Fundamental Photography Principles
Master the core principles that make photographs compelling. Understand exposure, depth of field, and perspective to elevate your iPhone photography skills.
The Exposure Triangle
Understanding exposure is fundamental to photography. While iPhone cameras handle most exposure decisions automatically, knowing these principles helps you take creative control.
Aperture (f-stop)
Controls depth of field - how much of your image is in sharp focus.
- Wide aperture (f/1.4) = shallow depth
- Narrow aperture (f/8) = deep depth
- iPhone Portrait mode simulates wide aperture
Shutter Speed
Controls motion blur and camera shake.
- Fast shutter = frozen motion
- Slow shutter = motion blur
- iPhone automatically adjusts for light
ISO Sensitivity
Controls sensor sensitivity to light.
- Low ISO (100) = cleanest image
- High ISO (3200+) = more noise
- iPhone Night mode manages high ISO
iPhone Exposure Control
While you can't directly control aperture or shutter speed on iPhone, you can influence exposure:
- Tap to set focus and exposure point
- Slide up/down to adjust exposure brightness
- Use AE/AF lock for consistent exposure
- HDR mode for high contrast scenes
- Night mode for low light situations
- Portrait mode for depth of field effects
Depth of Field Mastery
Depth of field determines what parts of your image appear sharp versus blurred. It's one of the most powerful creative tools in photography.
Creating Shallow Depth of Field
Shallow depth of field isolates your subject by blurring the background. This technique draws attention to your main subject and creates professional-looking images.
Natural Methods
- Get closer to your subject
- Increase distance between subject and background
- Use 2x or 3x telephoto lens
- Focus on closest part of subject
iPhone Portrait Mode
- Computational depth of field effect
- Adjustable f-stop simulation after capture
- Works best with clear subject separation
- Available on main and telephoto cameras
Deep Depth of Field Applications
Landscape Photography
Keep foreground and background sharp for maximum detail
Group Photos
Ensure all people in group remain in focus
Architecture
Show building details from front to back
Perspective and Point of View
Your camera position dramatically affects the mood and impact of your photographs. Learn to use different perspectives to tell more compelling visual stories.
Camera Height Variations
High Angle (Bird's Eye)
Camera above subject looking down. Makes subjects appear smaller, shows patterns and relationships.
Eye Level
Natural, neutral perspective. Most comfortable viewing angle that connects with viewer.
Low Angle (Worm's Eye)
Camera below subject looking up. Makes subjects appear powerful, dramatic, or imposing.
Distance and Intimacy
Wide Shots
Show environment and context. Subject as part of larger scene.
Medium Shots
Balance between subject and environment. Natural social distance.
Close-ups
Create intimacy and emotional connection. Focus on details and expressions.
iPhone Perspective Tips
- Use Ultra Wide lens for dramatic low angles
- Hold phone higher for overhead shots
- Crouch or lie down for unique perspectives
- Use steps, chairs, or hills for elevation
- Move around subject before shooting
- Try vertical and horizontal orientations
- Use multiple lenses for different views
- Consider background at different angles