode
• Portrait Lighting (3 effects)
• Smart HDR for photos

iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max

• Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
  • Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture
  • Telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture
• 2x optical zoom in / Digital zoom up to 10x
• True Tone flash
• Portrait mode
• Portrait Lighting (6 effects)
• Smart HDR for photos

Does iPhone XR have dual camera and Portrait mode?

Despite not having a dual camera, iPhone XR is capable of Portrait mode, but it’s somewhat different. Because it only has a single rear camera, iPhone XR relies on software and facial detection to achieve the effect, meaning the effect only works when taking a photo of someone’s face. This may not sound like a huge deal; after all, the feature is called Portrait mode. But on iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, you can use Portrait mode on photos of objects like a coffee mug, flowers, or, most notably, your pets.

The size and storage differences between iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max

Of course, when choosing your next iPhone, you should consider a couple of other factors that could impact your mobile photography: physical size and storage. The latter is a bit more obvious because you want to make sure you have enough space to store your pictures and videos. But when it comes to physical size, you’re going to want a phone you can comfortably travel with.

The iPhone size comparison

When making an iPhone size comparison, the most notable difference is screen size. Here is a breakdown of each model’s physical and screen dimensions:

iPhone XR

• Height: 5.94 in.
• Width: 2.98 in.
• Depth: 0.33 in.
• Weight: 6.84 oz.
• Screen size: 6.1 in.

iPhone XS

• Height: 5.65 in.
• Width: 2.79 in.
• Depth: 0.30 in.
• Weight: 6.24 oz.
• Screen size: 5.8 in.

iPhone XS Max

• Height: 6.20 in.
• Width: 3.05 in.
• Depth: 0.30 in.
• Weight: 7.34 oz.
• Screen size: 6.5 in.

Comparison of 2018 iPhone models by storage options

Storage space is always an important consideration when you buy a new iPhone, especially if you plan on using it to capture pictures and videos. The iPhone XR has smaller options (at 64 GB and 128 GB), while iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options.

iPhone XS vs. XR vs. XS Max: Which is the best choice?

Between these three models, we believe it’s a tie between iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Both have identical camera specs. That being said, iPhone XS Max has a bit of an advantage because it features a larger screen, which is nice to have when you’re taking pictures. But if it makes the phone too big and unwieldy in your hands, then the trade-off for a bigger display isn’t worth it.

There’s a lot to love about the 2018 iPhone lineup and their cameras. Of course, if you conduct a thorough comparison of newer iPhones, you’ll see some all-new features and improved specs. Still, that doesn’t mean iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max can’t hold their own.

The post iPhone XR vs. XS vs. XS Max: Which iPhone to buy for photo and video? appeared first on Backlight.

There are currently more than 112 million Instagram users worldwide. Clearly, if you want your photos to stand out, you’ll need to bring your A-game and post your best visual content. Here’s how to create stunning, Instagram-worthy photos that you’ll be proud to share.

Step 1. Find an Instagram-worthy subject or scene

Photography is an art form. Photographers use a combination of creative license, composition, and lighting techniques to create images that are uniquely their own. When creating photos for Instagram, think like an artist and look for subjects, locations, and backgrounds that will stand out.

Tip 1. Look for cool street art and murals

Colorful street art and edgy murals make for fun Instagram posts, especially when you can capture them from unique angles or creative perspectives. Use Instagram’s geotag feature to scout locations, or take your chances finding locations on your own. You’ll have the best luck finding cool street art in urban areas. Adding yourself or another person in your shot will give your scene a sense of scale and add interest, too. For inspiration, check out @streetart_official on Instagram.

Tip 2. Use industrial, historic, or whimsical buildings in your photos

Urban areas provide an array of Instagram-worthy content just waiting to be discovered. Get off the beaten path, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing historic backdrops, rust-encrusted decay, and whimsical architecture that will make your Instagram photos stand out. Try framing your shot from unusual perspectives such as ground level for a unique composition.

Tip 3. Instagram loves patterns and colors

Repeating patterns and vibrant colors will increase the wow factor on Instagram, making your photos pop and attracting lots of attention from across the platform. When it comes to capturing patterns, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Any repeating design that catches your eye is fair game. If something stands out to you as a photographer, there’s a good chance it will stand out to others as well.

Step 2. Tweak your iPhone Camera settings

Now that you’ve got some ideas for your setting and composition, let’s take a look at some of the camera and lighting settings that you can use to frame the best shot possible.

Tip 1. Use natural light, not a flash

Natural lighting works for any photo. Whether you’re shooting indoors or out, it’s best to utilize and embrace the light from the sun. The best time to shoot outdoors is during the first few hours after sunrise and before sunset. When capturing an indoor image, make use of natural light by shooting near bright windows. Avoid the built-in flash on your iPhone at all costs. It will make your images appear harsh, cold, and unnatural.

Tip 2. Portrait mode is your friend

One of the benefits of using a DSLR over a phone for photography is the shallow depth of field that your camera can capture, making the subject stand out from the background. Portrait mode on iPhone uses a similar method, allowing you to capture great details in your subject, as well as an attractively blurred background. Simply select Portrait mode on your iPhone, choose your lighting effect, frame your shot, and press the shutter. You can even adjust the depth of field after taking your photo.

Tip 3. Don’t use digital zoom

If you are fortunate enough to have an iPhone with multiple lenses, use them! The iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max have a 2x optical zoom for creating high-quality shots at different ranges. The iPhone 11 models also include an ultra-wide lens for additional flexibility. iPhone 12 models come with wide and ultra-wide lenses.

If your camera doesn’t use multiple lenses, it may be tempting to use the digital zoom on in your Camera app. This will reduce the quality of your image and make it appear pixelated. Instead, physically move your phone to frame the shot the way you want it.

Step 3. Edit and retouch your Instagram photos

And finally, your Instagram-worthy photos will need a bit of editing and retouching before they’re ready for the big reveal. Here are a couple of tips to help you with easy image processing before sharing your favorites.

Tip 1. Develop a cohesive theme for your Instagram account

Have you ever looked at a photograph on Instagram and instantly known who it belonged to — before you even looked at the account name? Some of the most popular Instagram accounts combine beautiful photos into a recognizable theme or cohesive look.

A theme can be based on the subject matter, a certain color pallet, or a photography style. Choose a favorite filter to apply to all of your photos or create your own editing style. Take some time to explore your favorite Instagram accounts before settling on a theme of your own because once you’ve developed a theme, you really shouldn’t make drastic changes.

Tip 2. Choose a favorite photo editing app and stick with it

There are many awesome photo editing apps available, and it can be tempting to use them all. But do yourself a favor and choose one editing app that you can experiment with as you grow as a photographer. Not only will using a single app help you build a cohesive theme, but knowing an app inside out will drastically improve your editing skills and make your Instagram photos more professional.

Tip 3. Don’t overdo it with filters or photo editing

Using one or two dedicated filters — either through Instagram or a third-party app — will help bring your photos together into a unified and recognizable theme. But don’t overdo it! Photos that appear over-edited and unnatural will undermine your professionalism as a photographer. When in doubt, move that slider to the left for a more understated look.

When using native Instagram filters, choose your filter, tap it again, and move the slider until you’re happy with the results.

Ready to share your best work on Instagram? Follow our tips to produce photos that will keep your followers coming back for more.

The post How to take Instagram photos like a pro using just your iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

Milky Way photography on iPhone

By default, the small sensor on your iPhone camera won’t capture the night sky as accurately as a DSLR, but there are ways to produce beautiful images using third-party apps. While you can’t change your iPhone’s camera hardware, you can improve the software by using an app that lets you control your camera’s shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.

How to take photos of the Milky Way with Slow Shutter Cam

Slow Shutter Cam is a premium iPhone app that lets you capture an array of slow shutter speed effects previously only available on a DSLR. Slow Shutter Cam features unlimited shutter speed and ISO control, a real-time preview, and a Low Light mode for night sky photography. The app is available for $1.99 on the App Store. In addition to the Slow Shutter Cam app, you will also need a tripod to keep your iPhone still while shooting.

Star and star trail photography with your iPhone

So far, we haven’t discovered a free app for iPhone that successfully captures stars or star trails, but Slow Shutter Cam is an inexpensive option at $1.99. Another great app for photographing stars is NightCap, which is available on the App Store for $2.99.

How to take pictures of stars with NightCap

NightCap is another powerful app that specializes in low-light and night photography. Dedicated astronomy modes make it easy to capture the stars, the northern lights, and light trails. NightCap’s secret is to use stacking technology to take multiple photos and then combine them into one perfectly exposed shot, no matter how low the light. To take photos of stars with your iPhone using the following instructions, you will need the NightCap app, which is available for $2.99 on the App Store, and a tripod to mount your phone.

1. Download NightCap and open it on your iPhone.
2. Tap the star icon at the bottom of your screen and choose Stars Mode. 
3. To enable light boost, which will increase how much light hits your camera’s sensor, tap the sun icon.
4. Tap the settings icon to set the exposure and noise reduction levels. Set ISO Boost to High.
5. Securely attach your iPhone to a tripod and frame your shot.
6. Press the shutter button. NightCap will use an automatic timer to minimize shake and will shoot for 15 seconds. The app will automatically utilize a timer to minimize shake and will shoot for about 10 seconds.
7. Your photo will be added to your photo library.

How to photograph star trails with Slow Shutter Cam

Once you’ve practiced a bit with night sky photography, you’ll be ready to experiment with photographing star trails. Capturing star trails requires that you leave your shutter open for at least 30 seconds. This is enough time to capture the movement of the stars — or, more accurately, the movement of the earth. Stars will appear as trails curving across the sky, making for an incredibly striking image.

Ready to give it a shot? Here’s how to photograph Star trails using Slow Shutter Cam.

1. Download Slow Shutter Cam and open it on your iPhone.
2. Tap the settings icon to open the camera settings.
3. Set your Capture Mode to Light Trail, set Light Sensitivity to Full, and adjust Shutter Speed to 60 seconds. ISO can be set to Auto.
4. Tap the menu icon and add a self-timer set to 3 seconds to reduce camera shake.
5. Attach your iPhone to a tripod and frame your shot.
6. Tap the shutter button and wait for the camera to finish capturing the scene.
7. Choose Clear, Edit, or Save based on your preferences.

How to edit star trail photos with Lightroom for iOS

Adobe Lightroom is a mobile photo editing app that is free to download and use. There are several premium options available at different price points. If you use Adobe Lightroom for desktop, the premium plan for the app is included in your subscription.

Ready to try your hand at editing star trail photos? Here’s a simple method using the Lightroom app.

1. Download Adobe Lightroom and open it on your iPhone.
2. Upload a photo by tapping the blue pop-up menu featuring a photo with a + next to it.
3. Choose the star trail photo you want to edit.
4. Tap Light at the bottom of the screen.
5. Move the Exposure slider to the right to increase the brightness of your star trails.
6. Slide the Contrast to the right to increase the contrast between the star trails and the dark sky.
7. Move the Highlights slider to the right to increase the highlights in the star trails.
8. Tap Color.
9. Adjust the Temp and Tint sliders to make subtle or drastic changes to the colors of your star trails.
10. When you are happy with the results, tap the upload icon to save your edited star trail photo to your photo library.

Best tips for star photography

Like any photography technique, your Milky Way and star trail shots will improve with practice. Here are some pro tips to help you get there faster, no matter which iPhone you’re using:

1. Always use a tripod. In order to take long exposure shots, you need to keep your camera as still as possible. The best way to do this is with a tripod and a self-timer so you aren’t touching your phone when shooting.
2. Find the darkest sky possible. Light pollution can be a huge problem when trying to capture the night sky. The Dark Sky Finder app will help you find great spots for star watching and night sky photography.
3. Use a timer or a shutter release. When taking a picture, either set your self-timer on your phone or use a remote shutter release to eliminate camera shake.
4. Never use digital zoom. Newer iPhones include several lenses that change the focal length of your camera. These are great tools for finding the right composition. But do not use your iPhone’s digital zoom, which uses internal software to zoom in on a scene. This will drastically reduce the quality of your image.
5. Implement noise reduction. Low-light photography will almost always introduce noise into your images, making them appear grainy. You can reduce noise with Lightroom by tapping Detail and scrolling down to the Noise Reduction slider.
6. Don’t compete with the moon. When shooting stars and star trails, you want a clear night with a very dark sky. If the moon is high and bright, it will interfere with your photography of the stars. Want to capture the moon in your photos? We’ll cover that next.

Moon and night sky photography with an iPhone

iPhone 11 and newer models are equipped with a special Night Mode that can be used in conjunction with iPhone’s wide-angle and telephoto camera lenses. These lenses have large sensors that let in more light for crisp, clear night photography.

How to take better photos of the moon with Night Mode

Night Mode on the iPhone is designed to work automatically when the lighting conditions deem it necessary. To capture the moon, use a tripod to frame your shot and follow these instructions:

1. Open your iPhone’s Camera app.
2. In low-light settings, Night Mode will be enabled.
3. Tap the moon icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
4. Use the slider to adjust the length of your exposure. One to two seconds is great for shooting the moon, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
5. Use the self-timer or a remote shutter to take your photo.

Ready to jump-start your night photography? Invest in a tripod and a few of the apps we’ve mentioned, and get ready to explore the fascinating world of iPhoneography after dark.

The post A stellar guide to night sky photography on iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

How the Ultra Wide camera works

The new Ultra Wide camera is just part of the comprehensive rear camera system on iPhone. The main camera is called the Wide lens. As you might suspect, the Ultra Wide lens allows you to take a wider picture without physically moving back from the subject of your photo. 

What iPhones have the Ultra Wide angle lens?

Since the Ultra Wide angle lens is still somewhat new, the list of iPhones that have it is somewhat short:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max

How wide is the Ultra Wide camera?

The Ultra Wide camera actually has a 120-degree field of view. Apple considers it to be .5x zoomed, while it labels the main camera, the Wide lens, to be 1x. 

How to switch between the Wide and the Ultra Wide lenses on iPhone

It’s really simple to switch back and forth between the Wide and Ultra Wide lens on your iPhone. In fact, it’s possible you’ve already switched to the Ultra Wide lens without even realizing it. Follow these steps to change from the Wide lens to the Ultra Wide lens on iPhone:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap .5 above the shutter.
3. Take your picture!

And that’s all there is to switching back and forth from the Wide to Ultra Wide angle lens. If, after you’ve seen what a picture can look like with Ultra Wide, you decide you want to go back to your main camera, just tap the 1.0 button above the shutter.

When to use your iPhone’s Ultra Wide lens

Not every situation is going to be ideal for the Ultra Wide lens. Typically it works best when you want to capture more within your picture. Here’s a short list of subjects that benefit from the wider camera on your iPhone:

• Landscapes: The Ultra Wide lens is great for capturing the magnitude of a landscape.
• Architecture: Like landscapes, large manmade structures are more easily captured with the wider lens, allowing you to fully appreciate buildings and all of their design characteristics.
• Small spaces: Because the Ultra Wide lens can photograph a greater area, it helps create the illusion that small spaces are bigger.

Tips for stunning wide-angle photography on iPhone

The key to shooting incredible wide-angle photography is knowing a lens’s weak points and understanding how to play to its strengths. Here are a few quick tips when using your Ultra Wide lens.

1. Clean up your edges

Because the Ultra Wide lens captures a 120-degree field of view, it causes some distortion around the edges of your picture. If you accidentally catch a streetlight or building at the side of your photo, it will probably appear bent or curved. It’s also easier to catch your finger or your shadow in frame. So, before you snap your photo, do yourself a favor and give your photo’s frame a careful look. 

2. Center your subject

Although an off-center picture can be a fun artistic choice, the Ultra Wide camera is a little less forgiving with off-center subjects. Since edges become distorted, the closer your subject is to the edge of your image frame, the more it, too, will be distorted. And the last thing you want is to ruin your picture with an unflatteringly distorted subject. Plus, keeping your subject framed in the center helps give the illusion that the space they’re in is that much bigger.

3. Look for lines

There are two reasons you’ll want to keep an eye out for lines in your Ultra Wide photos and ensure that they’re framed in the center. The first reason is that the edges can curve or distort straight lines. Fortunately, center-framing lines will help them stay straight and not look warped. The second reason is that when capturing a wide picture, lines are your friend; they can help draw the viewer’s eyes toward the center or the subject.

4. Avoid extra flare

When light hits the edge of your lens, it can create a spot of haze — or a lens flare — in your image. Sometimes, this can create a cool effect for your picture, especially when you’re shooting a sunset or leaves caught in the sunlight. But in most cases, a lens flare will be distracting and can make your photo look messy.

Since the Ultra Wide camera is obviously wider than the other cameras on your iPhone, it is more prone to lens flares. One solution is to simply use your hand or another object to block out the light hitting the sides of your lens.

5. Think about negative space

The use of negative space can be really impactful in your photos. But you might have to use it a little differently when you shoot with the dramatic perspective of the Ultra Wide camera. The important thing is to make sure your picture strikes a balance between an interesting subject and some negative space.

The Ultra Wide camera on iPhone can be incredibly useful when you’re taking pictures in a small room. But it’s also great at capturing the vastness of massive landscapes and giant skyscrapers. And hopefully, with the help of these tips, you’ll be able to take absolutely stunning Ultra Wide photos on your iPhone.

The post How to capture more of your scene with the Ultra Wide camera on iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

Keep reading to learn what distinguishes each of these models from the rest — and determine which one will work best for you.

What are the latest iPhone models?

You have no shortage of options with the new Apple iPhone launch, and all four versions all come in various sizes and colors.

• iPhone 12 mini
  • 5.4-inch display
  • Available in Blue, Green, Red, White, and Black
• iPhone 12
  • 6.1-inch display
  • Available in Blue, Green, Red, White, and Black
• iPhone 12 Pro
  • 6.1-inch display
  • Available in Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • 6.7-inch display
  • Available in Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver

iPhone 12 release date and prices

To help keep up with demand, Apple is staggering its new iPhone release dates. In other words, not only does each model start at a different price point, but they also have different releases dates. 

When is the new iPhone coming out?

Here’s a quick rundown of release dates of the next iPhones:

• iPhone 12: October 23, 2020
• iPhone 12 Mini: November 13, 2020
• iPhone 12 Pro: October 23, 2020
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: November 13, 2020

How much are the iPhone 12 models?

The iPhone 12 lineup isn’t much different than previous models when it comes to price. Each model has a different starting price, which may increase depending on which storage capacity you choose. Here are the starting prices for each of the 2020 iPhones:

• iPhone 12: $799
• iPhone 12 Mini: $699
• iPhone 12 Pro: $999
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: $1,099

The best iPhone 12 features for photography and video

Apple has always found a way to continue to improve its cameras with each new iPhone model. iPhone 12 is no different, somehow loaded with an even more impressive camera than its predecessor. In addition to the camera, the following are some of the best iPhone 12 features to help you decide which model is for you.

Camera upgrades

On paper, the cameras for these models look very similar to their predecessors, but there are some noticeable improvements.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini both come with a dual-camera system, which includes Wide and Ultra-wide lenses. But the Wide-angle camera has an upgraded ƒ/1.6 aperture, allowing it to take better pictures in even lower light than iPhone 11.

The Pro models have all three lenses (Wide, Ultra-wide, and Telephoto), but iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have slightly different Telephoto lenses. While iPhone 12 Pro has an upgraded 52mm ƒ/2.0 Telephoto, iPhone 12 Pro Max switches it up with a tighter 65mm ƒ/2.4 lens. This means iPhone 12 Pro’s Telephoto lens works better in lower light, but iPhone 12 Pro Max will give you a closer, more zoomed-in, image.

Of course, what’s a new iPhone lineup without a couple of video improvements as well? All of the 2020 models will be able to shoot in 4K Dolby Vision. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini will be able to shoot in Dolby Vision up to 30 frames-per-second (or fps), while iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max can shoot up to 60 fps. That said, most people only watch videos at 30 fps or below, so in reality, you’d only need iPhone Pro or iPhone Pro Max’s 60 fps if you wanted to slow a video down when you’re editing it.

Night mode on both cameras

There’s no denying that Night mode was a game-changer when it was introduced with iPhone 11. With the new A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 lineup, Night mode has been drastically improved and now works on both cameras. Yes, even the front camera, too!

Bigger screen sizes

Previously, only iPhone Pro models had Super Retina XDR displays, but all iPhone 12 models come with this super-sharp and vibrant display. And not only are your pictures brighter, but they’re bigger on iPhone 12, too. Except for iPhone 12 Mini, all of these models received a screen upgrade. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro have a 6.1-inch display, and iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display.

More storage

iPhone 11 Pro’s capacity started at 64 GB, but iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max start at 128 GB, with the added option to go all the way up to 512 GB. This is great news if you like to keep your pictures and videos saved on your iPhone, as you now have more space to hold even more of the content you’ve captured.

Apple ProRAW

An exciting new feature that Apple announced — available only for iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max — is Apple ProRAW. Admittedly, this feature is geared toward more serious iPhone photographers, but everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of this new uncompressed format.

Shooting a picture in Apple’s RAW format means you’re capturing an uncompressed picture. Although this creates a larger file size, it’s better for manipulating or editing your image. In the past, if you wanted to take a photo using a feature like Portrait mode or Night mode, you wouldn’t be able to capture it RAW. But now, with Apple ProRAW, you can. When this feature is released, you’ll be able to edit RAW pictures in Lightroom and Photoshop that you took in Portrait and Night mode.

There are a ton of great new features on each of the latest iPhone 12 models. But which model should you get? Do you want the portability and ease of iPhone 12 Mini, or do you want to be able to take advantage of Apple ProRAW when it’s made available for iPhone 12 Pro? Hopefully, this article has helped you determine what you want from your next iPhone’s camera.

The post The new iPhone 12: What’s in it for photographers? appeared first on Backlight.

How to use the iOS Shortcuts app

The Shortcuts app is a powerful and often underutilized tool. Here, you can download pre-configured shortcuts from the Gallery and from around the internet, or even create your own. But for the sake of this article, we’re focusing on the shortcuts available in the app’s Gallery.

How to add a new iPhone shortcut

You can add a new shortcut directly from the Shortcuts Gallery just by following these steps:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Gallery.
3. Either use the search bar to look for a specific shortcut or browse through the categories.
4. Tap on the shortcut and choose Add Shortcut.

You’ll see and be able to use your new shortcut when you tap My Shortcuts at the bottom of the screen.

How to use an iOS shortcut

Using a shortcut couldn’t be any easier. You can trigger it with the press of a button or just by asking Siri to run it. There are three ways you can use a shortcut:

• Open the Shortcuts app and then tap the shortcut.
• Ask Siri to “Run [shortcut name].”
• Add the Shortcut widget the Today view. (From your Home screen, swipe all the way to the left, where you’ll be able to tap on your shortcuts.)

How to add iOS shortcuts to your Home screen

If you find yourself frequently using one or two shortcuts, you can always add them directly to your Home screen by following these steps:

1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap My Shortcuts.
2. Tap the ellipses next to the shortcut you want to add to your Home screen.
3. Tap Add to Home Screen > Add.

iPhone shortcuts you’ll love as a photographer

While shortcuts can help you use your iPhone more efficiently in general, the following are shortcuts that every iPhone photographer will love.

1. Share a Portrait Photo

You can take absolutely stunning pictures with Portrait mode on your iPhone, and this shortcut does exactly what its name promises. It shows you only your Portrait photos so you can quickly share them with other people.

2. Post Live Photo to Instagram

This shortcut converts your latest Live Photo to a video and automatically imports it to Instagram. So, all you have to do is write a caption and hit Post.

3. Convert Burst to GIF

If you’ve ever taken a photo burst with your iPhone camera and wished you could stitch it together into a GIF, then this is one shortcut you need to use. When you run it, you can choose from all of your photo bursts and then save the resulting GIF to your Camera Roll or share it.

4. Time Machine

The name of this shortcut is a little misleading. While it might sound like it’s related to Apple’s backup tool, this one actually shows you pictures from your past, making it a proverbial time machine. Anytime you run this shortcut, it will bring up all the pictures you took exactly one year prior.

5. Text Last Image

This shortcut may self-explanatory, but don’t underestimate its usefulness. When you run it, it adds the last picture you took to a text message, and all you need to do is address the text to someone. While it isn’t one of the flashier shortcuts — like converting photos to GIFs or posting to Instagram — remember that shortcuts are all about being smarter with how you use your iPhone. So, instead of going into your Photos app to share the pic, you can just say, “Siri, text last image.” Or, if you have this shortcut added to your Home screen, just tap the icon.

6. Upload Last Photo

If you don’t want to text your most recent picture but, rather, to share it online, you can use this shortcut to upload your photo to Dropbox and copy the link. You’re then free to email the Dropbox link or send it in a message on an app like Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp. (This shortcut does require that you have the Dropbox app downloaded on your phone.)

You can already do so much with your iPhone’s camera and the Photos app. But you can do even more when you pair them with the Shortcuts app. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of iOS shortcuts and inspired you to try a few of your own.

The post The 6 best iOS shortcuts for iPhone photography and videography appeared first on Backlight.

Here’s what you need to know about the golden hour so that you can take advantage of warm, glowing light to create stunning photos.

What is the golden hour in photography?

The golden hour is the period just after the sun rises and before the sun sets. This is when you can expect a softer light with highlights of orange and red hues, as opposed to midday light, which can be harsh and unforgiving. Warm, golden-hour light is perfect for many different types of photography, including landscapes, cityscapes, macro photography, and portraits. 

When is the golden hour?

The golden hour isn’t exactly an hour — the timeframe for that beautiful light depends on your geographical location. The closer you live to the equator, the shorter your golden “hour” will be. If you want to take advantage of golden-hour lighting, schedule your photoshoots near sunrise or sunset with plenty of extra time to find a good location and set up your shot.

Golden hour calculator apps for iPhone

If you want to know exactly when to take advantage of the golden hour in your area, try an app. Free apps will work if you want a simple sun tracker that will help you choose the right time to go outside for a photoshoot. Premium versions of the apps below will add weather tracking, moon cycles, and accurate location tracking. Here are a few good ones that we recommend.

Alpenglow: Golden hour app that predicts the quality of the sunset

Alpenglow is a free app that gives you sunset and sunrise times and the golden-hour time frame but also predicts the quality of the sunset for your exact location for today and tomorrow. You can set notifications to alert you up to two hours before the golden hour so you never miss a shot. If you want to predict the reliability of visible sunrises and sunsets further in the future, you can purchase Alpenglow Pro.

Alpenglow on the App Store

Magic Hour: A free app for planning golden hour photoshoots

Magic Hour is a free app that pulls up the sun, moon, and weather information based on your iPhone’s GPS. All the information you need to plan your golden hour photography session can be accessed on a single screen that you can scroll through. 

The first thing you see when you open Magic Hour is a large countdown clock telling you how many hours and minutes remain until the golden hour begins. You can also see the position of the sun, the time the sun will set and rise, the current weather forecast, and the time of the moonrise and the moonset. 

The free version of Magic Hour gives you lots of information for your current location, but you won’t be able to look up information on other locations unless you pay for the premium version.

Magic Hour on the App Store

Solarwatch: A beautiful visual for predicting the golden hour

While Solarwatch provides the same information as the other apps mentioned here, it gets extra points for its beautiful graphics and its ability to predict temperature and weather patterns in your location. 

Solarwatch gives you information on sunrise and sunset times, civil and nautical twilight, and length of day for more accurate predictions. You can also change the location to view sunrise and sunset times for different parts of the world. Finally, Solarwatch allows you to view the shortest and longest days of the year for your location. The premium version of Solarwatch shows you the path of the sun and gives you the true sunrise and sunset based on your altitude and terrain. 

Solarwatch on the App Store

How the golden hour improves your iPhone photos

Using the golden hour is an easy way to take better photos without changing anything about your technique. All you have to do is adjust the time of day that you get outside with your camera. Here’s why the golden hour allows you to take better photos.

Shadows during golden hour are softer

Harsh shadows with distinct lines are common when the sun is high in the sky. If you don’t pay attention to these shadows when shooting, they can totally ruin your shot. During the golden hour, the shadows are softer and longer, and the contrast is less pronounced, allowing your camera to capture more depth and dimension in your photos

Blue light is filtered out

The atmosphere filters sunlight during the golden hour when the sun is lower in the sky. Hues of red and orange are highlighted, and harsher blue light is filtered out. This effect creates the warm glow that makes golden-hour photographs so inviting. 

Your photo will be more evenly exposed

As the sun sinks toward or rises above the horizon, the light becomes diffused with reduced intensity. In addition to softer contrasts, your photo will be blessed with shadows and highlights that are more evenly exposed. This magical effect will allow you to get by with very little editing.

Tips for golden hour photography

Are you ready to make the most of the golden hour to take better photos? Here are a few tips that will allow you to use that beautiful warm light to your advantage. 

1. Plan your golden hour photoshoot in advance

The golden hour may not be exactly an hour, but it certainly goes by fast when you’re taking photos. In preparation for your golden hour photoshoot, plan exactly where you’re going and what equipment you will be using. This way, you don’t waste valuable time trying to find the right spot or the right gear. Use one of the apps mentioned above to time your shoot, and be sure to arrive early to take in your scene and prepare without rushing.

2. Try lighting your subject from the side

When capturing a portrait or another strong focal subject, try positioning your camera so that the sun is hitting your subject from the side. This is one of the most striking golden hour positions for portraits because much of the subject’s face is washed in a warm glow, while part of the face is within a soft shadow. A similar effect can be achieved with architecture, trees, or other prominent landscape features.

3. Be prepared for cloudy days

Clouds will change the entire look of your photos. Sometimes clouds will further diffuse the light, making for some really interesting effects, but they can often block out the light entirely, making your golden hour photoshoot a total wash. Check the local weather report before planning your outing, and if the clouds don’t cooperate, simply modify your plan and hope for the best.

4. The morning golden hour is better for landscapes

Want to capture wild landscapes or nature scenes without crowds of people? Set your alarm for a morning golden hour photoshoot. Plenty of photographers venture out every day to capture the sunset, but far fewer are early risers. Head out with your camera during the early morning hours, while everyone else is still sleeping or getting ready for work. Morning lighting is especially effective when you are trying to capture a clean image without a lot of traffic or distractions.

5. Use a tripod when capturing the golden hour

Using a tripod during your photoshoot will ensure that your images are crisp and clear. Golden-hour light is always changing, and at some point during your photoshoot, you will be using your camera in low-light conditions. To avoid camera shake during this critical time frame, set your phone or camera up on a tripod and use a remote shutter to take your photos.

Are you ready to do a little “light stalking”? The more you prioritize the golden hour in photography, the more you will appreciate it, allowing you to use it to your advantage.

The post How to use the golden hour for stunning iPhone photography appeared first on Backlight.

What is the best iPhone to buy in 2020?

It’s no secret that iPhones have incredible cameras that take both gorgeous pictures and videos. So, to help you figure out which model will work best for you in 2020, the iPhones you’ll read about in this article include:

• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone SE (2nd Generation)

The ultimate iPhone for photos: iPhone 11 Pro

There’s no denying that the best model to step up your iPhone photography in 2020 is iPhone 11 Pro. With three cameras, iPhone 11 Pro lets you seamlessly switch between the Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lens to capture the perfect image. The 12-megapixel camera is equipped with improved features like Smart HDR and new ones like Night mode to take stunning pictures even in low-light conditions.

The best iPhone for video in 2020: iPhone 11 Pro Max

As far as recording incredible videos, the best iPhone in 2020 is iPhone 11 Pro Max. Just like iPhone 11 Pro, it has a 12-megapixel camera with three lenses, but the Pro Max model has a massive 6.5-inch screen. Not only does that help you see your videos better, but it also makes it easier to adjust or edit your videos directly on your phone.

The cheapest new iPhone for photography: iPhone SE (2020)

If you’re looking for the cheapest option to upgrade your iPhone but still want to make sure you’re getting a great camera, look no further than iPhone SE. While it only has the one wide-angle camera, the second-generation iPhone SE is still a considerable upgrade. It has improved features like Smart HDR and is capable of both Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting. If your primary concern is finding a budget-friendly option, then iPhone SE — at almost half the price of iPhone 11 — is the clear winner.

The best iPhone for the money: iPhone 11 

Maybe you don’t mind spending a little more to get a great iPhone but don’t feel the need to splurge for iPhone 11 Pro Max. If that’s the case, then the best phone for your money is iPhone 11. It’s a step up from iPhone SE and has two lenses: Ultra Wide and Wide. And even though it doesn’t have the Telephoto lens, it actually has a bigger screen than iPhone 11 Pro and all the same great features, including Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR, and Night mode.

The iPhone with the best battery life: iPhone 11 Pro

If you like to travel or hike, or you simply find yourself outside of the house for long periods of time, then you’re going to want the iPhone with the best battery life. There’s nothing worse than trying to take pictures or record videos, only for your phone to die because you ran out of battery. The iPhone with the best battery performance is iPhone 11 Pro, partly because it has a smaller 5.8-inch screen and also because it has a slightly bigger battery than iPhone 11, allowing it to hold a longer charge.

What’s the best time to buy an iPhone?

In the past, Apple has announced its slate of new iPhones in September, aiming for release in October or early November. So, if you want to maximize the time you have with a new iPhone before Apple decides to release a new one, it’s best to purchase your phone toward the end of the year. 

There’s no shortage of great iPhone cameras, and with Apple improving them every year, they’re only getting better and better. When it comes to choosing the right model, it depends on what you’re looking for in both a phone and a camera. Hopefully, this article will help you figure out which iPhone will be the best for you to upgrade to, and help you kick your iPhone photography up a notch.

The post Which iPhone should I get? Best iPhones for photography in 2020 appeared first on Backlight.

Armed with your iPhone, some patience, and a bit of creativity, you can easily make a time-lapse video of your own. This guide will help you get started with creating beautiful and easy time-lapses. 

Understanding time-lapse on iPhone

Using your iPhone to capture a time-lapse video is made simple through Time-lapse mode in your Camera app. This feature allows your phone to automatically shoot 1–2 frames per second for as long as you want, making it easier than ever to capture unique time-lapse videos with the tap of a button. 

What is time-lapse, and what does the name mean?

Time-lapse is a popular photographic technique used to speed up the perception of time. By recording a series of photographs depicting a scene that usually changes slowly over time and then speeding up the playback, you can make the action appear to occur unnaturally quickly.

How time-lapse works on iPhone

Unlike shooting a time-lapse with a traditional camera, shooting with an iPhone means that all the preparation is done for you behind the scenes. When you choose Time-lapse mode on your iPhone, it will automatically shoot your scene at 1–2 frames per second, depending on how long you choose to shoot for. 

Most time-lapse recordings on iPhone play back in 20–40 seconds, regardless of how long you shoot. That’s because the longer you record, the fewer frames will be captured each second, and the more dramatic the final effect will be. 

How much faster is time-lapse?

Your time-lapse video will play back at 30 frames per second, and the final speed will depend on how much footage you’ve captured with your iPhone. If you’ve recorded for less than 10 minutes, the iPhone Camera app will capture 2 frames per second. When played back, this results in a final video that is 15x normal speed. 

If you record more than 10 minutes of footage using the Time-lapse feature, your iPhone will discard half of the frames you’ve already captured in order to keep the video short. Your final video will now be 30x normal speed. The more footage you shoot, the more your frame rate will drop, and the faster your final video will become. 

Shooting time-lapse photography

Now for the fun part — getting out and shooting your own time-lapse videos with your iPhone. You’ll find that the Time-lapse feature in the Camera app is quite intuitive to use. The more you create, the better your time-lapse videos will become. Here’s an overview of how to use your iPhone for time-lapse photography, as well as some tips for making your time-lapses stand out.

How to use the Time-lapse feature

1. Open your Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll through the shooting options right above the shutter button and tap Time-lapse.
3. When you are ready to record, tap the red record button. 
4. Tap the red record button again when you want to stop recording. 
5. Your time-lapse video will be saved to your Photo library under Recents and Time-lapse.

How to shoot a better-quality time-lapse video

Time-lapse videos work best when you are shooting a slow-moving scene, like the change from day to night or a flower opening up to the sun. You can also get creative with your time-lapse videos by shooting street scenes with crowds of people, traffic at a busy intersection, or a DIY project at home. No matter what you choose as your subject matter for your next time-lapse, here are some tips to make it better:

• Always use a tripod. The key to an awesome time-lapse is capturing movement in several frames from the same spot, and the easiest way to do this is with a tripod and a remote shutter.
• Use AF/AE Lock. You want the focus and exposure to be the same for every frame in your time-lapse, so be sure to hold your finger down on the screen and lock the exposure and focus before shooting. 
• Shoot with a full battery. Not surprisingly, shooting a long recording like a time-lapse will require a lot of juice, and you don’t want your iPhone to die before you finish. Make sure your battery is fully charged before starting your time-lapse project.

Fresh ideas for a time-lapse video

Classic time-lapse videos include the setting sun and clouds zooming overhead, but that’s just the beginning. Once you get those creative juices flowing, you’ll find that inspiration for time-lapse videos are everyone. Here are a few ideas:

1. An urban street scene. Find an interesting vantage point where you can capture a busy part of your town or city. Shoot for at least 30 minutes and see what your camera comes up with. Try shooting the same scene at different times of the day.
2. The tides going in and out. Ocean tides go in and out twice a day at a cycle that is roughly 12 hours long, which means you can capture the time between high and low tide in about 6 hours. Look for a spot that will enable you to capture wildlife (crabs, birds, and insects), as well as the waves going in and out.
3. A fun art project. Seeing a work of art transform before your eyes can make for a mesmerizing time-lapse video. Set your camera up on a tripod aimed at a blank piece of paper and capture one or two frames per second as you sketch, draw, or paint.
4. A DIY or construction project. Whether you’re baking a new recipe or remodeling your bathroom, this process can be captured as a from start to finish. Find a good vantage point where your phone won’t be in the way, set it up, and get to work on your project. (This is a great one to share with other DIYers for inspiration.)

Editing a time-lapse video on iPhone

Shooting footage for your time-lapse video is only half the process — and only half the fun. Now you can do some editing to make your time-lapse really stand out. Basic edits can be made right within the Photos app, but some editing, like changing the speed of a time-lapse, will have to be done through a third-party app.

How to change the speed of a time-lapse video on iPhone

If your finished time-lapse video plays too fast or too slow and you want to change it, you’ll have to use a third-party app like Lapse It. To make your time-lapse play over a longer time frame, the Lapse It editor will simply add in duplicate frames to stretch out the footage. Or, to make a video shorter, the editor will shorten the frame rate. Here’s how to use Lapse It:

1. Download the Lapse It app and open it on your iPhone.
2. Tap import at the top of the screen and give the app permission to access your photos.
3. Tap the videos and/or photos you want to edit. If you select more than one, they will all be added to the app.
4. Use the minute and second indicator to set the time frame for your video. If you set it for longer than the original, new frames will be added. If you set it for shorter than the original, the frame rate will be reduced. 
5. Tap the play button on your video to play it back. 
6. When you’re finished changing the speed of your time-lapse video, tap export to save your new video to your Photos.

How to trim and crop a time-lapse video

You can trim or crop your time-lapse video on iPhone using your Photos app in the same way that you would crop any video. When trimming a video using the Photos app, you can only make the video shorter by trimming the ends. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your time-lapse in Photos and tap Edit.
2. Slide your finger along the timeline at the bottom of the screen until a yellow box appears.
3. Use your finger to slide the arrows on either side of the timeline to trim parts from the beginning or end of your video.
4. Tap Done and choose either Save Video or Save Video as New Clip.

Here’s how to crop a video using Photos:

1. Open your time-lapse video in Photos and tap Edit.
2. Tap the crop icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. A white outline will appear around your time-lapse photo. You can drag the edges of the outline to adjust the size and orientation of your time-lapse.
4. You can use the features at the bottom of the screen to adjust your horizon line, as well as change the vertical and horizontal proportion. Simply choose the icon and slide your finger along the bottom to make your adjustments.

How to add a filter to a time-lapse video

There are several color and black/white filters you can choose from when using the Photos app. Here’s how to apply a filter to your time-lapse video:

1. Choose the video you want to add a filter to and tap Edit.
2. Tap the filter icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Use the slider to choose one of nine filters. Keep in mind that the filter will be applied to the whole video, and there is no way to adjust the strength of the filter.
4. When you find one you’re happy with, tap Done.
5. The changes will be applied to your time-lapse video. 

The Time-lapse shooting mode on your iPhone is a fun tool to experiment with, allowing you to create fun videos and stop-animation at the press of a button. It’s an addictive photography tool, and once you start, you’ll be hooked on making time-lapse videos.

The post How to make an original time-lapse video with your iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

How slow motion works on iPhone

When you shoot a slow-motion video on your iPhone, you are actually playing back the video at a slower frame rate, creating the illusion that your video is moving more slowly than real life. You can use the Slo-mo feature to shoot cool nature scenes, sports footage, and intense action shots.

Slo-mo is a standard feature on iPhone camera models starting with the iPhone 5S. To access Slo-mo on iPhone, just open the Camera app and scroll through the menu above the shutter button. Tap Slo-mo, and you’re ready to go!

How slow is an iPhone slow-motion video?

The normal viewing speed on an iPhone is 60 frames per second (FPS). If you want to shoot a slow-motion video, you actually need to shoot it at a higher frame rate so that more footage is captured. When high-frame-rate footage is slowed down, it appears to be in slow motion.

All iPhone models with Slo-mo capability will record videos at 120 FPS, which is one-half normal speed. Newer models (iPhone 8 and newer) that are powered by the A11 Bionic chip can record Slo-mo videos at 240 FPS, which, when played back, will play at one-quarter normal speed.

Shooting slow motion with iPhone Camera

Now that we’ve gotten the details out of the way, let’s try some shooting techniques and tips to create cool slow-motion videos. Once you start experimenting, you won’t want to stop.

How to adjust Slo-mo settings on iPhone

Before we get started with making videos, let’s check out the settings on your iPhone. The FPS and the quality of your video will depend on the iPhone model you’re shooting with. You can adjust your Slo-mo settings to the highest quality for the best results, but be prepared — these amazing videos will gobble up a fair amount of storage on your phone. Here’s how to change your slow motion settings on iPhone:

1. Open your Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Tap Record Slo-mo.
4. Choose the highest frame rate for the best results — just remember that this will take up more room on your phone.

How to shoot a slow-motion video with your iPhone

Now comes the fun part. Here are the basics for shooting slow-motion videos with your iPhone:

1. Navigate to your iPhone’s Camera app.
2. Scroll through the shooting modes above the shutter button and tap Slo-mo to turn on the slow motion feature. (Unless you have an iPhone 11, you can only use Slo-mo with your iPhone’s rear camera.)
3. When you’re ready to shoot your film, tap the red Record button or one of your side volume buttons.
4. Tap again to stop filming. 
5. Your slow-motion video will be saved in your photo library.

How to make your slow-motion video stand out

You may have mastered the basics and practiced a few slow-motion shots of your kids playing in the sprinkler or your dog running through the woods, but if you want your Slo-mo videos to really stand out, you’ll have to get creative. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Change your camera angle. For greater impact, look for camera angles that will highlight the action. Shooting a flying snowball? Try to capture it whizzing toward the camera. Filming your latest skateboard maneuver? Set your camera low to the ground for a worm’s-eye view of the road and wheels.
• Consider the video sound. When you slow down the playback speed, keep in mind that the sound will also play back at a slower speed.
• Shoot in bright light. Because you are recording your video at a higher frame rate than normal, it’s important to ensure that you have sufficient light. A video that is shot in dim lighting will appear even darker.

How to edit a slow-motion video

Once you’ve created some decent slow-motion footage, you can make edits to make your videos really stand out — change the speed of your video, crop it, trim it, or adjust the look with filters. The sky’s the limit here.

Can you change Slo-mo to regular speed?

Uh-oh. You shot what you thought would be an amazing slow-motion video of your friend’s stellar dance moves, but the results just aren’t flattering. Fortunately, you can easily turn your slow-motion video into a normal-speed video with a few taps of the screen. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your Photos app, open the Slo-mo video that you want to change, and tap Edit.
2. At the bottom of the screen, you will see two sliders. The first shows the frames within your video. The second shows where your video changes from regular speed to slow motion.
3. Drag the vertical white line across the second slider so that all the lines are the same width apart. This will change the Slo-mo parts to regular speed.
4. If you want to change just a portion of your video to regular speed, adjust the slider in either direction to make those sections regular speed.
5. When you’re satisfied with the results, tap Done.

How to speed up a slow-motion video

If you want to speed your movie up even faster than normal speed, you will need to use iMovie, which is free to download in the App Store. Here’s how to speed up your slow-motion video using iMovie:

1. Open iMovie on your iPhone.
2. Tap Continue in the welcome screen.
3. Tap + to start a new project and tap Movie.
4. Choose the slow-motion video that you want to edit and tap Create Movie at the bottom of the screen.
5. Tap the video to make the editing tools appear.
6. Tap the speedometer icon to speed up your video.
7. A slider will appear with a turtle on one end and a rabbit on the other. Sliding this all the way toward the rabbit will make your video play at 2 times normal speed.
8. Tap the play button to check your results.
9. Tap Done at the top of the screen.

How to slow down your video

You can slow down your Slo-mo video the same way you sped it up using iMovie. Simply follow the same directions, but move the slider toward the turtle instead of the rabbit to reduce the speed of your video.

How to trim, crop, and straighten your slow-motion video

Your iPhone’s Photo app has some basic editing tools that you can use to fix up your slow-motion videos. With these tools, you can easily trim, crop, and straighten your videos. Here’s how to do it.

1. First, open up the slow-motion video that you want to edit and tap Edit.
2. To trim the video, move the arrows at either end of the timeline slider toward the middle. You can trim the beginning or end of your video to make it shorter.
3. To straighten your video, tap the crop icon. The straighten feature is accessed by tapping the circle with the horizontal line through it. Now move the slider to straighten your video.
4. You can crop your video by tapping the crop icon and dragging the borders of your video to crop it to the desired size.
5. Tap Done.

How to adjust exposure, contrast, and color for a Slo-mo video

The iPhone Photos app can also change the appearance of your slow-motion video by adjusting the exposure, contrast, and color with individual sliders or ready-to-go filters. Here’s how to access these fun editing tools in Photos:

1. Choose the video you want to edit in Photos and tap Edit.
2. Tap the edit icon, which looks like a circle surrounded by small dots.
3. Above the slider are a variety of icons that will change the look of your video.
4. The exposure icon is a circle with a +/- inside it. Tap this and then drag the slider to increase or decrease the exposure.
5. The contrast slider can be accessed by tapping the contrast icon, which looks like a black-and-white circle bisected in half. Move the slider back and forth to adjust.
6. To up the saturation, tap the saturation icon (a colorful circle) and adjust the slider to achieve your desired color saturation.
7. If you want to add a filter to your video, tap the filter icon (three interconnected circles) and scroll through the options to apply them to your video.
8. Tap Done.

Now that you know the basics, there’s nothing stopping you from creating stunning Slo-mo videos with your iPhone. Use our guide to get creative with this underrated feature!

The post How to make spectacular slow-motion videos on iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

Let’s take a look at some of the best selfie sticks on the market today. Then we’ll share some of our favorite tips for awesome, frame-worthy selfies.

The 5 best selfie sticks to buy

The selfie stick is a fabulous tool for iPhone photographers, Instagram influencers, and travelers, but which one should you buy? The following selfie sticks are the best of the best, receiving stellar reviews that make them stand out from the competition. 

1. SYOSIN Selfie Stick: Best all-around selfie stick

The SYOSIN Selfie Stick is the perfect photography companion for capturing any shot, no matter where your travels take you. As a selfie stick, the SYOSIN model extends from 7.64 inches to 27.6 inches and can be rotated for an endless array of shooting angles. Use the detachable Bluetooth remote for maximum convenience. As a tripod, the SYOSIN provides stability for group shots and long-distance selfies at multiple angles. This compact selfie stick fits easily into your pocket or purse and weighs just five ounces. 

SYOSIN Selfie Stick on Amazon

2. Mighty Selfie Stick: Best selfie stick for a long reach

For the most epic long-distance selfies imaginable, check out the Mighty Selfie Stick, which extends up to 10 feet long for unique angles. While not as compact as some of the other selfie sticks listed here, the Mighty Selfie Stick uses quick-tighten and quick-release interlocking sections that adjust down to 26 inches. A Bluetooth remote with a one-click connection is included for ease of use and comes with a separate mount for a GoPro camera or even a small digital camera. 

Mighty Selfie Stick on Amazon

3. BlitzWolf Selfie Stick: Selfie stick with a 20-hour battery life

The Anker Selfie Stick is compatible with a multitude of smartphone models, including the newest iPhones. It offers a durable design, a tripod base, a Bluetooth remote, and a stick that extends up to 26.77 inches. The battery will hold a charge for 24-plus hours of active use and three months on standby, giving you days of selfies without having to worry about recharging. The BlitzWolf Selfie Stick head can rotate a full 360 degrees so you’ll never miss the perfect angle.

BlitzWolf Selfie Stick on Amazon

4. Yoozon Selfie Stick: Tripod and selfie stick in one

Several selfie sticks on this list have built-in tripod availability, but the Yoozon Selfie Stick stands out for its rugged design and ease of transition between selfie stick and tripod. As a selfie stick, the Yoozon is adjustable between 7.9 and 26.6 inches. As a tripod, the Yoozon provides a sturdy base for group shots and long-distance selfies. It includes a Bluetooth remote, weighs just 7.2 ounces, and can be used with GoPro and action cameras. The head offers 360-degree rotation, and you can also switch between horizontal and vertical rotation quickly and easily. 

Yoozon Selfie Stick on Amazon

5. Quik Pod SPORT Selfie Stick: Best waterproof selfie stick

If you are prone to taking selfies while boating, kayaking, SUPing, or fishing, you may want to consider the Quik Pod SPORT, which offers waterproof protection and can even handle deep water pressure if you’re using it with a waterproof sport camera. The telescoping arm extends from 15.5 to 39 inches, and the Quik Pod also includes a sure-grip handle, waterproof lanyard, a built-in selfie mirror, and a Bluetooth remote. Even if you drop your Quik Pod SPORT, you’re covered because its buoyant design means it will always float to the surface.

Quik Pod SPORT Selfie Stick on Amazon

How to use a selfie stick for next-level selfies

If you just ordered your brand new selfie stick and are ready to start shooting, start here. If you’ve had your selfie stick for a while but need a refresher course, we’ve got some tips for you too. 

How does a selfie stick work? 

A selfie stick is used to extend the reach of your arm and the view from your phone’s camera. Most selfie sticks come with Bluetooth capability to easily connect to your smartphone, but there are wired models that can be attached to your phone using an auxiliary cable if Bluetooth isn’t an option. Simply attach your phone to the selfie stick using the included clamp. Make sure it is secure before extending it. You may have to adjust the angle before framing your shot with your iPhone’s Camera app. 

How to pair your selfie stick to your iPhone 

The first time you use your selfie stick with your iPhone, you will have to manually connect the two, but after the initial pairing, it should happen automatically. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn on your selfie stick or remote shutter. If you have a separate button for Bluetooth connectivity, turn that on too.
2. Now go to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Bluetooth.
3. You will see a list of all the Bluetooth devices your phone has previously connected to, as well as your selfie stick. Tap the name of your selfie stick and wait for it to connect.
4. Frame your shot and press the shutter button on your Bluetooth remote. 

Can you use a selfie stick without Bluetooth? 

Using a Bluetooth connection is the most reliable way to take a selfie, and since all smartphones come with Bluetooth functionality, you should have no problem framing the perfect selfie and snapping a few photos. 

If, for some reason, you’re unable to pair your selfie stick with your iPhone and you’ve found the perfect spot for a selfie, take heart and use plan B. You won’t have a lot of time to perfect your pose, but you can bypass the Bluetooth connection by setting your timer on the Camera app, framing your shot with your selfie stick, and holding your pose until the camera snaps a photo. 

How to take better selfies with a selfie stick 

The best way to take awesome selfies is to take a lot of them. The more you take, the more you’ll have to choose from when it comes to sharing or posting on social media. Want to ensure gorgeous selfies every time? Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect shot: 

• Avoid harsh light and deep shadows. Taking photos on a sunny day at high noon is bound to cause problems. For a flattering selfie shot, try to capture yourself during the early morning or late evening. Make sure your scene is uniformly lit, without deep shadow lines from buildings, trees, or other obstacles. 
• Go for a slight head tilt with your chin up. Tilting your head in different directions will give your image more interest and make you look younger. You should also tilt your chin up slightly to avoid the double chin effect.
• Look away from the camera. Add an air of mystery to your selfie by staring off into the distance. 
• Hold your selfie stick above your head. Want to look like a model in your selfies? Do what models do and position your selfie stick so that the bottom of your phone is at eye level, shooting downward toward your face. This is a very flattering angle for most people.

Ready to jump on the selfie bandwagon? Even if you only snap a few shots with your spouse or your kids now and then, you’ll find the selfie stick an invaluable and affordable tool that’s 100% worth having. 

The post The 5 best selfie sticks for iPhone and how to use them appeared first on Backlight.

In this article, we’ll do a deep dive on iPhone X’s front and rear cameras. You’ll see how it stacks up to some of its successors and if it’s still worth the price today.

The back camera on iPhone X

On paper, the specs of iPhone X’s back camera are very similar to the newer iPhone XS’s camera. It includes two lenses: a wide and a telephoto lens. In addition to the dual-camera system, iPhone X also came standard with features like Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and Auto HDR. All of which have only seen minor improvement in newer models.

Why does iPhone X have two cameras?

While phones with only one lens can still zoom in and out, they’re only able to do so with the help of a digital zoom. So rather than truly zooming in, your pictures are just scaled up to look like you zoomed in. But thanks to iPhone X’s dual-camera system, you have two focal points, meaning you can get a truly zoomed-in picture that is cleaner and crisper.

That being said, you don’t only have those two focal points on iPhone X. You can zoom in to any distance between the wide and telephoto lenses and even extend beyond using the iPhone’s digital zoom to get an image 10x closer from your wide-angle camera.

The iPhone X back camera: Megapixels and other specs

As mentioned earlier, the iPhone X camera shares a lot of the same specs with its successor, iPhone XS. Both models have the same 12-megapixel camera and the same aperture capabilities. iPhone X does reasonably well with photos taken in low light, despite not being capable of Night mode. And with Auto HDR, you typically get a well-balanced picture that isn’t overly saturated.

Here’s a list of specs and features for the rear camera:

• Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
• Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture
• Telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture
• Dual optical image stabilization
• 2x optical zoom in
• Digital zoom up to 10x
• True Tone flash with Slow Sync
• Portrait mode
• Portrait lighting
• Auto HDR for photos
• 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
• Slo-mo video for 1080p at 240 fps
• Time-lapse video with stabilization

The front camera on iPhone X

Prior iPhone models had what was called a FaceTime HD camera, but on iPhone X, the front camera was replaced with the new True Depth camera that is still used in current models. And since iPhone X was the first iPhone to introduce Face ID, a more powerful front-facing camera was a necessity. But the upgrades also brought features like Portrait mode for your selfies and the cartoony and fun Animoji and Memoji.

How many megapixels is the iPhone X front camera?

Like the rear camera, on paper, the front camera looks very similar to other iPhone models. It’s a 7-megapixel camera with a ƒ/2.2 aperture. Check out a full list of the specs and features that are available on iPhone X’s front camera:

• 7MP photos
• ƒ/2.2 aperture
• Retina Flash
• Auto HDR for photos
• Portrait mode
• Portrait lighting
• 1080p HD at 30 fps
• Animoji and Memoji

Is the iPhone X camera quality enough in 2020?

Looking at iPhone X, even by today’s standards, it’s still a great camera, especially if you’re upgrading from anything older than an iPhone 8. In fact, if you compare the cameras on both iPhone X and iPhone XS, you’ll only see very minor improvements between the two models. 

Where you see the biggest difference is comparing pictures from iPhone X to the current iPhone 11 Pro lineup. But that’s mostly due to the new model having a third lens on the rear camera. So, if you’re looking for an amazing camera at a great value, there’s no reason not to consider iPhone X, even in 2020.

Despite Apple only carrying the most current models of iPhone, opting to upgrade to an older model is a great way to still get an amazing phone at an even better price. This is especially true if you’re the type of person who just wants to shoot incredible pictures and doesn’t necessarily worry about having all the latest bells and whistles.

The post Does the iPhone X camera still make the cut? appeared first on Backlight.

If your selfie game is struggling, the good news is that you can easily fix it. Anyone can take a killer photo of themselves, so long as they have the right tools, poses, and camera settings in their back pocket. In this guide, we’ll go over important things like where to look, poses to try, and how to be more photogenic in your next selfie. 

How to find flattering selfie poses

The first thing you need to master when it comes to good selfies is the pose. There are a lot of good (and not so good) options out there, but the most important thing to look for is a pose that works for you. If you’re not comfortable striking it, then try something else. 

Where do I look when I take a selfie?

It goes without saying that you can pretty much look wherever you want. However, there is one tip that may result in a more flattering self-portrait. Instead of holding the camera directly in front of you and looking at it straight on — which can be a little awkward — try holding it slightly up and facing down towards your face. But don’t hold your phone too high. We’re not trying to recreate our early 2000s MySpace photos here. 

Holding the camera slightly up will force you to look slightly upwards. We find that this is generally a more flattering look. 

What are the best selfie angles?

The best angle for a selfie is the one that makes you feel most comfortable with your unique look. That said, the only way to figure that part out is to try a bunch of angles for yourself and see which ones you like. 

Here are a couple of selfie angles you can try: 

• Pointing your chin slightly down and looking up at the camera
• Turning your face slightly to one side
• Laying down and putting the camera directly above your face
• Looking straight on at the camera but slightly elevating the arm that’s holding your iPhone 
• Pointing the camera upward and looking down at it with your chin extended out slightly 

Selfie poses you should try

The second most pressing matter to get the hang of is selfie poses. Now, there are all sorts of different things you can do. 

Here are some interesting poses you’ll likely see while doing a quick scroll on Instagram: 

• iPhone directly in front of the face 
• Face cradled in one hand 
• Hand in hair
• Side angle 
• Hand blocking sun 
• Leaning against a window

If you’re in a pinch for selfie pose ideas, the absolute best thing you can do is scroll through the top posts section of the #selfie page on Instagram. There’s tons of inspiration there, so don’t be afraid to play around with your camera and experiment with different poses. You never know what you might come up with. 

How to get the best selfie light

Now that you’ve got your eye direction, angles, and poses down, it’s time we discussed the one thing that can make or break a selfie: good lighting. 

Tip 1: Take advantage of natural light when you can 

Good news: the most flattering and all-around best lighting you can find is totally free and accessible to pretty much everyone. Natural lighting should always be your first choice when taking a selfie. And while simply being outside in the sun will work, there are certain times of day where the light hits better. 

Coined by professional photographers as the “golden hour,” the sun’s natural lighting is often the best for photos during the hour right after the sun rises and the hour right before it sets. So if you have the privilege of scheduling your selfies, try having your photoshoot during that magical, 60-minute period. 

Tip 2: Face the source of your light

Whether you’re outside in the sunlight or using the lamp in your living room, in order to take the best kind of selfie, you need to be facing the source of the light. And if you can, try to position your face so that the light is toward your nose. 

This will not only keep the subject of the photo, you, in the brightest and most visible position, but it will also provide flattering shadows and highlights to your face. 

Tip 3: Keep your lighting at eye level

If you want the most flattering lighting for your face — outside of the sun’s golden hour — then you’ll want to keep your light source at eye level. When the light is hitting above your eyes, it can create dark circles, and lighting from below can cast strange, not-so-flattering shadows on your face. 

Tip 4: Choose a background with a flattering color

Despite the fact that you are the sole star of your selfie, it’s crucial that you don’t ignore the background of your photo. While the area behind you should obviously be clean and clear of any embarrassing objects, the color of your background matters as well.

It’s best to utilize soft colors like white, light pink, gray, or tan, as these will reflect the light from your chosen source back onto your face. If you have a strong, vibrant background like blue or green, it might reflect a color onto your face that you’re not a fan of. 

Tip 5: Try a clip-on light 

If the idea of setting up a DIY lighting kit feels like a little too much, you can always purchase a simple lighting tool to enhance your photos. With over 2,000 reviews and four and a half stars, the Auxiwa Clip-on Selfie Ring Light is one of the top-rated selfie lights on Amazon. 

It’s $19.99, comes with a rechargeable battery, and is, without a doubt, the easiest-to-use tool to level-up your selfie game. 

How to take a better selfie with iPhone features

Poses, lighting, and angles can only get you so far. When it comes to mastering the art of the selfie, the most important thing you can do is figure out how to make the camera you’re using work for you. 

Try the back camera

Even though the front-facing camera was pretty much made for selfies, the back-facing camera can take self-portraits just as well. In fact, on many earlier models (such as the iPhone X), the back camera has a higher resolution than the front camera, so using it might result in a better selfie. 

The only caveat with using your back-facing camera is that it’s hard to know if your face is positioned in the best spot and if you’re looking in the right direction. 

Thankfully, the app SelfieX can fix all of that. Available for free in the App Store with in-app purchases, this app uses voice instructions to guide you in taking the perfect selfie with your back-facing camera. It directs you to guide your face right, left, up or down, and also allows you to make quick edits after you’ve snapped the perfect selfie. 

Flip the image in Photos 

Because so many of us are used to only seeing ourselves in the mirror, where our reflections are flipped, you might find that you look a little different when you take a selfie. Luckily, there’s a quick way to fix this and get the reflection you’re accustomed to seeing. All you have to do is flip the image after you’ve taken it. 

Here’s how to flip an image: 

1. Open your Camera Roll. 
2. Navigate to the selfie you wish to flip. 
3. Tap Edit at the top-right of the screen. 
4. Next, tap the crop and flip tool at the bottom-right of the screen next to the Done option. 
5. Then press the horizontal flip button at the top-left of the screen. 
6. Press Done. 

Use Portrait mode

One of the best iPhone features you can use to take a high-quality, professional selfie is to use the Camera’s Portrait mode. Released back in 2016, Portrait mode is a setting on your camera that blurs the background and brings a single subject into focus. And when that subject is you, the photos turn out stunning. 

Here’s how to access Portrait mode: 

1. Open your Camera. 
2. Scroll left to Portrait mode.
3. Take your selfie. 

Portrait mode works on both the front-facing and back-facing cameras. However, only iPhone Plus 7 models and newer have this feature. It’s not available on older devices. 

Use iPhone Camera timer

The ultimate selfie secret, however, has nothing to do with a pose or an angle. The best way to take great selfies is to use your camera’s automatic timer. 

With options for a 3- or 10-second delay, you can back up just enough to keep that killer pose while losing the sometimes awkward selfie arm. 

As frustrating as they sometimes can be, selfies are a fun way to break up your feed and show off your personality. While these tips and tricks will hopefully make you more confident in front of the camera, remember, you can always add a filter. 

The post How to take the perfect selfie with your iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

Using an iPhone tripod also allows you to put yourself in photos using the timer function on your phone. Simply set your phone on a tripod, set the timer, and tap the shutter. 

The iPhone tripods we recommend 

There are many iPhone tripods available with different features and at different price points. So we thought it would be helpful to recommend some tried-and-tested models. These are the best iPhone tripods for every type of shooting situation. 

1. UBeesize Phone Tripod
2. Kenu Stance
3. Fugetek Selfie Stick & Tripod
4. Joby GorillaPod Pro
5. Fotopro Tripod

UBeesize: Most affordable iPhone tripod

You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a decent iPhone tripod that will keep your camera safe while taking photos. The UBeesize phone tripod is designed to be stable on any surface, with bendable legs and no-slip feet. As a bonus, the UBeesize tripod comes with a wireless remote. That allows you to snap photos from up to 30 feet away, which is great for group shots or wide-angle captures. Every UBeesize iPhone tripod comes with a lifetime service guarantee.

UBeesize tripod on Amazon

Kenu Stance iPhone tripod: Best lightweight iPhone tripod for travel

Weighing just 1.2 ounces, the Kenu Stance is a micro iPhone tripod that is perfect for times when you need something compact. This tiny tripod is smaller than a pack of gum and fits on your keyring, so it’s always handy when you need it. 

The Kenu Stance connects directly to your iPhone’s lightning port. It can be tilted and rotated freely so you can find the perfect angle. Premium zinc-alloy construction and no-slip feet mean that your iPhone will remain secure and stable no matter where you take it.

Kenu Stance on Amazon

Fugetek Selfie Stick & Tripod: Best tripod/selfie stick combo

The Fugetek Selfie Stick & Tripod is made from heavy-duty aluminum. It includes a Bluetooth remote for Android devices and iPhone alike. As a selfie stick, the Fugetek extends 51 inches so you can find the best possible angle. A non-slip handle ensures a good grip in every situation. As a tripod, the Fugetek is stable and reliable, with no-skid feet. 

The Fugetek Selfie Stick & Tripod comes with a remote shutter, along with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 300 hours on a single charge. It collapses down to 19 inches for easy storage.

Fugetek Selfie Stick & Tripod on Amazon

Joby GorillaPod Pro: Most rugged iPhone tripod

If you’re looking for something rugged that will keep your iPhone safe in extreme situations, look no further than the Joby GorillaPod Pro. This small tripod fits all iPhone models with or without a case and is built with durable ABS plastic and TPE grip pads. Adjustable, bendable legs provide a secure hold from all kinds of positions, including wrapped around tree limbs or furniture. The Joby GorillaPod Pro is quite compact and suitable for travel, backpacking, and other adventures where space is at a premium.

Joby GorillaPod Pro on Amazon

Fotopro Tripod: Best iPhone tripod for shooting videos

The 48-inch tall Fotopro Tripod works with your iPhone or your camera for incredible flexibility. The 360-degree smartphone tripod features a three-way pan head with an easily adjustable handle. Thanks to that, you can quickly follow your subject and change positions without introducing camera shake. 

Height is adjustable from 15 inches to 47 inches. And non-slip rubber feet provide stability in a variety of shooting conditions. The Fotopro tripod comes with a quick-release plate for attaching a camera, as well as a phone mount and a Bluetooth remote shutter.

Fotopro Tripod in Amazon

An iPhone tripod is a must-have accessory for every photographer, providing hands-free stability for many types of shooting situations. No matter what type of photography you practice, these iPhone camera stands are perfect for taking clear shots from every angle.

The post The best iPhone tripods for any photography purpose appeared first on Backlight.

Editing software, artistic filters, and retouching apps can help elevate any photo you capture. But there’s one simple, free tool that’s often overlooked in the Instagram photography community: the self-timer. 

Built directly into your iPhone, this simple feature can help you create stunning photos that will level up your profile and put your content in the same bracket as the pros. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about using your camera’s self-timer — no additional downloads required. 

How to set a timer on iPhone camera

Whether you’re jumping last-minute into a group photo or trying to capture the perfect picture of your outfit before heading out, the self-timer feature on your iPhone’s camera is a great tool to understand how to use. And the first step in doing that is to figure out how to set it up.

Here’s how to set up your iPhone camera’s self-timer: 

1. Open your Camera app. 
2. Press the clock button at the top of the screen. 
3. Select the timer option you wish to use. Your options are 3 seconds, 10 seconds, or to turn the camera off. 
4. Take your photo by pressing the release button at the bottom-center of the screen.

Following these simple steps will help you set up your self-timer for all of your future photos. It’s also good to note that the self-timer is available for both the front and rear cameras. 

Can I turn off burst mode when using the self-timer on iPhone?

The default setting for using the self-timer is for the camera to take photos in burst mode, which means that multiple photos are captured in quick succession. But you can turn off burst mode when using the self-timer on your iPhone.

Some people like having burst photos to choose from, and some people don’t. Either way, it’s useful to know how to turn burst mode on and off while using your self-timer. If you want to turn it off, you must turn on the Live photo option or Portrait mode.

Here’s how to turn on Live photos: 

1. Open your Camera app. 
2. Press the clock button at the top of the screen. 
3. Select the timer option you wish to use. 
4. Press the Live option button, which is located at the top of the screen next to the clock button, to turn it on or off. 
5. Take your photo. 

To turn on Portrait mode, just scroll to Portrait at the bottom of your screen and then take the photo like you normally would.

How you can improve your photos with iPhone camera timer

Now that you know the ins and outs of your iPhone camera’s self-timer, it’s time to learn how to use it to take incredible, professionally polished photos for your Instagram. While there are tons of tips and tricks out there, we’ve rounded up our favorites for you to try today. 

Take selfies without your arm in the frame

Perhaps one of the easiest and most effective ways to use your self-timer is to capture a classic selfie — without the classic selfie-arm. Thousands of photographers and Instagram influencers have mastered this art, and now it’s your turn. 

Ideally, you want to have something to set your camera up with. While you could lean it against a wall or some books, the best way to get self-portraits like a pro is to use a stand or tripod. The Lamicall Phone Stand is adjustable so you can capture your best angles, and the UBeesize 51″ Extendable Tripod Stand comes with a Bluetooth remote. 

Once you have your iPhone secure, do the following: 

1. Open the Camera app. 
2. Position your iPhone to face a neutral background and position yourself toward your light source.
3. Select the 10-second timer so you can give yourself enough time to get into position.  
4. Turn Live mode off so burst mode is activated and you get more photo options. 
5. Press the shutter button. 

There are tons of positions, angles, and poses you can experiment with to take creative self-portraits, so play around and have fun with it. 

Reduce blur in Night mode photos

If you’ve ever tried to take a photo in the dark, you know how difficult that can be. Blurry, shaky photos are often the result because there isn’t enough light to stabilize the frame, even with iPhone’s newest Night mode feature. 

However, your self-timer can help reduce the blur of your nighttime photoshoots because you won’t be holding the camera. Once again, so long as you have a way to secure your iPhone, your nighttime photos should come out just as crisp and clear as your daytime shots. 

Luckily, iPhone’s Night mode turns on automatically, so all you have to do is set up your iPhone, turn on your self-timer, and make sure to follow these other tips: 

• Only shoot still subjects. People or objects that are moving are already hard enough to capture during the day. At night, they’re even harder to capture and will likely result in a blurry image. 
• Reduce the exposure on your camera before you take a picture. To avoid that grainy overlay on your photos, tap the part of the image you want to remain dark and crisp. When the set focus box comes up, swipe down to make the area of the image darker.
• Choose a well-lit area. Night mode doesn’t work in the total pitch black. The best evening photos are taken in places that have at least one available source of light. Another good trick is to surround the well-lit area you’re placing your subject in with very dark negative space. 
• Shoot in black and white. If you have bright lights and dark shadows in your picture but not a lot of vibrant colors, shooting in black and white can make the image look clearer and more professional. 

Whether you’re capturing your entire extended family after a holiday meal or shooting a creative nighttime portrait, we hope these self-timer tips will help you upgrade and improve your iPhone photography skills. 

The post How iPhone camera timer can help you take better photos appeared first on Backlight.

The 7 best iPhone lenses for your arsenal 

No matter which iPhone you’re currently using, you’ll find a variety of external lenses for every purpose, from macro photography to landscape and wildlife photography. Here are the best iPhone camera lenses to meet your photography needs: 

1. Entry-level iPhone lens: Aukey Ora
2. iPhone lens kit: Olloclip CORE Lens Set
3. Telephoto lens for iPhone: Moment Tele 58mm
4. Macro lens for iPhone: Moment Macro Lens
5. Wide-angle lens for iPhone: Moment Wide Lens
6. Fisheye lens for iPhone: Moment 14mm Fisheye Lens
7. iPhone lens for 360-degree photos: Insta360 Nano

1. Aukey: Best budget iPhone lenses

Aukey iPhone lenses provide photographers with decent quality at an affordable price, making them perfect for novice photographers. These lenses use a clip-on mechanism to attach over the lens of your iPhone, so they are suitable for all models. The lenses are created with multiple-element coated glass to minimize reflections and aluminum alloy housing for longevity. 

Aukey currently makes several wide and ultra-wide iPhone lenses, as well as a few macro lenses. Their lenses come with a universal clip, a carrying case, and a cleaning cloth. 

Aukey lenses on Amazon

Olloclip CORE Lens Set: Best iPhone lens kit

Olloclip makes lenses to fit every model of iPhone, and while some are interchangeable, others are made specifically for certain models. The CORE Lens Set pictured is designed for the iPhone 7/7 Plus and iPhone 8/8 Plus and includes a fisheye, super-wide, and 15x macro lens. Lenses are created using multi-element coated glass, and the interchangeable lens mounting system makes it quick and easy to change between different lenses so that you never miss a shot. 

Olloclip lenses can be used with both the front and rear-facing cameras on your iPhone, so you can capture the perfect landscape shot and the perfect selfie, all in a single easy-to-use kit. The only downside to the Olloclip system is that you can’t use it with every phone case. You will either need to purchase a compatible Olloclip case or use the Olloclip lenses without a case.

Olloclip CORE Lens Set on Amazon

3. Moment Tele 58mm: Best telephoto lens for iPhone

When it comes to buying a top-quality lens for your iPhone, you can’t beat Moment lenses. They are made from the highest-quality coated and hand-polished glass, plus aerospace-grade metal. The Moment telephoto lens is equivalent to a 58mm lens if you are using a single-lens phone. If you are using a phone that has a dedicated telephoto camera, the Moment lens will be equivalent to a 115mm lens. 

This professional-quality lens creates photos that are crisp from edge-to-edge with no distortion, and all Moment lenses come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. While all Moment lenses work with multiple phone models, you’ll need to purchase a dedicated Moment case for your phone before attaching the lens.

Moment Tele 58mm on Amazon

4. Moment Macro Lens: Best macro lens for iPhone

When shooting objects that are very close-up, the image quality becomes more important than ever. Because Moment lenses use cinema-quality glass, you can pretty much guarantee that photos will be incredibly crisp, even on the edges. The 10x Moment Macro Lens, for example, expertly magnifies your subject with no distortion. 

Because Moment lenses require you to purchase a dedicated case, it makes sense to stick with the same brand for multiple lenses. Macro photography is incredibly fun with an iPhone, and adding a dedicated lens drastically improves the quality of your shot. Plus, all Moment lenses come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re going to splurge on one lens for your iPhone photography kit, this is the one we’d recommend. 

Moment Macro Lens on Amazon

5. Moment Wide Lens: Best wide-angle lens for iPhone

The Moment Wide Lens is one of the most popular iPhone lenses on the market, and it’s perfect for shooting architectural details indoors or incredible outdoor landscapes. The Moment Wide 18mm lens comes in a multi-element glass design that captures 2 times more of your image with superb clarity throughout. Moment lenses easily attach using custom Moment cases, which will vary depending on the iPhone model you’re using, and all moment lenses come with a lifetime warranty.

Moment Wide Lens on Amazon

6. Moment 14mm Fisheye Lens: Best fisheye lens for iPhone

If you’ve ever used a fisheye lens before, you know that it’s a super-wide-angle lens that distorts a photo to look spherical. Fisheye lenses are great for landscapes and extreme sports. You can also use them for adding an artistic element to photos. 

The Moment 14mm Fisheye Lens takes excellent 170-degree shots with no dark corners or vignetting. As with all Moment lenses, you’ll need to purchase a Moment phone case with a mounting system for the lens. This is a great lens for photographers looking to expand their horizons and get creative with new angles. 

Moment 14mm Fisheye Lens on Amazon

7. Insta360 Nano: Best iPhone lens for 360-degree photos

The Insta360 Nano isn’t a lens in the strictest sense of the word. Rather, it’s a digital camera that works in conjunction with your iPhone to create 360-degree images and videos. The Nano is compatible with the iPhone 6/6 Plus and iPhone 7/7 Plus, but there are versions for newer models as well. 

The Insta360 uses dual 4K cameras to capture footage before stitching it together to create 360-degree panoramas. The image quality is exceptional, and the compatible app has a great interface for shooting, as well as sharing on social media.

Insta360 Nano on Amazon

Using external lenses with your iPhone camera is, hands down, the best way to improve your iPhone photography. Your photos will be sharper and better focused. But what’s even better, external lenses will let you experiment with new angles that would otherwise be beyond the scope of even the most advanced iPhone cameras. 

The post Top 7 iPhone camera lenses for landscapes, macro, and more appeared first on Backlight.

5 must-have iPhone camera accessories

The following iPhone camera accessories are considered must-haves for anyone who’s passionate about photography. Here’s what you need to turn your simple snapshots into works of art:

1. An iPhone tripod
2. Clip-on lenses
3. A selfie stick
4. A protective iPhone case
5. A remote shutter

1. The best iPhone tripod: Joby GripTight 

A tripod is useful in many photography situations. Use it to reduce camera shake when taking photos in low light, to capture group shots with your iPhone’s timer, or to take photos that require a steady hand, such as wildlife, waterfalls, or action shots. 

There are many tripods available at every price point, but the best iPhone tripod we’ve come across is the Joby GripTight. Not only does the GripTight allow you to quickly change from vertical to horizontal orientation, but the GripTight legs will keep your iPhone steady on uneven surfaces and can even wrap tightly around tree limbs, furniture, and more. It’s truly a must-have piece of equipment for iPhone photographers.

Joby GripTight on Amazon

2. The best iPhone lenses: Moment

With each new iPhone model comes improved lens technology, reducing the need for external lenses. But we would still argue that even the most modern and up-to-date iPhone camera can benefit from an external lens. 

Moment lenses use the highest-quality glass for incredibly crisp and professional-looking photos. There is simply no comparison on the smartphone lens market. Yes, Moment lenses are a splurge, but they’re entirely worth the money. 

You can choose from standard lenses, such as the wide-angle or telephoto lens. But if you’re shooting with an iPhone that already lets you choose from multiple lenses, go for something more fun like the fish-eye, anamorphic, or macro lens. No matter which Moment lens you choose, you’re sure to make your photos a lot more interesting.

Moment lenses on Amazon

3. The best iPhone selfie stick: Mpow

Is a selfie stick a necessity? Absolutely! Even if selfies make you cringe, you’ll find endless opportunities to use the Mpow Selfie Stick, which is the best selfie stick for iPhone available on the market. Selfies and group shots will be easier than ever, but you can also use the selfie stick to find all kinds of new and exciting angles to shoot from — angles that wouldn’t even be possible without the amazing reach of the Mpow. 

This lightweight selfie stick is just 7.1 inches long and can easily fit in your pocket or purse. When extended, it reaches 31.9 inches, and the head is fully adjustable for endless options to frame the perfect shot.

Mpow Selfie Stick on Amazon

4. The best iPhone camera case: Nillkin iPhone Case with camera cover

Your iPhone is an investment, and a case that protects both your phone and your camera lens is crucial. The Nillkin iPhone Case for iPhone 11 Pro Max includes a sliding lens protection cover to protect your triple lenses from scratches and collisions. Simply slide the cover away from your lens before taking a photo. 

The case is ultra-thin, slip-resistant, and very compact, with support for wireless charging. Nillkin makes a variety of iPhone camera cases for every iPhone model. 

Nillkin iPhone case on Amazon

5. The best iPhone remote shutter: Xenvo Shutterbug

A remote shutter allows you to set up your iPhone anywhere and take photos remotely. This is a fabulous tool for selfies, group photos, time-lapses, and low-light photography. Use it whenever you need to snap your shutter remotely or want to reduce camera shake by not touching your phone. 

The Xenvo Shutterbug fits in your pocket or conveniently hangs on your keyring so you always have it on hand. The battery is long-lasting, it pairs instantly with your iPhone, and it can be used as a start/stop button for taking remote videos from up to 30 feet away. The Xenvo Shutterbug is the best remote shutter for iPhone and comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Xenvo Shutterbug on Amazon

Ready to kick your iPhone photography up a notch? iPhone camera accessories can make all the difference! These must-haves are the easiest and best gadgets to improve your iPhone photography. They also make fabulous gifts for new smartphone photographers.

The post 5 iPhone camera accessories for next-level photos and videos appeared first on Backlight.

What is Night mode?

Night mode is an automatic feature that uses the larger sensor on the iPhone’s new cameras to capture more light when you take pictures.  And because this requires a larger sensor, Night mode is only available on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

How Night mode works

Using Night mode actually requires quite a bit of power from your iPhone. It combines the larger sensor with machine learning algorithms and the new A13 processor present in the iPhone 11 lineup. 

When you take a picture with Night mode, it captures a series of images over a certain period of time ranging from 1 to 9 seconds, depending on how dark the environment is. The iPhone camera analyzes how much light is required and captures frames at various exposures. Longer exposures let more light in and make the picture bright, while shorter exposures are darker.

Most DSLR cameras have a long exposure feature that captures brighter pictures. The iPhone camera could have simply done just that, but instead, the real magic of the iPhone camera is due to its machine learning. Because it takes a series of frames at different exposures, it can stitch the best parts of each frame together, like an HDR pic, to create a perfectly lit image that still feels like it was taken at night.

Using Night mode on iPhone

One important thing to keep in mind about Night mode is that it’s an automatic setting that’s enabled when the iPhone camera decides it needs help with the lighting. So unlike other camera modes like portrait or pano, you can’t go into Night mode whenever you want. 

Where is Night mode in the Camera settings?

You’ll only see the option for Night mode when it’s enabled in the camera app. It’ll show up as a gray/yellow button with a moon in the top-left corner of your screen.

How to adjust and turn off Night mode 

If the Night mode button is yellow, that means it’s enabled and turned on. But if you take a photo and it’s too bright for your liking, you can adjust the exposure for your pictures or turn it off altogether. This is how you adjust and turn off Night mode:

1. Tap the moon icon.
2. Adjust the slider.
3. Tap the shutter to take your picture.

How to shoot great night photos on iPhone

While Night mode might feel a bit like magic, it’s not entirely point-and-shoot. The following are some tips and techniques you can utilize to ensure that you’re taking the best picture possible.

Tip 1: Hold still

Because Night mode takes a series of photos and stitches them together, you’ll want to hold your iPhone as steady as possible. To help reduce the risk of blurry images, the iPhone camera has an optical stabilization tool and will even discard frames if they’re too blurry to use in a Night mode picture. But for best results, use your iPhone on a tripod or balance it on a flat surface to reduce any movement.

Tip 2: Keep your subject stationary

While it’s important that the camera remains still during a low-light photo, you’ll also want the subject of your photo to be as still as possible. Kids or pets running around outside or a car driving through the frame will make for a very blurry Night mode picture.

Tip 3: Use a bit of light

At first, this might seem counterintuitive to Night mode’s intended use, but a small amount of light can go a long way. The darker your photo, the more your iPhone will have to brighten it, which can make your picture look more grainy. If you have even a little bit of light, then your iPhone won’t have to brighten the photo as much, meaning the picture won’t have as much grain in it.

Tip 4: Experiment with exposure times

The default exposure time in Night mode will usually take the best picture. But, like other camera settings, the default might not get the result you want for your photo. Don’t be afraid to adjust the exposure time if you want your picture to look darker or brighter.

Night mode on iPhone 11 is truly an incredible feature. It’s never been easier to take great pictures without much light. And like most things on your iPhone, the more you use it and become familiar with it, the better the pictures you’ll be able to take. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how Night mode works and can start taking your own amazing night photos.

The post The ultimate guide to Night mode on iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

The best screen recorder apps for iPhone

Obviously, one way to record your screen is with the built-in iOS screen recorder, but some apps can take your recordings to the next level. To help you sift through all of the available apps, here are the best apps you can download to record your iPhone screen:

1. TechSmith Capture
2. Record It!
3. Web Recorder
4. Screen Recorder – Livestream
5. AirScr Screen Recorder
6. Reaction Cam
7. Screen Recorder – RecPro
8. DU Recorder
9. Screen Recorder +
10. Screen Recorder Pro

1. TechSmith Capture: Best screen recorder app

If you do any screen recording on your computer, you may recognize TechSmith from its Camtasia suite of apps. With TechSmith Capture, not only can you record your screen, but like other apps, it will record your microphone so you can add narration or voice-overs to your videos. 

After you finish your recordings, they’re all kept in a well-organized library in the app where you can review, delete, and share them.  If you’re using Camtasia on your computer, you can also share your videos directly from your device to your computer without ever leaving the app.

TechSmith Capture on the App Store

2. Record It!: Screen recorder with facecam

Not only does Record It! let you record your screen and audio at the same time like the native screen recorder in iOS, but it also lets you record using your front camera to capture your reactions to the screen. This can be helpful if you’re creating videos for YouTube or other social media sites like Instagram because it will allow your viewers to see your face while you’re talking, and see your screen simultaneously.

Record It! also allows you to import old recordings from your Camera Roll and add video reactions, audio narrations, and other annotations to them.

Record It! on the App Store

3. Web Recorder: Capture your iOS browser

If you want to record things in your browser, then Web Recorder might be the app you’re looking for. It acts as its own web browser and only records what’s happening on the web page itself. So you don’t have to worry about notifications popping up or cropping it later to get rid of things like the time or your data connection.

After you’ve finished recording, you can also save and share the video directly from within the app.

Web Recorder on the App Store

4. Screen Recorder – Livestream: One of the best screen recorders for iPhone

Screen Recorder – Livestream might be the app that can do it all. It can record or broadcast your screen to various platforms, and it has a powerful video editor that allows you to trim, crop, or merge your recordings. You can also create a custom watermark if you want to put one on your videos. Plus, it has a whiteboard feature, which is great for annotating or showcasing your drawing and painting skills.

Screen Recorder – Livestream  on the App Store

5. AirScr Screen Recorder: A recorder and editor app

While you can capture your screen and audio with AirScr, where this app really shines is with its editing features. After you’ve finished your recording, you can edit it down, combine it with other recordings, add a reaction using the facecam, and even record voice-overs for your videos. This app gives you a lot of control over your recordings that other apps would require you to download an additional video editor to achieve.

AirScr on the App Store

6. Reaction Cam: Best iOS screen and face recorder

Reaction Cam is a little different than the other screen recording apps on this list because it’s more about recording you than your screen.  This is great if you’re recording a reaction video. Just as its name suggests, it records your screen while playing back various videos from around the internet, and it films you as you react to watching them.

Similar to the app Web Recorder, it not only records videos from YouTube or Instagram but will also let you record other webpages and will film your reaction as you navigate to those sites. This could be useful if you’re creating videos that respond to news or announcements in things like video games or movies. 

Reaction Cam on the App Store

7. Screen Recorder – RecPro: Record and stream your screen

If you’re looking for an app that can do live streams and can record your screen, then look no further than Screen Recorder – RecPro.  In addition to being able to stream to various platforms like Twitch and Facebook, you also get total control over your screen recordings. You can adjust the resolution and framerate before you record, and while editing, you can add filters, adjust the speed, or even record a video commentary. So, if you were hoping to find an app that would record and stream your iPhone screen, then give this app a try.

Screen Recorder – RecPro on the App Store

8. DU Recorder: Record, edit, and stream your screen

If you’re only using DU Recorder to record your iPhone’s screen, you might not notice anything special about it. It’s all of the other things that the app can do that makes it so powerful. It comes with a suite of editing tools and video filters, but it also allows you to live-stream your iPhone’s screen directly to YouTube, Facebook, or even Twitch. It is free to download but will stamp a watermark on all of your videos. You can get rid of the watermark by upgrading it with an in-app purchase.

DU Recorder on the App Store

9. Screen Recorder +: Do more with your recordings

Screen Recorder + will really step up your screen recording game. It’s one of the few apps that supports 2K and 4K resolutions for a cleaner and more crisp video. It also offers a full timeline editor, so after you finish recording, you can trim or crop your video, film a reaction, or even record narration. And when you’re down with the video, you can start your upload to YouTube from the app, so you’re doing everything, from creation to upload, all within Screen Recorder +.

Screen Recorder + on the App Store

10. Screen Recorder Pro: Elevate your videos

With Screen Recorder Pro as the name suggests, you can record your screen like a pro, but you can also capture audio, edit your videos and record yourself talking to the camera. One of the great features of Screen Recorder Pro, though, is it’s annotation tools. Not only can you drop stickers to help draw attention to a particular area of the screen, but you can also draw with the brush tool, similar to how you’d use this feature in Instagram or Snapchat.

Screen Recorder Pro on the App Store

While it might be easier to just stick to the native screen recording tool in iOS, there’s so much more you can do with your videos. It all depends on what exactly you want to do with them. Hopefully, this list has helped give you some ideas and inspired you to try new screen recorder apps and their features. 

The post 10 screen recorder apps with facecam and other neat features appeared first on Backlight.

iPhone camera shows a black screen 

Most of the time, the focus on the iPhone’s camera is its hardware capabilities. However, there’s actually a lot of software that goes into making the camera as great as it is. When you open up your Camera app and see a black screen, here are a couple of software-related quick tips you can try to get it working again.

Tip 1: Switch to the front or rear camera

Sometimes, simply switching from the rear camera to the front camera, or vice versa, can fix a black screen. You can change cameras by following these steps:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the flip camera icon at the bottom right.
3. Wait a moment and then tap the icon again to switch it back.

Tip 2: Close the Camera app

If flipping the cameras doesn’t fix your black screen issue, you can try force-quitting the Camera app altogether. Here’s how you can close the Camera app:

1. Swipe up and hold your finger in the middle of the screen until you see all your open apps.

Note: If your iPhone has a Home button, double-tap the Home button instead.

2. Swipe up on the Camera app until it disappears.
3. From your home screen, tap to open the Camera app again.

Tip 3: Turn off the VoiceOver feature

This one is a little surprising, but there’s an issue with the VoiceOver feature on iPhone that causes the camera to have a black screen. Thankfully, you can turn VoiceOver off pretty quickly when you:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Accessibility > VoiceOver.
3. Switch VoiceOver off.
4. Go back to the home screen and tap to open the Camera app again.

iPhone Camera app is frozen or laggy

It can be so frustrating when you try to take a picture with your iPhone camera, but everything is laggy and slow to the point where you miss the moment entirely. Or maybe you’ve opened the Camera app only to find that it’s completely frozen, and you can’t do anything.

Well, the next time either of those problems happens to you, here are a couple of tricks you can try to fix it.

Tip 1: Close the Camera app

Like all apps on your iPhone, sometimes the Camera app just freezes and needs to be quit and restarted again. To close the Camera app, you can:

1. Swipe up to the middle of your screen until all of your open apps appear.

Note: If you have a Home button on your iPhone, double-tap the Home button instead.

1. Find your Camera app and swipe up so that it disappears.
2. Tap on your home screen and then open the Camera app.

Tip 2: Restart your iPhone

While it may take a little longer, sometimes restarting your iPhone will help fix issues with your camera. There are a couple of different ways you can turn your iPhone off and on again. 

To restart your iPhone using only the hardware buttons:

1. Press and hold the side button and either of the volume buttons.

Note: If your phone has a Sleep/Wake button on top, press and hold only that button.

2. Slide to power off.
3. When your phone is completely off, hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

If one of your buttons isn’t working, you can turn your iPhone off in Settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Shut Down.
3. Slide to power your phone off.
4. To turn your iPhone back on, you will need to press and hold the side button.

Tip 3: Check for an iOS update

From time to time, old or outdated software can cause the Camera app to freeze or be laggy. To fix this, you can check if an iOS update is available and then update your phone. To check if there’s an available iOS update:

1. From your home screen, open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Software Update.
3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
4. Follow the prompts until your iPhone completely restarts.

The flash on iPhone camera is not working

There are instances when you need the flash on your iPhone because it’s simply too dark to take a picture. And in those circumstances, your flash not working will ruin the entire picture. Next time that happens, here are a couple of fixes you can try to resolve it.

Tip 1: Make sure the flash is turned on

We know this may sound a bit obvious, but if your surroundings are bright enough, then the iPhone flash might not go off if it’s set to automatic. To guarantee that your flash will go off, make sure it is turned on. To turn on your flash:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the flash icon in the top left until it turns yellow.

Tip 2: Turn the LED flashlight on/off

If the flash is turned on but still isn’t going off when you take a picture, toggling the LED flashlight feature on your iPhone can sometimes help fix it. To turn the flashlight on/off:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to bring down the Control Center menu.
2. Tap the flashlight icon to turn it on.
3. Wait for a second, then tap it again to turn it off.
4. Go back to the Camera app and take another picture.

Tip 3: Reset all settings

Odd quirks in an app’s settings — including those of the Camera app — can be fixed by resetting all of your iPhone settings. The good news is that doing this doesn’t erase any of your data. Instead, it just resets the way you have some apps set up. To reset your settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Reset.
3. Tap Reset All Settings.
4. Follow the prompts until your iPhone restarts.

One of the best features of your iPhone is the camera. And there’s nothing more annoying than iPhone camera not working when you want to take a picture. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you the next time it happens to you, and you’ll be back to taking photos with your iPhone in no time.

The post iPhone camera not working? Here’s why, and how to fix it appeared first on Backlight.

HDR isn’t magic, but the results are near-magical, thanks to an iPhone processing technique that implements HDR in the background. This article will cover HDR and Smart HDR and how to use them on your iPhone.

Understanding HDR and Smart HDR on iPhone

No matter what iPhone you’re currently using, your camera has an HDR feature to help you shoot high-contrast scenes that are exposed properly. There is little guesswork to using HDR, as the post-processing takes place behind the scenes in your iPhone’s processor. 

What does HDR mean?

HDR stands for high dynamic range, which allows your camera to exceed its dynamic range by stitching several photos together that accurately capture the different exposures of a scene. Dynamic range is the difference between the lightest light and the darkest dark that your iPhone can capture in a photograph. When the scene you are trying to capture exceeds the dynamic range of your camera, the result will be washed-out highlights and shadows that are simply black.

What is HDR on an iPhone camera?

On an iPhone, the camera’s processor automatically blends photos together — one to capture the bright highlights, one to capture the dark shadows, and one to capture the mid-tones. All of this happens behind the scenes, resulting in an HDR image that is accurately exposed. 

What is Smart HDR on iPhone?

Newer iPhone models have what’s called Smart HDR, which uses Apple’s A12 Bionic chip to adjust the dynamic range using AI technology. 

With the Smart HDR features, your camera shoots “buffer” frames before and after you tap the shutter. Each frame is captured in a different exposure so that your iPhone can capture every highlight, shadow, and background object in great detail. Once you have taken your photo, Smart HDR takes the best parts of each frame to create a perfectly exposed, high-quality photo.

iPhone models that have HDR and Smart HDR

No matter which iPhone you’re currently using, you’ll be able to take advantage of HDR or Smart HDR. Check your model to find out which one you’re using.

iPhones with HDR

• iPhone 4, 4S 
• iPhone 5, 5S, 5C 
• iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus 
• iPhone SE 
• iPhone 7, 7 Plus 
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus 
• iPhone X 

iPhones with Smart HDR

• iPhone XS 
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (second generation) 

Using HDR on iPhone

If you are using an iPhone model with HDR, you will find the process fairly simple. The default camera setting enables you to keep HDR on or off for every photo unless you change it. Your camera will remember the setting that you choose.

How to turn on and turn off HDR

1. Open your Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Tap HDR at the top of the screen.
3. Choose between Auto, On, or Off.
4. Tap the shutter to take a photo.

Should HDR be on or off?

When you use the HDR feature, your iPhone will take two photos, one using HDR technology, and one without, so you will be able to choose the best photo. I almost always shoot with HDR on, which is what I’d recommend unless you are tight on space. HDR photos do take up more storage than normal photos.

Because an HDR photo is a combination of several photos stitched together, it will sometimes come out blurry. When that happens, simply delete it; you’ll still have a regular backup photo you can keep.

Are HDR photos actually better?

Not always. HDR photos work best when shooting high-contrast scenes with dramatic highlights and shadows. In low-contrast shooting conditions, you may not even notice the difference between an HDR photo and a shot taken without HDR. Having two photos stitched together may also cause blur, so be sure to hold your camera steady when using the HDR feature.

Why does HDR take two photos?

Using the HDR feature will add two photos to your Camera Roll. The first will be a normal photo without the HDR feature enabled. The second will be the HDR photo, which takes up a lot more space than the normal photo. Your iPhone does this so that you can choose the best-quality photo to keep. You can easily turn off this feature so that your iPhone only saves the HDR photo. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open the Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to Camera.
3. Under HDR, toggle off Keep Normal Photo.

Using Smart HDR on iPhone

Smart HDR is far more advanced than HDR, taking nine photos in under a second and stitching the best parts to make one incredible shot. 

How does Smart HDR work on iPhone?

The good news for iPhone users is that Smart HDR is totally automatic, which means you can spend more time framing the perfect shot and less time fiddling with your camera settings. Smart HDR uses the best parts of nine separate photos taken before and after you tap the shutter. 

Should I turn off Smart HDR?

If you are unhappy with the Smart HDR photos that your iPhone takes, you can certainly turn off the Smart HDR feature. When you disable Smart HDR, you will enable regular HDR, which works just like HDR in older iPhone models and must be turned on and off in the Camera app.

Here’s how to disable Smart HDR.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Camera.
3. Scroll down to Smart HDR and toggle it off.
4. Exit the Settings app.

HDR and Smart HDR use the power of the advanced iPhone processor to capture incredible details in your photos. The best part is that both HDR and Smart HDR will improve your photos with virtually no effort on your part. What’s not to love about that?

The post HDR and Smart HDR on iPhone: What’s the difference, and how do you use it? appeared first on Backlight.

Whether you’re snapping pictures for fun or seriously pursuing a career, understanding the ins and outs of iPhone’s latest camera features is key. And one of the most important features for iPhone photographers of all skill sets is Portrait mode. 

What is Portrait mode? 

In 2016, Apple released a new camera feature for iPhone called Portrait mode to help users photograph a specific subject with more clarity and focus. 

Essentially, using this lens keeps the subject of your photo sharp and crisp while the rest of the background is blurred. Within Portrait mode, you can add lighting effects and even use it when taking selfies. 

Portrait mode also zooms in on the subject of your photo, as you can see in the above example. 

What iPhones have Portrait mode?

Unfortunately, not all iPhones are created equal — at least, not when it comes to Portrait mode. Below is a list of the iPhones that have this feature: 

• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max 
• iPhone 11 Pro 
• iPhone 11 
• iPhone XR 
• iPhone XS Max 
• iPhone XS 
• iPhone X 
• iPhone 8 Plus 
• iPhone 7 Plus 

It’s also safe to say that any iPhone released in the future will more than likely include Portrait mode. 

When it comes to the least expensive iPhone featuring Portrait mode, the new iPhone SE will be the cheapest option, at a price tag of $399 from Apple.  

iPhones with Portrait mode on the front camera

As mentioned previously, some iPhone models also include an option to use Portrait mode with your front camera (also known as the “selfie camera”). Below is a list of the iPhones that have this feature: 

• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max 
• iPhone 11 Pro 
• iPhone 11 
• iPhone XR 
• iPhone XS Max 
• iPhone XS 
• iPhone X 

Again, the cheapest option available for purchase is the 2020 iPhone SE. 

Using iPhone Portrait mode

If you’ve never used your iPhone camera’s Portrait mode before, don’t fret. It’s as simple as snapping a picture. 

How to put your iPhone camera in Portrait mode

Here’s how to use Portrait mode: 

1. Open your Camera either by clicking on the app or swiping right on your locked home screen. 
2. Swipe right on the Camera screen once. 
3. Follow any instructions that pop up on the screen to move closer or further away from your subject. 
4. Press the large white button at the bottom-center of the screen to take a photo. 

If you’re too close to your subject to capture it in Portrait mode, the camera will tell you to move further away so that you’re standing the optimum distance for the right depth-of-field. It will give a similar notification if you’re standing too far away. 

How to adjust the light in Portrait mode

When you switch your Camera into Portrait mode, you also have the option of adjusting some of its features, such as the lighting. 

There are five different kinds of lighting available in Portrait mode: 

• Natural Light, which makes for a soft, less harsh light 
• Studio Light, which evenly spreads light across the subject of the photo
• Contour Light, which contours the face of the subject with shadows 
• Stage Light, which turns the background black 
• Stage Light Mono, which makes the entire photo black and white and turns the background black

You can change the lighting type by swiping through and selecting which option you want to use before taking your photo. You can also adjust the lighting after taking the photo by following these instructions: 

1. Open your photos. 
2. Select the photo you wish to edit. 
3. Press Edit at the top-right of the screen. 
4. Swipe the lighting buttons directly underneath the photo and select which one you want to use. 
5. Press Done. 

Your photo, now in its new light setting, will be saved directly to your Camera Roll. You can change it back to its original setting at any time by following those same instructions. 

How to adjust the depth of field in Portrait mode

While using Portrait mode, you can also adjust the depth of field. At this time, you can only control this setting after you take the photo, and this feature is only available on iPhone XS models or later. 

Here’s how to adjust the depth of field: 

1. Open your photos. 
2. Select the photo you wish to edit. 
3. Press Edit at the top-right of the screen. 
4. Press the button with a lowercase f at the top-left of the screen. 
5. Drag the slider left or right to adjust the blur on your background. 
6. Press Done. 

If you have an iPhone X or any other previous model that doesn’t include the Depth Control slider feature, you can simply download a free third-party app like Focos. 

How to undo Portrait mode

If you took a photo in Portrait mode but didn’t mean to, there is a simple way to undo the setting: 

1. Open your photos. 
2. Select the Portrait photo you wish to undo. 
3. Press Edit at the top-right of the screen. 
4. Then press the Portrait button at the top-center of the screen. 
5. Tap Done. 

Shooting on iPhone in Portrait mode

Using iPhone’s Portrait mode is a simple way to get professional, high-quality looking photos. However, if you truly want to take your iPhone photography to the next level, there are a couple of tips and tricks from the pros you should try. 

Use natural light

You’ll find that if you attempt to use Portrait mode in a low-lit setting, it will refuse to work (that’s what Night mode is for). Thus, it’s important to seek out and use only the best lighting: bright, natural light. 

Among the best ways to utilize natural lighting include: 

• Going outside during the daytime 
• Standing near a window during the daytime 
• Taking advantage of the “golden hours” (one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset) 

Tap the screen

Sometimes, simply aiming your camera at your subject isn’t enough. If you want to make sure that the person or item you’re photographing is in focus, you should tap on the subject while your camera is open before you take the photo. Doing this will bring that subject directly into focus. 

Choose quality backgrounds

Even though the background of your image might be blurred in Portrait mode, it’s still important to choose one wisely. 

Pick a background that has some detail (like a brick wall, which adds for a cool effect when blurred) but not one that’s overly complex. You don’t want to use something plain, like a white wall, as that won’t add much interest to the photo. 

Using your iPhone’s Portrait mode is a great way to level-up your photo-taking skills. And since this is easy even for amateur photographers to learn, you can be snapping next-to-professional images in no time. 

The post How to use iPhone Portrait mode for near-professional portraits appeared first on Backlight.

What is iPhone photography, aka iPhoneography?

You don’t need to be a skilled photographer to take amazing photos on your iPhone — a pastime also known as iPhoneography. In fact, the iPhone camera is so easy to use that beginners will love experimenting with it.

Can you be a photographer with an iPhone?

iPhones take incredible images, but it’s up to the photographer to find a suitable subject, create a striking composition, and maintain a steady hand to ensure a sharp image. With each new iPhone release, the camera gets better, but there are still a few limitations to shooting with an iPhone compared to shooting with a DSLR. 

A DSLR will be better at capturing distance, as well as changing shutter speed and aperture, and the overall resolution will be higher. Nevertheless, iPhones are more than adequate for most novice photographers, and there are even photographers who make a living shooting exclusively with an iPhone. 

10 cool iPhone photography tips you might not know about

Using your iPhone camera couldn’t be easier. Open the Camera app, point your camera at your subject, and tap the shutter. Impressive software and a powerful processor will ensure that your photos look good straight out of the camera. You can, however, take steps to make your photos even better. Here are some of our favorite iPhone photography tips to improve your shots.

1. Hold your finger on the screen to lock focus

When you frame a shot with your iPhone, the camera will work its magic to set the focus automatically. This feature is useful, but it’s not perfect. If you want to ensure that the camera focuses on what you want it to, you’ll need to use the lock focus feature. Point your camera at your subject and press your finger on the area you want the camera to focus on. Hold your finger until the focus locks in place. You will see AE/AF Lock on the screen. Tap the shutter button to take a photo.

2. Use the on-screen slider to change your exposure

When you use the Auto Focus Lock by holding your finger on the screen, you also bring up the Auto Exposure slider. It will appear next to the Auto Focus box on your screen when you are taking a photo. To adjust the exposure level, simply drag your finger up or down on the slider to make it brighter or darker. When you hold your finger down on the yellow box, it will lock the focus and the exposure you’ve set.

3. Snap your photo with the volume button to reduce camera shake

Using that big white shutter button on your screen is easy and useful, but it also tends to introduce camera shake when taking a photo, making your photos blurry. Did you know that instead of snapping a photo with the shutter button, you can use the volume button on the side of your iPhone to snap a photo?

This will help you keep your iPhone steady while taking a photo. For even more control, use the volume control on your earbuds as a shutter release or invest in a remote shutter so you can keep your camera super still when taking a photo.

4. Use burst mode to take action shots

Looking for that perfect action or wildlife shot? Ensure that you capture it perfectly by using burst mode on your iPhone, which will take a series of shots, allowing you to pick the best one later.

If you are using a pre-iPhone 11 model, simply hold your finger down on the shutter or the volume control to shoot continuously. If you are shooting with one of the iPhone 11 models, you’ll need to swipe left on the shutter button before holding it down to take a series of photos. The number of photos taken will appear in the shutter button.

5. Create depth using leading lines in your composition

There are many ways that you can compose your scene to make a more interesting photograph, but one of the most effective methods is to use leading lines in your photography. To do this, look for lines within your scene that will draw a viewer into your shot. Leading lines can be roads, rivers, fences, shorelines, or architectural lines. Once you start looking for them, you’ll see leading lines wherever you go. 

6. Use a tripod for sharper images

We mentioned earlier that when you tap the shutter button, you sometimes add a slight shake to your iPhone, which makes for a blurry photo. When taking selfies and simple snapshots, your photos will come out great when you point and shoot while holding your phone. But when it comes to taking trickier shots, like low-light photos, action shots, or photos of moving water, you may want to invest in a tripod to eliminate camera shake for sharp-as-a-tack images. 

7. Use your iPhone’s compass to set up shots on your tripod

When using a tripod to take sharp images, you’ll also want to make sure your camera is level so that your photos aren’t crooked. To do this, quickly open your compass app before framing your shot. Adjust your phone so that the small plus sign is perfectly aligned with the vertical line on the compass. Now you can open your Camera app to shoot your photo.

8. Look for an anchor in your composition

Composition anchors are especially useful in landscape photography, either to show a sense of scale or to highlight a pop of color within the frame. Vast scenes can be grand and beautiful, but finding an angle that shows a flower in the foreground will provide your viewer with more interest. Nothing beats an ocean sunset, but an expanse of water and sand can be boring. Look for a sailboat or a seagull to anchor your composition and make for a more interesting shot. 

9. Capture outside the frame

If you’re taking a photo with iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max, your camera allows you to capture the scene outside your frame for better compositions. If you have this feature turned on in your Settings, your camera will automatically adjust your photo for the most striking composition. A blue Auto badge will appear in the corner of any photos that have been automatically edited in this way.

If you want to apply further edits, you’ll see that content taken outside the frame appears when you use the crop, straighten, or perspective tools in the Photos app. 

10. Look for unusual angles and perspectives

Most photographers automatically hold their cameras at eye level to capture a scene in front of them. While this is perfectly acceptable, you can instantly add interest to your photos by shooting from above or below your subject. Buildings look larger and more imposing when shot from a worm’s-eye perspective, and images shot from above lend a whole new perspective to the scene. Before you snap your photo, consider all the angles and find the one that creates the most interest for your viewer. 

iPhone photography is simple, but mastering the craft requires practice — not only with your camera settings and tools but with composition and lighting. Use the iPhone photography tips outlined in this article to help you get started taking amazing images with your phone. 

The post 10 surprising iPhone photography tips for beginners appeared first on Backlight.

If you’ve ever tried to take a video selfie, you know it’s hard to make it feel as natural as your selfie pics. But now, thanks to Slofies, you can easily add some subtle motion. Read on for everything you need to know about Slofies. 

What are Slofies on iPhone? 

As mentioned earlier, Slofies are simply slow-motion selfie videos. But if you’re looking for “Slofie” on your iPhone, no one could fault you for overlooking it. In fact, in the Camera app, it’s just called “Slow-Mo.” 

iPhones that have the Slofie feature

Slofies were first introduced by Apple with the iPhone 11 lineup. Currently, the only phones that can create Slofies are:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max

How to take a Slo-Mo selfie

Taking a Slo-Mo selfie is just as easy as taking a regular selfie. Just follow these steps to get started:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the Switch Camera icon in the bottom right.
3. Slide to change the mode to Slo-Mo.

How to take better slow-motion selfies 

The biggest temptation with Slofies is for everyone to create the exact same video. You know the video — the one where you shake your hair and watch your gorgeous locks flowing in Slo-Mo. Here are some things you can do to make your Slofies stand out.

Tip 1: Add more motion

The reality is that these are just slow-motion videos using your front-facing camera. And if you’ve shot Slo-Mo videos using your rear camera, you know that the more movement or motion you capture, the better. The same goes for the Slofie. 

Try recording while jumping on a trampoline, or move the camera from side-to-side as you record. If you’re really adventurous, you could try taking a Slofie while snowboarding or riding a bike (obviously, you should exercise extreme caution if you try this).

Tip 2: Get friends (or pets!) involved

We know they’re slow-motion selfies, but who are we kidding? We take group-selfies all the time, so why not include a friend or a pet in the Slo-Mo fun? Have your dog jump in and out of frame when you record, or have a friend do a crazy dance in the background. After all, everything is funnier in slow motion.

Tip 3: Have enough light

Just like regular slow-motion videos, Slofies are filmed at a higher frame-per-second rate, which means they require more light than a regular video. So before you film a Slofie, just make sure you have a ton of light so your video doesn’t come out dark and grainy.

How to edit a Slofie on iPhone 

Because Slofies are treated just like any other video, it means you can edit them directly on your iPhone. And thankfully, you can do a lot of editing using the native iOS Photos app.

How to trim a slow-motion selfie

As with standard slow-motion videos on your iPhone, the beginning and end of a Slofie will be at normal speed. But you can edit those portions out by trimming your slow-motion selfie if you follow these steps:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Tap your Slofie, then Edit.
3. Drag the arrows on either side of your video to the point(s) where you want the video to start or stop.
4. Finally, tap Done.

How to adjust the speed of your Slofie

By following these steps, you can also change the speed of your Slofie to make the playback faster or slower.

1. In the Photos app, tap your Slofie.
2. Tap Edit.
3. There’s a speed timeline toward the bottom. Adjust the sliders to speed up or slow down your video.

How to crop and straighten a Slofie

If you recorded your Slofie at a weird angle, don’t worry. You can straighten it by rotating your video:

1. Find your Slofie in the Photos app.
2. Then tap Edit. Then select the Crop icon at the bottom.
3. Adjust the slider to change the angle of the video.
4. Tap Done.

You can also crop your video to remove something out of the frame:

1. Open your Slofie in the Photos app.
2. Tap Edit. Then select the Crop icon.
3. Drag the corners to adjust the box around your video.
4. Finally, tap Done.

How to apply a filter to a Slo-Mo selfie

Just like your regular videos, you can apply the available preset filters from the Photos app to Slo-Mo selfies. Once you have the video open in your Photos app, here’s how you can apply the filter:

1. Tap Edit. Then select the Filters button at the bottom.
2. Select the filter you want to use.
3. Adjust the slider below to change the intensity of the filter.
4. Tap Done.

How to adjust brightness, contrast, and more

You can also adjust things like brightness and contrast like you can with your other videos. To edit the brightness on your Slofies:

1. Tap on the Slofie in the Photos app.
2. Tap Edit. Then select the Adjust button at the bottom.
3. Tab through the various adjustments (highlights, contrast, saturation, etc.).
4. Adjust the slider for each button until you get a look you’re happy with.
5. Tap Done.

At first glance, it’s easy to write off Slofies as a silly and gimmicky new feature. But when done right, they can be really interesting and a lot of fun. Hopefully, you found this article helpful and it inspired you to create your own Slofies. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

The post How to take a fun slow-motion selfie, aka Slofie, on iPhone appeared first on Backlight.

Nowadays, professional photo editing skills are available to anyone with a smartphone and a couple of apps. For those of us who would rather not spend an extra 20 minutes perfecting an Instagram post, there are tons of one-click photo filter options to use, some of which can even be found directly on your iPhone. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about iPhone Camera filters — no app downloads required. 

Using iPhone Camera filters

In 2017, Apple released one very exciting addition in its iOS 11 update: filters you can use directly on your camera. While there were initially only a few simple built-in filters to use, iPhones have gotten even more advanced in their editing systems. 

Read on to learn more about how to use the filters that are built directly into your iPhone Camera. 

How to apply a filter in your iPhone Camera

As with the most recently updated features, applying an iPhone filter to your photos is very simple, and you can choose to do it before you take the photo or after. In this section, we’ll show you how to do both. 

Here’s how to apply an iPhone filter before you take a photo: 

1. Open your Camera. 
2. Press the three overlapping circles button at the top-right of the screen. 
3. Swipe the square button through the filters until you locate the one you wish to use. 
4. Press the three overlapping circles button at the top-right of the screen again. 
5. Take a photo as you normally would. 

As mentioned before, you can also choose a filter after you’ve taken a photo. Here’s how to do that: 

1. Open your Camera Roll. 
2. Locate the photo you wish to edit. 
3. Tap the Edit button at the top-right of the screen. 
4. Press the three overlapping circles button at the bottom-center of the screen. 
5. Swipe the square button through the filters until you locate the one you wish to use. 
6. Then tap the three overlapping circles button at the bottom-center of the screen again. 
7. Finally, press Done at the bottom-right of the screen. 

If you decide you no longer want to use that filter for your photo, you can always change it back. Here’s how to revert a filter on a photo: 

1. Open your Camera Roll. 
2. Locate the photo you wish to revert. 
3. Press the Edit button at the top-right of the screen. 
4. Tap the Revert button at the bottom-right of the screen. 
5. Finally, tap Revert to Original. 

Filters in Photos and what to use them for

Now that you know the simple process of applying an iPhone filter to your photos, it’s time to go over exactly what those filters are — and what to use them for. Currently, the iPhone has 10 filters that you can apply to your photos. 

Here’s what they are and what they do: 

• Vivid increases the photo’s contrast, which can be great for capturing sunsets and other natural landscapes. 
• Vivid Warm increases the photo’s contrast and overlays warm tones, which can be flattering for self-portraits and photos of other people.
• Vivid Cool increases the photo’s contrast and overlays cool tones, which works best for flat-lay photos and capturing darker scenery. 
• Dramatic increases the photo’s shadows and decreases highlights, which adds a layer of intensity to portraits and up-close images of objects. 
• Dramatic Warm increases the photo’s shadows, decreases the highlights, and overlays warm tones, which looks great in photos taken right after sunset or right before sunrise. 
• Dramatic Cool increases the photo’s shadows, decreases the highlights, and overlays cool tones, which can be visually appealing for beach photos and foggy landscapes. 
• Mono makes the photo black and white, which can add sharpness to a slightly out-of-focus image. 
• Silvertone makes the photo black and white and increases the shadows, which is wonderful for city images and dramatic portraits. 
• Noir makes the photo black and white and increases the contrast, which pairs well with cloudy sceneries and photos in low lighting. 

The hidden iPhone photo filters

Outside of the iPhone Camera, there are other places where even more photo filters exist. These hidden pre-edits can only be found in one place on your smartphone: Messages. 

Before you start frantically searching your inbox, note that not all iPhone models have these filters available. So if you have an older model, chances are, you won’t be able to access these. 

How to access iPhone photo effects in Messages

Accessing these secretly placed photo filters is unfortunately not as easy as accessing the ones found on your Camera Roll. Still, it’s not that hard. You just need to know where to look.

Here’s how to find the photo filters in your messages: 

1. Open your Messages app. 
2. Start a new message or open an active message. 
3. Press the camera button at the left-center of the screen. 
4. Press the spirograph-star button at the bottom-left of the screen. 
5. Select the three overlapping circles button at the bottom-left of the screen. There, you’ll find seven new filters that aren’t available with the iPhone Camera filters. 
6. Swipe until you find the filter you like. 
7. Press the shutter button to take a picture with your chosen filter. 
8. Press the blue arrow button to send it in a message or the Done button to add it to your text message and return to the Messages app. 

Whether you choose to send it or not doesn’t matter. Taking the photo means it’s automatically saved to your Camera Roll. As awesome as these hidden photo filters are, there is one drawback: You can’t take multiple photos within the Messages app. So if you don’t like the picture you’ve taken, you have to reopen the messaging camera again and again. 

What filters are there in Messages?

There are seven different secret filters found within the Messages app. Here’s what they are and what they do: 

• Comic Book turns the photo into a comic book-style of art.
• Comic Mono does the same as above but in black and white.
• Ink turns the photo into an ink-style drawing.
• Camcorder turns the photo into an old camcorder style, complete with static lines. 
• Aged Film turns the photo into an older film style, also with some static editing. 
• Watercolor turns the photo into a watercolor painting.
• Watercolor Mono does the same as above but in black and white.

All of these filters can be used for taking photos and videos within the Messages app. However, you can’t go back and edit photos with these new filters. They are only available within the messaging camera itself. 

No matter how great a photo is in its original setting, adding photo filters is a fun way to create some flair and add a little personality to your content. Even though there are cool filters found in third-party apps, we hope you find your iPhone’s built-in filters just as handy. 

The post The full guide to iPhone Camera filters (including the hidden ones) appeared first on Backlight.

So, how much better is the iPhone XR camera? Is it any better at all? Keep reading to find the answer to those questions, to learn the specific differences between the two phones, and to discover which one takes better pictures.

iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: The differences that matter

In terms of photography, the camera itself is certainly important, but there are other specs you’ll want to consider as well. For instance, how many videos and pictures will your phone be able to store? How long will the battery last while you’re taking pictures? Here are a couple of areas where iPhone X and XR differ:

• iPhone X has a telephoto camera.
• iPhone X has a smaller but higher-quality display.
• iPhone X has a larger storage capacity.
• iPhone XR’s battery lasts longer.

The camera in both iPhones

The most noticeable difference between the cameras on both models is the extra lens on iPhone X. It has both a wide-angle and a telephoto lens on the rear camera, whereas iPhone XR only has a single wide-angle lens. Here are some more technical specifications:

• Both have a 12-megapixel camera.
• Both wide-angle lenses have a ƒ/1.8 aperture.
• iPhone X’s telephoto lens has a ƒ/2.4 aperture.

Although iPhone XR doesn’t have the second lens, it includes plenty of software upgrades to make up for it, so you won’t miss out on many features. Some differences in settings between iPhone X and XR include:

• Digital Zoom: iPhone X has a 10x zoom, whereas iPhone XR only has 5x.
• Portrait Lighting: iPhone X has two more effects than iPhone XR.
• HDR: iPhone X has an AutoHDR while iPhone XR has the newer SmartHDR.
• Depth Control: This iPhone XR feature gives you even more control over the blur in Portrait Mode. 

iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: The display

Something that’s nearly as important as the camera is the screen you’re viewing and taking your pictures on. You want to ensure that the display can live up to the camera. And, believe it or not, the screen is probably where these two models differ the most.

The following are some more detailed specs to help break down those differences.

iPhone X display specifications

• 5.8 inches
• Super HD Retina OLED display
• 2436-by-1125-pixel resolution at 458 PPI

iPhone XR display specifications

• 6.1 inches
• Liquid Retina LCD display
• 1792-by-828-pixel resolution at 326 PPI

So, while iPhone XR has a larger screen, iPhone X has a sharper and more vibrant display overall.

Storage options for both iPhones

When considering your options for a new phone to take pictures with, you’ll want to make sure that your new device has plenty of storage space. Keep in mind that the storage capacity is also going to dictate the price of your phone, so you might want to consider a phone with less storage to help keep your cost down.

iPhone X comes in:

• 64 GB
• 256 GB

iPhone XR comes in:

• 64 GB
• 128 GB

It’s also important to note that Apple did offer a 256 GB iPhone XR in the past, so if you’re buying secondhand, it should be possible to find one for sale.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone X: Our choice for photo and video 

When it comes to these two phones, iPhone X is the best choice for mobile photography. Not only does it have a better camera with two lenses, but it also edges out iPhone XR in every other way. Plus, that screen is stunning. Seeing your photos on such a crisp and vibrant display will make you appreciate the camera even more.

iPhone X and iPhone XR are both great devices and have truly impressive cameras in their own right. Hopefully, this article has helped you see the bigger picture and think about the factors that go into your mobile photography. 

The post iPhone X vs. XR: Which is better for photography? appeared first on Backlight.

How to screen-record on iPhone

Similar to taking a screenshot of your iPhone, you can actually record a video of everything happening on your screen. Before you start recording your screen, you’ll need to add Screen Recording to your Control Center. To do that:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.
2. Tap the green plus icon next to Screen Recording.

How to start recording your screen

After you’ve added the Screen Recording button Control Center, you can record from any screen. To start recording your screen:

1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner. 

Note: If you’re on an iPhone 8 or older, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.

2. Tap the Record icon, then wait for the countdown to finish.

How to turn off the iOS screen recorder

When you want to finish recording your screen, there are two ways to stop it. You can stop recording by:

1. Opening Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner
2. Tapping the Record icon so that it turns gray again

Or you can:

1. From the home screen, tap the red bar at the top-left corner of your screen
2. Confirm finishing the screen record

How to record your screen with sound

If you’ve followed the instructions above, the first thing you’ll probably notice about your screen recording is that it doesn’t have any sound. Fortunately, you can turn the microphone on so you can record your screen with audio. Assuming you’ve already added the Screen Recording button to Control Center, you can record with sound by following these steps:

1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Press and hold the Record icon.
3. Tap Microphone to switch the microphone on.
4. Tap Start Recording, then wait for the countdown.
5. To Stop Recording, open Control Center and tap the Record icon.

How long can you screen-record on iPhone?

There is no known time limit for screen recording. It appears that you’re able to record your screen until you use all of your storage. That said, some people online have reported issues with their screen recordings just randomly stopping while taking longer videos.

Editing a video screen capture on iPhone

After you stop capturing your screen, you’ll notice that your recordings are stored in the Photos app. This means you can use all of the built-in iOS video editing features to help make your screen-records that much better.

How to trim your screen recording

There’s a good chance that your recordings will have some extra content at either the beginning or the end of the video. You probably don’t want to include that shot of Control Center going away or the part where you’re trying to turn off the screen recording. Thankfully, you can trim those parts out directly in the Photos app.

1. Open Photos.
2. Tap the recording.
3. Tap Edit.
4. At the bottom of the screen, drag the arrows to trim the beginning or end.
5. Tap Done.

How to crop a video screen capture on iPhone

If you’re watching your screen record and want to focus on only a certain section of the screen, you can crop your videos just like cropping your pictures. To crop your screen capture videos:

1. Open Photos.
2. Tap the recording.
3. Next, tap Edit.
4. Tap the Crop icon at the bottom.
5. Resize the box around your video.
6. Finally, tap Done.

How to add arrows and captions to an iPhone screen recording

Maybe you’re hoping to add a little more to your recordings like captions or stickers. For that, you’ll need to use a third-party app like Screen Recorder+. Once you download it from the App Store, follow the steps below to get started:

1. Open Screen Recorder+.
2. Tap Start Recording > Start Broadcast.
3. When you’re done recording your screen, tap the Recording button > Stop Broadcast.
4. Next, tap your recording.
5. Then tap Edit.
6. Tap to add text or stickers. 
7. Finally, tap Done.

Troubleshooting screen capture on iPhone

Even though Apple has done a great job at making screen recordings simple, that doesn’t mean you won’t have an issue from time to time. Below are some of the common problems people run into when trying to record their iPhone screens and what will fix them quickly.

Why is my screen recording not working? 

Here are a couple of common issues you might experience when recording your iPhone screen and what you can do to fix it.

• Running low on storage. If your iPhone is running out of storage space, you won’t be able to save a recording when you finish. 
• An app might not allow it. Because some apps have copyrighted material like music or videos, apps may prevent you from capturing the screen.
• iPhone software is freezing. Whether the screen-record itself is freezing or another app is causing it to freeze, restarting your iPhone can help resolve any weird bugs.

Why can’t I screen-record with sound? 

If you’re watching a screen recording but can’t hear any of the sound you recorded with it, here are some things you can try to fix it:

• Turn your mic on. Sometimes the mic is turned off by default for screen recordings. Follow the instructions above to ensure that it’s turned on.
• Restart your iPhone. It’s possible that another app running in the background is trying to use your iPhone’s mic at the same time. Restarting your iPhone gives it a chance to turn off all other processes.
• Reset iPhone settings. There may be an issue with your iPhone’s mic settings. You can reset all your settings by going to Settings > General > Reset and tapping Reset All Settings.

Sometimes it’s easier to explain things with a video. So whether you’re trying to create an app demo or an iPhone tutorial, it’s never been easier to record your iPhone’s screen. And thanks to iPhone’s built-in iOS features, you can edit your videos directly in the Photos app.

The post How to record your iPhone’s screen for video tutorials appeared first on Backlight.

The 10 iPhone camera settings and features to master

The camera features available on your iPhone will obviously depend on which model you’re using, but even the older models have a decent camera with cool settings. Here are 10 iPhone camera settings to play around with right now:

1. The ultra-wide camera
2. Night mode
3. iPhone Camera Live
4. iPhone Portrait mode
5. Optical zoom
6. iPhone Camera timer
7. Burst photos
8. The iPhone Camera grid
9. Exposure/focus lock
10. iPhone HDR

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro camera features 

iPhone’s newest phone models have some features we’ve never seen until now, including the ultra-wide camera lens and Night mode. If you’ve been using the iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro, check out these features. If you haven’t upgraded yet, skip to the section on features for earlier models.

1. The ultra-wide camera

The ultra-wide camera on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro enables users to capture a much greater field of view than the standard iPhone camera lens and is equivalent to a focal length of 13mm. This lens is useful for shooting landscapes when you want to capture the scale and magnitude of a scene, as well as urban streetscapes, architecture, and building interiors. 

How to use iPhone’s wide-angle lens

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone 11.
2. Tap 0.5x just above the shutter button on the screen to enable the ultra-wide camera.
3. If you press and hold one of the zoom buttons, you can adjust it even further, between .5x for ultra-wide and 2x for telephoto. 
4. Hold your camera steady as you tap the shutter button. This is especially important when using your ultra-wide camera because it doesn’t have built-in image stabilization like the other two lenses. 

2. Night mode

Night mode on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro is great for shooting in low-light settings where most cameras would produce blurry photos. It will automatically take a series of photos at different exposures for a set amount of time and then pull elements from all of the frames to create one crisp image. 

How to use iPhone’s Night mode

Night mode is an automatic feature that turns on whenever you try to take a photo in less than optimal lighting. It can only be used with the standard wide-angle camera, not the telephoto or ultra-wide lenses.

Tapping the moon icon in the upper corner of your screen within the camera app will allow you to access the Night mode settings, where you can choose to turn the feature off entirely or set the amount of time you want the shutter to remain open for your photo. If you don’t adjust these settings, your iPhone will use its processor to automatically adjust the settings to suit the lighting conditions.

Crucial iPhone camera settings on earlier iPhones

Earlier iPhone models may not have all the latest bells and whistles, but they still have lots of features and settings that you can use to take awesome photos. Here’s an overview of some of the camera settings you’ll want to check out.

3. iPhone Camera Live 

Live Photos is a feature that allows photographers to take a short three-second video that captures movement, sound, and still frames on your iPhone. It’s a standard feature on every iPhone model starting with the 6S, and it is the default camera setting for the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Live Photos are great for capturing photos with movement or group photos where you want to ensure that everyone is looking at the camera. 

How to use Live Photos 

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the Live Photos icon at the top of your screen, which looks like a series of concentric circles. The icon will be highlighted in yellow when it is activated.
3. Your Live Photo will be automatically saved to your Photos library. 
4. You can access all of your Live Photos by tapping Albums within your Photos library and scrolling down to Live Photos. 

4. iPhone Portrait mode

Portrait mode can be used to take portraits, selfies, and photos of objects that stand out from the background by gently blurring the background and keeping the subject matter crisp and clear. This is especially useful when you are trying to capture a portrait in front of a distracting or cluttered background. 

Portrait mode was rolled out with the iPhone 7 Plus and is available on the iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

How to use iPhone’s Portrait mode

1. Open your Camera app on your iPhone.
2. A selection of shooting features will appear above the shutter button. Scroll through and tap Portrait.
3. Make sure your subject is 2 to 8 feet from your camera before tapping the shutter button.

5. The optical zoom 

If you are shooting with an iPhone 7 Plus or later model, you can make use of the optical zoom feature, which allows you to zoom in on an object without a loss of quality. This is a far better way to zoom than using the digital zoom (which you access by spreading your pinched fingers outward across the screen). 

How to use the optical zoom on iPhone Camera

1. Open your iPhone’s Camera app.
2. You will see 1x above the shutter button.
3. Tap the 1x to toggle to 2x, which will zoom in closer to your subject.
4. If you hold your finger on the 1x, you can adjust the zoom settings, but this will implement your camera’s digital zoom and will result in a lower quality photo.
5. Tap the shutter button to take a photo.

6. iPhone Camera timer 

The iPhone Camera timer was one of the Camera app’s earliest features and is available on all iPhone models. The timer is useful for capturing selfies or group photos where the photographer is to be included. The timer can also be used to reduce shake when taking photos in low-light settings.

How to use iPhone’s photo timer

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone. 
2. If you are trying to take a selfie or group photo, attach your iPhone to a tripod and frame your shot without you in it. Leave room in the frame for where you want to position yourself.
3. Tap the timer icon at the top of the screen. (It looks like a clock with only one hand.)
4. Choose 3 or 10 seconds. If you want to be in the photo, choose 10 seconds to give you plenty of time to pose yourself. If you’re trying to reduce camera shake, 3 seconds is fine.
5. When you are ready, tap the shutter button. The camera will count down and take a photo after 3 or 10 seconds.

7. Burst photos 

Burst photos allow you to capture and save photos of fast-moving subjects so you can choose the best one later on. In Burst mode, your camera captures images at 10 frames per second. When you are finished recording your photos, you can scroll through them to find your favorite shots.

How to use the Burst feature on iPhone

Burst mode for iPhone works differently depending on which model you have. If you are using an iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or earlier model, all you have to do is hold down the shutter button to enable Burst mode. With these phones, Burst mode will not work if you are also using the timer, HDR, or the flash.

If you are shooting with the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max, simply slide the shutter button to the left when taking a photo to activate Burst mode. 

8. The iPhone Camera grid

Did you know you can set gridlines within your Camera app to help you frame a more pleasing composition? Gridlines divide your screen into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Once you’ve used it for a while, you’ll hardly even notice it’s there. 

How to turn on gridlines on iOS Camera

1. Go to your Settings on your iPhone and tap Camera.
2. Toggle on Grid.
3. Frame your photo using the gridlines to make sure your horizon is straight and the elements in your photo sit along the lines on your screen.

9. Exposure/focus lock

Your iPhone camera comes with a cool feature that allows you to automatically choose and lock your focus and exposure when shooting your photo. If you do not choose your focus and exposure, the iPhone will do it for you, but the results may not always be what you’re expecting. The AE/AF Lock (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus Lock) feature enables you to set your focus and your exposure and then lock in your settings for the current photo. 

How to lock focus and exposure on iPhone Camera

1. Open your Camera on your iPhone and frame your shot.
2. Find the part of your photo that you want your camera to focus on and tap it on your screen. This will set your focus.
3. If you want to change the exposure, you can slide your finger up for lighter and down for darker.
4. To lock your focus and exposure, hold your finger down on the yellow square on your screen. Now, even if your subject moves, it will remain in focus.
5. Tap the shutter button to take a photo. 

10. iPhone HDR 

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and using it allows you to create properly exposed photos in all sorts of tricky lighting conditions. Your iPhone uses HDR to take a series of photos that highlight different areas of the scene you are shooting. HDR will give you more detail in the shadows and bright highlights that aren’t washed out. It’s great for landscape photography, bright sunlight, and street scenes.

How to use HDR on iPhone Camera

The following instructions are for iPhone models earlier than iPhone X models. Newer models have Smart HDR, which is used automatically in scenarios when it would be most effective:

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. At the top of the screen, you will see an HDR icon. Tap it and then tap On. 
3. Frame your shot and take your photo by tapping the shutter button. 

Using your iPhone camera settings correctly will drastically improve the quality of your photos. Fortunately, these settings are super easy and intuitive to use, even for novice photographers.

The post 10 iPhone Camera settings that radically improve your photos appeared first on Backlight.

Understanding iPhone Live Photos 

Live Photos on iPhone were introduced in 2015 with the rollout of the iPhone 6S series. This was one of the flagship features of this series and caused quite a bit of excitement when it was first introduced. Live Photos are now considered a staple of every iPhone, and they’re a great way to bring your still photos to life.

What is a Live Photo?

A Live Photo is like a photo/video hybrid, capturing a still image and also a 1.5-second video on either end of the still photo. You can take a Live Photo with any iPhone starting with the iPhone 6S. You can set your iPhone to always take Live Photos, or you can turn the feature on whenever you want. 

What’s the point of Live Photos on iPhone?

Live Photos capture a short video with sound, so they are perfect for capturing movement, wildlife, or active toddlers. They’re also great for capturing group shots because you can scroll through and find a still photo where everyone is actually smiling and looking at the camera. You can use Live Photos to create long-exposure images and GIFs, too!

Do Live Photos have sound?

Yes, sound is captured in your Live Photo for about 1.5 seconds before and after you press the shutter button. 

Using the iPhone camera’s Live feature  

Ready to use iPhone Live Photos to capture fantastic moving images? The feature is easy to turn on and off using your iPhone’s native Camera app. Here’s how to use Live Photos on your iPhone. 

How to take a Live Photo

Taking Live Photos is easy. In fact, it’s the default setting for taking photos on your iPhone. You can also turn it on and off as needed. Here’s how:

1. Open your iPhone’s Camera app.
2. You will see a series of concentric circles at the top of your screen. If the circles icon is yellow, it means the Live Photos feature is already turned on. If the circles icon is white, the feature is off. Tap the circles to turn on Live Photos.
3. Once Live Photos is on, all you have to do is snap a photo by tapping the shutter button.

How and when to turn on Live Photos

You toggle Live Photos on and off by tapping the concentric circles icon before taking a photo. Because Live Photos take up a significant amount of space on your phone, it’s probably smart to only use Live Photos when you are hoping to capture movement and/or sound. Toggle the feature on just before taking a Live Photo and off when you are finished. 

How to play a Live Photo on iPhone

Viewing a Live Photo on iPhone or iPad is easy: 

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to the Live Photo that you want to view.
3. Hold your finger down on the Live Photo, and it will automatically begin to play.

Getting creative with iPhone Live Photos

Now that you know the basics, let’s take it a step further. Here are some creative ways to use your Live Photos. 

How to edit a Live Photo on iPhone

You edit a Live Photo on your iPhone in much the same way that you edit any photo using the Photos app. You can use all the same photo editing tools that you would use for a still photo. Plus, you can extract the Key photo, trim the length of your Live Photo, and mute the sound. Here’s how to access the iPhone Live Photo editing tools: 

1. Open the Photos app and navigate to the Live Photo that you want to edit.
2. Tap Edit.
3. Choose the Live Photos icon from the bottom of the screen. 
4. Scroll through the series of still photos on the bottom to choose your favorite. Tap Make Key Photo on your favorite. This still image will be the one that shows up in your Photo Library. 
5. To make your Live Photo shorter, drag the arrows on either side of the scroll until your Live Photo is the desired length. 
6. To mute the sound, tap on the speaker icon in the upper-left corner. You can toggle the sound on or off using this icon.
7. In addition to these tools, which are specific to Live Photos, you can also access the regular photo editing tools by tapping on the icons at the bottom of the screen.
8. When you are finished editing, tap Done.

How to extract a still from a Live Photo

To extract a still photo from your Live Photo, you don’t even have to go to the editing screen. Here’s an easy way to do it:

1. Open the Photos app and choose the Live Photo that you want to extract a still from.
2. Tap the share icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. Tap Duplicate.
4. Tap Duplicate as Still Photo.

How to turn a Live Photo into a video

Making a video from your Live Photo is just as easy. Here’s the easiest way to save your Live Photo as a video file:

1. Open the Photos app and choose the Live Photo that you want to turn into a video.
2. Tap the share icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap on Save as Video.

How to take long-exposure photos using Live Photos

To create a long-exposure photo from a Live Photo, you will essentially be stitching multiple photos together to create a special effect. This will work best with a tripod because you want the still portions of your photo to remain still while capturing some sort of movement, such as running water, clouds, or traffic. Once you have framed your shot, you can take a long exposure image using the following method:

1. Before shooting your photo, toggle on the Live Photo feature within the Camera app.
2. Take your photo by tapping the shutter button, being careful not to shake your phone. If you want to ensure a steady shot, use the self-timer by tapping on the timer icon at the top of the screen.
3. Once you’ve taken your photo, open it in the Photos app.
4. Swipe up across your photo, which will open the effects menu.
5. Scroll through and tap Long Exposure and watch your photo transform.

How to create looped or Boomerang-like GIFs with Live Photos

You can use Live Photo effects to also create looped GIFs (similar to the Boomerang feature on Instagram). To make a custom GIF, you use the same effects screen that you used to create a long exposure:

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone and navigate to the Live Photo you want to edit.
2. Swipe up to reveal the effects screen.
3. Tap Loop, which will create a looped video that will play over and over again.

Ready to start experimenting with Live Photos and the cool effects they create? Keep this guide handy for your next Live Photo shoot. 

The post How to use iPhone Live Photos for creative photos and videos appeared first on Backlight.

For more flexibility, consider purchasing a small tripod so that you can use a self-timer for your selfies. This will make for more natural-looking photos and get the camera a little farther away from your face. 

We have divided these poses into categories for women, men, and couples, but feel free to experiment with all of them, no matter which category you fall into.

Cute selfie poses for girls and women

There are many selfie options for girls and women that are both cute and flattering. If you’re stuck trying to figure something out, try these ideas.

1. The pensive profile

There’s something about a portrait of the subject looking away from the camera that makes for a more natural capture. Side-profile selfies leave the viewer guessing — what is the person thinking, and where is she looking? This is also the perfect selfie pose for people who are a bit camera shy. 

2. The fun reflection selfie pose

There are a million ways to use reflections to create fun selfies that are totally unique. Think beyond the bathroom mirror, a selfie that has been done to death. Reflections can be created using mirrors, of course, but lakes, puddles, and windows can also be used. Find a reflective surface and let your creativity run wild. 

 3. The looking-over-the-shoulder pose

While this is a common portrait pose for weddings, senior portraits, and the like, you rarely see over-the-shoulder selfies. This type of shot may not feel entirely natural, but it stands out with a unique look that is perfect for everyone — girls, women, boys, and men. For the most natural look, shoot the over-the-shoulder pose at eye level and crop as closely as you are comfortable. 

The best selfie poses for boys and men

Who takes the most selfies — men or women? The verdict is out and pretty difficult to calculate, but these awesome selfie poses are perfect for guys who want to give it a go. 

5. The closely cropped pose shot from below

One of the problems with traditional selfies is that it’s tricky to find a background that isn’t busy and overwhelming, and you’ve always got the weird shoulder hunch from stretching your arm out to capture your face. You can solve both of these issues by getting in close and shooting from below so that the sky becomes your background. 

 6. The classic headshot

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try this: Hold the camera an arm’s length away at eye level. Look straight into the camera and press the shutter. Smiling is optional. When you’re finished, crop as tight as you wish to limit background distractions. The classic headshot looks great in black and white or color and is great for showing off that new haircut.

7. The partial shadow selfie

This type of selfie is similar to the classic headshot. The only difference is that you want half of your face to be in shadow. To do this, stand next to a sunny window so that the natural light shines on half of your face. Artificial light also works. The goal is to have a deep contrast between light and dark. Hold your phone off-center with the light source shining behind the lens.

Great selfie poses for couples

It can be tricky to nail down a natural-looking couple pose. On the one hand, having two people in your photo takes some of the pressure off, but on the other hand, now you have to pose two people in a way that is natural and attractive. Our advice is to use the following couple posing suggestions as inspiration and experiment with what works best for you.

8. The piggyback selfie

For something less romantic and more fun, try out the piggyback selfie. It’s an awkward pose to get right, but even the bloopers make great memories. For this one, we recommend a tripod, a timer, and a lot of patience. Don’t forget to smile!

9. The adoring gaze selfie pose

For this pose, one of you should be looking at the camera while the other stares adoringly at his/her partner. It doesn’t matter who does what, and it’s fun to try this one both ways. It’s way less awkward than both people staring into each other’s eye, making this one easier to share.

10. The foreheads touching profile pose

For this pose, you’ll need a tripod and a self-timer. Stand facing your partner, hold hands, and lean into each other until your foreheads are touching. Close your eyes, enjoy the moment, and snap a photo. For the best results, shoot this one from mid-thigh up. (Ambiance from a nearby fountain is totally optional.)

Hopefully, these unique selfie poses will encourage you to get out there and start shooting, no matter what type of camera or phone you’re using to capture the moment.

The post The 10 best selfie pose ideas for natural-looking selfies appeared first on Backlight.