Take great photos and videos (2024)

Select version:

Modifying this control will update this page automatically

iPhone User Guide

Welcome
- Setup basics
- Make your iPhone your own
- Take great photos and videos
- Keep in touch with friends and family
- Share features with your family
- Use iPhone for your daily routines
- Expert advice from Apple Support
What’s new in iOS 17
- Turn on and set up iPhone
- Wake and unlock
- Set up cellular service
- Use Dual SIM
- Connect to the internet
- Find settings
- Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts
- Learn the meaning of the status icons
- Read and bookmark the user guide
- - Learn basic gestures
  - Learn gestures for iPhone models with Face ID
- Adjust the volume
- Multitask with Picture in Picture
- Access features from the Lock Screen
- View Live Activities in the Dynamic Island
- Perform quick actions
- Search on iPhone
- Get information about your iPhone
- View or change cellular data settings
- Travel with iPhone
- Change sounds and vibrations
- Use the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Create a custom Lock Screen
- Change the wallpaper
- Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
- Keep the iPhone display on longer
- Use StandBy
- Customize the text size and zoom setting
- Change the name of your iPhone
- Change the date and time
- Change the language and region
- Use and customize Control Center
- Change or lock the screen orientation
- Customize sharing options
- Add or change keyboards
- Add emoji and stickers
- Take a screenshot
- Take a screen recording
- - Draw in documents
  - Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
- Fill out forms and sign documents
- Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
- Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
- Lift a subject from the photo background
- - Get apps
  - Use App Clips
  - Update apps
  - View or cancel subscriptions
  - Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
  - Install and manage fonts
- - Buy books and audiobooks
  - Read books
  - Annotate books
  - Access books on other Apple devices
  - Listen to audiobooks
  - Set reading goals
  - Organize books
  - Read PDFs
- Calculator
- - Create and edit events in Calendar
  - Send invitations
  - Reply to invitations
  - Change how you view events
  - Search for events
  - Change calendar and event settings
  - Schedule or display events in a different time zone
  - Keep track of events
  - Use multiple calendars
  - Use the Holidays calendar
  - Share iCloud calendars
- - Adjust the shutter volume
  - Adjust HDR camera settings
  - Record videos
  - Record spatial videos for Apple Vision Pro
  - Record ProRes videos
  - Record videos in Cinematic mode
  - Change video recording settings
  - Save camera settings
  - Customize the Main camera lens
  - Change advanced camera settings
  - View, share, and print photos
  - Use Live Text
  - Scan a QR code
- - See the world clock
  - Set an alarm
  - Change the next wake up alarm
  - Use the stopwatch
  - Use multiple timers
- Compass
- - Add and use contact information
  - Edit contacts
  - Add your contact info
  - Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact info
  - Use other contact accounts
  - Use Contacts from the Phone app
  - Merge or hide duplicate contacts
  - Export contacts
- - Get started with FaceTime
  - - Make FaceTime calls
    - Receive FaceTime calls
  - Create a FaceTime link
  - Take a Live Photo
  - Turn on Live Captions in a FaceTime call
  - Use other apps during a call
  - Make a Group FaceTime call
  - View participants in a grid
  - Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
  - Share your screen in a FaceTime call
  - Collaborate on a document in FaceTime
  - Use video conferencing features
  - Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
  - Change the FaceTime video settings
  - Change the FaceTime audio settings
  - Change your appearance
  - Leave a call or switch to Messages
  - Block unwanted callers
  - Report a call as spam
- - Connect external devices or servers
  - Modify files, folders, and downloads
  - Search for files and folders
  - Organize files and folders
  - Send files
  - Set up iCloud Drive
  - Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
- - Adjust map settings
- - Get started with Fitness
  - Track daily activity and change your move goal
  - See your activity summary
  - Sync a third-party workout app
  - Change fitness notifications
  - Share your activity
- - Get started with Freeform
  - Create a Freeform board
  - Draw or handwrite
  - Add text
  - Add shapes
  - Add files
  - Apply consistent styles
  - Position items on a board
  - Search Freeform boards
  - Share and collaborate
  - Delete and recover boards
- - Get started with Health
  - Fill out your Health Details
  - - Download health records
    - View health records
  - Monitor your walking steadiness
  - - Log menstrual cycle information
    - View menstrual cycle predictions and history
  - - Track your medications
    - Learn more about your medications
  - - Log your state of mind
    - Take a mental health assessment
  - - Check your headphone levels
    - Use audiogram data
  - Register as an organ donor
  - Back up your Health data
- - Intro to Home
  - Upgrade to the new Home architecture
  - Set up accessories
  - Control accessories
  - Control your home using Siri
  - Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
  - Set up HomePod
  - Control your home remotely
  - Create and use scenes
  - Use automations
  - Set up security cameras
  - Use Face Recognition
  - Unlock your door with a home key
  - Configure a router
  - Invite others to control accessories
  - Add more homes
- - Get music, movies, and TV shows
  - Get ringtones
  - Manage purchases and settings
- - Get started with Journal
  - Write in your journal
  - Review your past journal entries
  - Change Journal settings
- - Magnify nearby objects
  - Change settings
- - - Add and remove email accounts
    - Set up a custom email domain
  - Check your email
  - Set email notifications
  - Search for email
  - Organize email in mailboxes
  - - Flag or block emails
    - Filter emails
  - - Use Hide My Email
    - Use Mail Privacy Protection
  - Change email settings
  - Delete and recover emails
  - Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
  - Print emails
- - View maps
  - Get traffic and weather info
  - Get rides
  - Estimate travel time and ETA
  - Download offline maps
  - Look around places
  - Take Flyover tours
  - Find your Maps settings
- - Measure dimensions
  - View and save measurements
  - Measure a person’s height
  - Use the level
- - Set up Messages
  - About iMessage
  - Send and reply to messages
  - Unsend and edit messages
  - Keep track of messages
  - Search
  - Forward and share messages
  - Group conversations
  - Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
  - Collaborate on projects
  - Use iMessage apps
  - Take and edit photos or videos
  - Share photos, links, and more
  - Send stickers
  - Request, send, and receive payments
  - Send and receive audio messages
  - Share your location
  - Animate messages
  - Change notifications
  - Block, filter, and report messages
  - Delete messages and attachments
  - Recover deleted messages
- - Get music
  - View albums, playlists, and more
  - Play music
  - Show song credits and lyrics
  - Queue up your music
  - Listen to broadcast radio
  - Change the way music sounds
- - Get started with News
  - Use News widgets
  - See news stories chosen just for you
  - Read stories
  - Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
  - Listen to Apple News Today
  - Search for news stories
  - Save stories in News for later
  - Subscribe to individual news channels
- - Get started with Notes
  - Add or remove accounts
  - Create and format notes
  - Draw or write
  - Add photos, videos, and more
  - Scan text and documents
  - Work with PDFs
  - Add links
  - Create Quick Notes
  - Search notes
  - Organize in folders
  - Organize with tags
  - Use Smart Folders
  - Share and collaborate
  - Export or print notes
  - Lock notes
  - Change Notes settings
- - Make a call
  - Answer or decline incoming calls
  - While on a call
  - Set up voicemail
  - Check voicemail
  - Change voicemail greeting and settings
  - Select ringtones and vibrations
  - Make calls using Wi-Fi
  - Set up call forwarding and call waiting
  - Avoid unwanted calls
- - View photos and videos
  - Play videos and slideshows
  - Delete or hide photos and videos
  - Edit photos and videos
  - Trim video length and adjust slow motion
  - Edit Cinematic mode videos
  - Edit Live Photos
  - Edit portraits
  - Use photo albums
  - Edit, share, and organize albums
  - Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
  - Make stickers from your photos
  - Duplicate and copy photos and videos
  - Merge duplicate photos and videos
  - Search for photos
  - Identify people and pets
  - Browse photos by location
  - Share photos and videos
  - Share long videos
  - View photos and videos shared with you
  - Watch memories
  - Personalize your memories
  - Manage memories and featured photos
  - - Use iCloud Photos
    - Create shared albums
    - Add and remove people in a shared album
    - Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
    - Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
    - Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
    - Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
  - Import and export photos and videos
  - Print photos
- - Find podcasts
  - Listen to podcasts
  - Follow your favorite podcasts
  - Use the Podcasts widget
  - Organize your podcast library
  - Download, save, or share podcasts
  - Subscribe to podcasts
  - Listen to subscriber-only content
  - Change download settings
- - Add or remove accounts
  - Make a grocery list
  - Add items to a list
  - Edit and manage a list
  - Search and organize lists
  - Work with templates
  - Organize with tags
  - Use Smart Lists
  - Share and collaborate
  - Print reminders
  - Use the Reminders widget
  - Change Reminders settings
- - Browse the web
  - Search for websites
  - Customize your Safari settings
  - Change the layout
  - Use Safari profiles
  - Use Siri to listen to a webpage
  - Bookmark favorite webpages
  - Save pages to a Reading List
  - Find links shared with you
  - Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
  - Automatically fill in forms
  - Get extensions
  - Hide ads and distractions
  - Clear your cache
- Shortcuts
- - Check stocks
  - Manage multiple watchlists
  - Read business news
  - Add earnings reports to your calendar
  - Use a Stocks widget
- Tips
- - Translate text, voice, and conversations
  - Translate text in apps
  - Translate with the camera view
- - Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
  - Add your TV provider
  - Get shows, movies, and more
  - Control playback
  - Manage your library
  - Change the settings
- - Make a recording
  - Play it back
  - Edit or delete a recording
  - Keep recordings up to date
  - Organize recordings
  - Search for or rename a recording
  - Share a recording
  - Duplicate a recording
- - Keep cards and passes in Wallet
  - Set up Apple Pay
  - Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
  - Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
  - Track your orders
  - Use Apple Cash
  - Use Apple Card
  - Use Savings
  - Pay for transit
  - Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
  - Add identity cards
  - Use passes
  - Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
  - Check your Apple Account balance
  - Use Express Mode
  - Organize your Wallet
  - Remove cards or passes
- - Check the weather
  - Check the weather in other locations
  - View weather maps
  - Manage weather notifications
  - Use Weather widgets
  - Learn the weather icons
- Use Siri
- Find out what Siri can do
- Tell Siri about yourself
- Have Siri announce calls and notifications
- Add Siri Shortcuts
- About Siri Suggestions
- Use Siri in your car
- Change Siri settings
- Contact emergency services
- Use Emergency SOS via satellite
- Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Set up and view your Medical ID
- Use Check In
- Manage Crash Detection
- Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
- Set up Family Sharing
- Add Family Sharing members
- Remove Family Sharing members
- Share subscriptions
- Share purchases
- Share locations with family and locate lost devices
- Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
- Set up parental controls
- Set up a child’s device
- Get started with Screen Time
- Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
- Set up Screen Time
- Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
- Charging cable
- Power adapters
- MagSafe chargers and battery packs
- MagSafe cases and sleeves
- Qi-certified wireless chargers
- - Use AirPods
  - Use EarPods
- Apple Watch
- - Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
  - Connect to a display with a cable
- HomePod and other wireless speakers
- External storage devices
- Bluetooth accessories
- Printers
- Share your internet connection
- Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
- Use iPhone as a webcam
- Hand off tasks between devices
- Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
- Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
- Start SharePlay instantly
- Use AirDrop to send items
- Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
- Intro to CarPlay
- Connect to CarPlay
- Use Siri
- Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
- Get turn-by-turn directions
- Report traffic incidents
- Change the map view
- Make phone calls
- Play music
- View your calendar
- Send and receive text messages
- Announce incoming text messages
- Play podcasts
- Play audiobooks
- Listen to news stories
- Control your home
- Use other apps with CarPlay
- Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
- Change settings in CarPlay
- Get started with accessibility features
- Turn on accessibility features for setup
- Change Siri accessibility settings
- Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
- - Overview
  - Use Guided Access
- Use built-in privacy and security protections
- Keep your Apple ID secure
- Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
- Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
- Use a private network address
- Use Advanced Data Protection
- Use Lockdown Mode
- Use Stolen Device Protection
- Receive warnings about sensitive content
- Use Contact Key Verification
- Turn iPhone on or off
- Force restart iPhone
- Update iOS
- Back up iPhone
- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
- Restore all content from a backup
- Restore purchased and deleted items
- Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
- Erase iPhone
- Install or remove configuration profiles
- Important safety information
- Important handling information
- Find more resources for software and service
- FCC compliance statement
- ISED Canada compliance statement
- Ultra Wideband information
- Class 1 Laser information
- Apple and the environment
- Disposal and recycling information
- Unauthorized modification of iOS
Copyright

With your iPhone nearby, you’ll never miss a chance to take a photo or video, snap a selfie, or capture scenes in low light. After you take photos, use the iPhone editing tools to crop, adjust the light and color, and much more.

Capture the moment

To quickly open Camera, just swipe left on the Lock Screen. Camera automatically focuses the shot and adjusts the exposure. Tap the Shutter button to take a photo.

Quickly switch to video

You can record videos without switching out of Photo mode. Just touch and hold the Shutter button and Camera begins recording a QuickTake video. Release the button to stop recording. QuickTake is available on iPhoneXS, iPhoneXR, and later.

Take the perfect selfie

To take a selfie, open Camera, then tap or (depending on your model). Hold your iPhone in front of you, then tap the Shutter button or either volume button to take the shot.

Shoot photos in low light

On supported models, Night mode automatically takes bright, detailed photos in low-light settings. When turns yellow, Night mode is on. Tap the Shutter button, then hold your iPhone still to capture the shot. To experiment with Night mode, tap , then move the slider below the frame to adjust the exposure time.

Stabilize video recordings with Action mode

On supported models, Action mode helps you capture smooth hand-held videos even when you’re moving around a lot—when jogging or hiking, for example. To turn on Action mode, open Camera, switch to Video mode, then tap .

Add the final touches

After you take a photo or video, use the editing tools in the Photos app to make it even better. Open a photo or video, tap Edit, then tap the buttons at the bottom of the screen to adjust lighting, add a filter, crop, or rotate. As you make edits, tap the photo to compare your changes to the original.

Want to learn more? Check out the Camera and Photos chapters.

Helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

FAQs

How to take good photos and videos? ›

Understand the rule of thirds. ...
Eyes should always be in focus. ...
Pay attention to the background. ...
Understand the exposure triangle. ...
Be careful with your on-camera flash. ...
Invest in a tripod. ...
Shoot in the early morning and evening. ...
Learn from your mistakes.

How to take photos like a pro? ›

Master the Fundamentals of Composition. Choose a Strong Focal Point. ...
Make Sure You Have Good Lighting. ...
Get Some Lighting Equipment. ...
Learn How to Edit Photos Like a Professional. ...
Learn Your Camera's Settings. ...
Pick Up a Tripod. ...
Upgrade Your Gear. ...
Show Off Your Shots Like a Pro.

Feb 26, 2019

View Details ›

What is the 1/3 rule in photography? ›

What is the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open.

Discover More Details ›

How do I take good pictures and videos with my iPhone? ›

iPhone Photography Tips

Tip 1: Clean off your lens.
Tip 2: Turn on the grid.
Tip 3: Adjust your focus & exposure.
Tip 4: Lock your focus & exposure.
Tip 5: Use the volume buttons.
Tip 6: Try portrait mode.
Tip 7: Edit your images.
Tip 8: Take An Online Course.

More items...

How do you take good pictures without a professional camera? ›

How to Take High-Quality Photos With Your Phone

Step 1: Clean Your Camera Lens. A simple yet overlooked tip to creating high-quality photos for Instagram is making sure your phone's camera lens is cleaned. ...
Step 2: Find Good Lighting. ...
Step 3: Think About the Space. ...
Step 4: Consider Composition.

Feb 18, 2022

View Details ›

How can I be more attractive in photos? ›

20 Posing Tips for Pictures to Look Photogenic in Every Shot

Relax Your Body and Face. ...
Get Moving and Grooving. ...
Use Real Laughter to Translate Authenticity into Your Photos. ...
Bring Your Ears Forward to Avoid a Double Chin. ...
Put Your Hands on Your Hips. ...
Try a Candid Pose. ...
Turn Your Body Slightly to the Side. ...
Check Your Posture.

More items...

Jul 26, 2022

How can I use my phone camera like a pro? ›

How to Take Good Photos With Your Phone: 11 Tips & Tricks

Practice.
Get to know your camera.
Learn how to use light.
Compose each photograph.
Focus on one subject at a time.
Set your camera's focus.
Hold your phone still.
Experiment with exposure.

More items...

Sep 7, 2023

Read On ›

Is there a word for photo and video? ›

Media or multimedia is fine.

Find Out More ›

What is the general term for pictures and videos? ›

In common usage, multimedia refers to the usage of multiple media of communication, including video, still images, animation, audio, and text, in such a way that they can be accessed interactively.

What are the golden rules of photography? ›

In photography, the golden ratio can be used to create balanced and aesthetically pleasing compositions. This is achieved by dividing the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject or key elements of the image at the intersection points of the lines.

What is the golden ratio for photography? ›

The golden ratio grid, or the phi grid, cuts your frame into a series of 1:1.618 lines. While the rule of thirds divides your frame into three equal sections, the phi grid creates three irregular yet orderly sections.

Get More Info ›

How can I improve the quality of a picture and video? ›

You can enhance your video quality by changing your recording equipment or adjusting your settings with these factors in mind:

Resolution. Video resolution refers to the number of pixels in each video frame. ...
Bitrate. ...
Frame rate. ...
Lighting. ...
Camera settings. ...
Framing. ...
Internet speed. ...
Edit for pacing.

More items...

Dec 26, 2023

View Details ›

How do you shoot good quality videos? ›

A few more tips:

Shoot horizontal! Not vertical. ...
When you need an extended, steady shot (like for interview footage) use a Tripod.
Don't use the zoom. Physically walk closer to the subject you're shooting. ...
Wipe the lens. Keep your videos crystal clear by wiping off the lens before you start shooting.

View Details ›