Take great photos with iPhone

Use your iPhone to take great shots in any situation. From a candid photo to a studio-quality portrait—you can take them all with your iPhone camera. On supported models, you can capture a QuickTake video in Photo mode, and zoom out to capture more of what’s around you—even in selfies.

The Camera screen in Photo mode, with other modes to the left and right below the viewer. The Flash, Night mode, and Live Photo buttons are at the top of the screen. Below the camera modes are, from left to right, an image thumbnail to access photos and videos, the Shutter button, and the Switch Camera button.

Never miss a moment

With your iPhone nearby, you’re always ready to capture a great photo. To quickly open Camera, swipe left on the Lock screen. Camera automatically focuses the shot and adjusts the exposure. If you want to zoom in on your subject, touch and hold 1x (on supported models), then drag the slider to the left. Tap to take the shot.

The Camera screen in Portrait mode; the subject is sharp and the background is blurred. The dial to select Portrait lighting effects is open in the bottom of the frame and Studio Light is selected. At the top left of the screen is the Flash button and at the top right of the screen are the buttons to adjust Portrait lighting intensity and depth control. Near the bottom of the screen are, from left to right, an image thumbnail to access photos and videos, the Shutter button, and the Switch Camera button.

Shoot portraits like a pro

On supported models, use Portrait mode to create stunning portraits that use a depth-of-field effect—your subject stays sharp while the background blurs. Switch to Portrait mode, then drag the slider to choose a lighting effect. On iPhone XS and later, tap to adjust the background blur, or to fine-tune the intensity of the studio lighting effects.

The Camera screen showing the motion to start recording a QuickTake video. Near the bottom of the screen, the Shutter button moves right toward the Lock button, illustrating the gesture of starting a QuickTake video in Photo mode. The recording timer is at the top of the screen.

Record video in Photo mode

On iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, you can record a QuickTake video in Photo mode. Touch and hold the Shutter button to start recording a QuickTake video. Slide the Shutter button to the right, then let go over the white circle to continue recording hands-free.

While you record a QuickTake video, you can tap to take a still photo at the same time.

The Camera screen in Photo mode with the zoom slider at the bottom of the screen.

Capture more in your shot

Use the Ultra Wide camera on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max to increase the camera’s field of view and capture even more in the frame. To zoom out in Photo or Video mode, touch and hold 1x, then drag the slider to the right. To fit more in a selfie, tap , then tap to enlarge the frame and include more of what’s around you.

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

Helpful?

iPhone User Guide

Take great photos with iPhone

Never miss a moment

Shoot portraits like a pro

Record video in Photo mode

Capture more in your shot