The iPhone 4s is one of the most popular phones ever made, and one of the reasons for its popularity is the 8 megapixel camera that is housed inside of it. The camera on the iPhone 4s is second to none, and it is capable of producing breathtaking pictures, but how do you get the most out of this fantastic smartphone camera? This guide will show you how to produce pictures that any photographer would be proud of.
Learn how to use the HDR feature
The camera on the iPhone 4s has a great feature called HDR, but what does it do? HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. HDR is a feature that will help create an image that has a better representation of light and dark areas in your pictures.
When turned on, the HDR feature on the iPhone 4s takes three separate pictures and then merges them into one. One of the pictures will be over exposed, one will be under exposed, and the third is taken with optimal setting. When the pictures are merged, low light areas, and areas with too much light are represented properly.
One thing to remember is that HDR will not improve every picture you take. HDR is best suited for times when you have strong back lighting, when you are taking pictures of landscapes, and anytime you have to deal with strong sunlight. On the flip side of the coin do not use HDR if your subject is prone to moving, if you want better contrast, or if your want the camera to produce more vivid colors.
Tap to focus and focus lock
By default the camera on the iPhone will focus on the subject that is located in the center of the display, but if you tap elsewhere in the frame the camera will shift its focus to the point where you tapped. After you tap, a small square will appear over the area that is now being brought into focus.
The focus lock feature is another way to ensure that your pictures turn out the way you want them too. By pressing and holding your finger on the object you want your iPhone to focus on, the camera will lock its focus onto that object.
Once you’ve decided on the subject that you want to be in focus and properly exposed, just tap and hold the image until a blue focus box flashes on the screen. The words AE/AF Lock will appear to let you know that the settings are locked in. To disable this feature, just tap anywhere on the screen.
Release to snap and the volume shutter button
The iPhone’s camera does not take a picture when you press the shutter button, instead it takes the picture when you release it. This is a fantastic feature as it can help decrease blurry photos caused by pressing the screen to take a picture. To use simply hold down the camera button until everything is in focus, then release the button to snap.
The volume up button on the side of the iPhone can also be used to take pictures. Simply press the volume up button on the side of the iPhone, or the volume up button on your iPhone headset (if it is plugged in) and the camera will snap the picture. This can also reduce blurry images as you do not have to touch the screen.
The Grid feature
There’s another feature in the iPhone’s options menu: Grid. When you turn this feature on a grid will be overlaid on screen. The grid breaks the image up into nine equally sized squares. This feature will help you compose your pictures. Proper picture composition is the easiest way to create stunning pictures that tell a story.
By utilizing the above features you can easily create amazing photos with your iPhone 4s. Learn how to use them properly and the camera on this phone will rival any digital point and shoot camera on the market today.
