1. Just like a real camera, the iPhone lets you easily adjust the exposure of your images. Simply tap the screen where you want your focal point to be, and a yellow box appears. On the right side of the yellow box is a sun icon. Move the sun up and down and watch the focal point get brighter or darker. Play around with it to find what exposure you like and then click away!
2. If you don’t have the steadiest hands for picture taking, that’s okay. The Lock Focus feature will help you keep the camera focused on your subject. Tap on your focal point and hold for a second until a yellow box appears at the top of your screen that says “AE/AF LOCK”. As you move your phone slightly, whatever you chose as your focal point will stay in focus. To get rid of Lock Focus, just tap anywhere else on the screen.
3. Everyone loves a good candid shot, and sometimes the moments just before or after the picture itself is the best part…so why not capture all of it?! Live Photos are three second videos that capture the second before the picture, the actual picture, and the second after. To turn this feature on, tap the icon at the top of the camera screen that has circles inside of circles.
4. How many times have you filmed a video and wished you had a photo of something in the video? Rather than playing the video and trying to screen shot the exact moment, take a photo while you film the video! On the bottom of the camera screen, swipe right once to get to VIDEO. Tap the red button to start recording. While recording, a white circle appears on the left side of the screen, and this is how you take a photo at the same time you are taking your video. Tap that button during the video as many times as you want. All the photos you take and the video will be automatically saved to your camera roll.
5. Raise your hand if you’ve ever taken a selfie! Here’s a tip to help you with your selfie game…use the timer feature! At the top of the camera screen, there is an icon that looks like a clock. When you tap it, it will let you set a timer for 3 or 10 seconds. Strike a pose and wait for the flash!
BONUS
If you have an iPhone 7 Plus, you have what’s called the Portrait mode. This is by far the coolest feature! This feature gives your photos depth perception. Tap on your focal point within 8 feet from you, and watch your subject become the only thing in focus. Everything else blurs out so it gives an amazing 3D effect. Your phone will help you out with this by telling you if you need to move closer or farther away. This one is so fun to play around with!