Tips for Taking Your Best iPhone Pics

I love whipping out my professional camera for most things–I have so much more control over the photo, but day to day and sharing my life quickly which I realize is what I appreciate in bloggers I follow, requires something less invasive and less time consuming–so my phone for photos it is. Whether you’re a blogger, want to improve your selfie game or just want to take better pics of your kids on your phone, this post is for you!

The “Equipment” & Editing Tools

I have the iPhone 11 which has helped up my iPhone photo game quite a bit, but almost any phone pic can work with the right lighting and angles, which I’ll get into in a bit! I never shoot in portrait mode, just keep it simple with your phone!

For editing, I use the Lightroom app which is free, plus certain presets that I’ve paid for including Mandi Nelson presets. I’m not currently using them, but still in my phone! I also use the Tezza app daily to add a light filter (usually use the vintage filter and bring it from full intensity at 50 down to 30.) I like this filter because it doesn’t wash me out like the Mandi Nelson presets have, but I generally like my photos a little warmer, so I then export the photo out of Tezza and open in Lightroom to add a little more warmth and brightness if necessary.

The Photo Taking Tips

Over the last ten years, everyone from my mom to colleagues to friends have snapped quick photos for me and it’s all about setting up the shot for them. I usually show them what I want on my phone and sometimes even have them stand in for me and I’ll snap a few to show them what I’m looking for–and then we switch places.

Make them snap as many photos as possible, you could take 50 and usually a handful turn out the way you like and that’s all you need!

Vary up the photos–try taking full length and closer up just to give some variety.

Make sure you have good lighting. I avoid shooting in direct sunlight or in a strongly shaded area otherwise it looks so blue. And avoid backlighting–it’s a tough one to master, especially with a phone. If shooting inside, open up the curtains and try to stay close to natural light and turn off all artificial lights like lamps and such.

Always clean your camera lens before you hand the phone off for a photo! If I forget, I can guarantee the glass is smudged and the photo will be crap.

If you need take photos yourself, this selfie stick/tripod combo with a remote is perfect. I bought it last year and use it quite frequently. Tripods with a remote are wonderful when you need snap something quickly on your own! Coat from Aritzia | jeans by Madewell | boots by Prada | sweatshirt from Evereve (on sale!) | beanie by Free People (on sale) | Quay sunglasses from Retail Therapy | bag by Louis Vuitton

Photography by Veronika Pohl