Manual Camera Apps for iPhone
Adobe Stock Image
I probably shouldn’t start this post with a confession but I’m going to: I really don’t take pictures with my iPhone. In today’s world that is a bit…uncommon. The professional’s I know use their iPhones for personal photographs, the enthusiasts I know use their iPhones more and more instead of pulling out their DSLRs. I might get around to writing sometime about why I don’t use my iPhone camera to it’s fullest extent but it really is neither here nor there at the moment because one thing that is very apparent is just how good smart phones are at taking pictures. Back in 2009 Chase Jarvis published the book The Best Camera is the One You Have With You and we have 15 years of Iphone development since then.
But just like with a DSLR, a camera set on auto is not making use of the technology we have in front of us. If you want to really use your phone camera then installing a third party camera app with manual control is the way to go. And if you are just starting out in photography, then I really can’t recommend one of these apps enough. Next time you are killing time in line somewhere, instead of scrolling Instagram, open one of these apps and start experimenting with the relationship between shutter-speed and exposure.
There is one glaring omission to using your iPhone on manual is that you can’t control your aperture. The iPhone camera lens has a fixed aperture so there really isn’t anything that is just the way it is. Does that make shooting manual on the iPhone worthless- not at all. Having more control over your images, thinking about exposure, experimenting with slow shutter speeds and the relationships between Shutter Speed and ISO are all really important skills. But my one piece of advice to someone starting out is just to make sure you don’t underestimate the importance of aperture. Experiment with shutter speed, iso, and exposure compensation on your iPhone. Use that device to train your eye and your brain to see the world differently, and to think about settings before taking a picture. And make better pictures. and lots of them.
But if you are really into photography, and you want to really learn it, then use these tools in addition to, not in place of a camera (mirrorless or dslr) with good, manual control of everything, including the aperture.
iPhone Apps For More Camera Control
Camera+ Pro Camera and Editor Available for free with in App purchases
Pro Camera by Moment $8.99 with in App Purchases
Honestly, either app works really well for its intended purpose. I slightly prefer the interface of Pro Camera and at less than $10 its a great deal. I haven’t used either of them enough recently to offer a good in-depth review of the current features, but you really can’t go wrong either way.
Other Much Needed iPhone Photography Accessories
iPhone Photography book by Scott Kelby*: If you are into iPhone photography at all, you want this book
Mini Tripod Support once you start experimenting with shutter speed, a camera support is necessary. Fortunately, iPhone supports are both inexpensive and portable.
A note on Android: If you are an Android user, I apologize, I have literally never owned or used an Android phone so I’m really not much help on this subject and I’m reluctant to give very specific advice. This app is one I have had students use in the past with good success but I have no personal experience with it.
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