How to take better pictures with your iPhone

You won't always remember to grab your point-and-shoot to capture those memorable moments. Dragging around a DSLR is cumbersome and, in many circumstances, impractical. But don't just let those memories pass you by. Your iPhone images can be just as good as those taken with a traditional camera, without spending a dime, with a few easy-to-apply tips.

1) Hold the button

You’re preparing for the perfect shot: you have good lighting and your subject is adorable (still!). Now, all you have to do is capture that photo. You tap the screen; your smile falters as you discover that perfect moment blurred. Why? Even the slight movement of tapping the screen adds motion to the camera both when you push your finger to the screen and when you remove it. You can reduce movement by half by simply holding your thumb on the camera icon before you even get ready for the picture. Remember, the picture is actually taken when you remove your finger from the button, not when you hit it. To take your photo:

1. Place your thumb on the camera icon on the screen.
2. Get your subject in focus.
3. Remove your thumb from the icon and enjoy your non-blurry photo.

2) Don’t zoom. Ever.

You may be thinking, “Why would the makers of the iPhone put the ability to zoom on my camera if it’s a bad thing?” I don’t know, friend. I don’t know. I will tell you, though, that you will never get a fantastic photo if you use it. If you want to zoom in on your subject, move closer to it. The iPhone’s camera is not made for distance shots, so don’t push beyond its limits.

3) Find natural light whenever possible

You won’t always be outside when you want to use your iPhone to take a picture. If you are, outdoor light is ideal for taking photos with your phone, so snap away. If you’re indoors, try to position yourself closer to a natural light source. Windows are perfect; just make sure the light from the window shines on your subject rather than from behind it. Try to avoid using the flash at all costs – red eyes and pasty white skin are not flattering for anybody.

What are your tips for taking better iPhone photos? Do you have a specific go-to app when you’re feeling snap-happy?

Photo courtesy of author.