Introduction

We all know how to use the camera function on our smartphones. Thanks to the continuous efforts of smartphone manufacturers, in most scenarios, we can simply press the shutter button to capture a decent-quality photo with ease.

However, pressing the shutter button is a very basic action, and often, what we strive for is more than just a clear picture. We seek high-quality photos that possess a certain aesthetic appeal and tell a story. Photos are not only for our own enjoyment but also a means of expressing ourselves. In such cases, we cannot rely solely on pressing the shutter button. We need to familiarize ourselves with our photography tools and make appropriate adjustments to achieve better quality photos in specific scenarios.

Although the camera interface on smartphones appears simple, it offers a variety of functions such as aspect ratio selection, burst mode, exposure control, focus, zoom, focus lock, and flash, among others.

You may have used these functions before but might not fully understand their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding your photography tools is the first step to taking great photos. This document shares insights on how to familiarize yourself with your smartphone’s photography functions and how to use an iPhone to take excellent photos.

I will mainly use the iPhone’s camera as an example to introduce various basic functions. Except for the newer features like Night Mode, optical zoom, and Portrait Mode that might not be available on some phones, the rest of the basic functions should be present on every smartphone.