How to Take HDR Photos Like a Pro on Your iPhone
One of the trickiest parts of photography is getting the exposure right. It’s easy to take a photo that is too light or too dark. To help you overcome this challenge, here are a few techniques that can be used to ensure your images are properly exposed, HDR is one of them.
But How does HDR work? How can you use HDR to take a better photo? This article will explain what HDR is, how to use the HDR setting on your iPhone, and how you can use your iPhone to take better-looking HDR photos.
What Is HDR in Photography?
HDR stands for high dynamic range. This is a feature available on most modern smartphones. It allows for greater detail and color reproduction in images and videos. HDR works by taking multiple photos of a scene and then combining them into one image that has greater detail and range than what is possible with a single shot.
This is perfect for photos that are in high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes or cityscapes. It can also be used to enhance photos that were taken in low light conditions.
What Does HDR Mean on an iPhone Camera?
Essentially, the iPhone camera takes three separate photos and then combines them into one. The three photos are taken at different exposures: one photo is taken at the default exposure, one under-exposed photo, and one over-exposed photo.
This technique allows your iPhone to capture more detail in a scene’s darker and brighter areas than it normally would when taking a single photo.
Some of the benefits of having HDR enabled on your iPhone include:
- Outdoor pictures often have less detail in bright areas, like trees, buildings, and shadows.
- Better contrast between the bright and dark areas of an image
- The increased vibrancy and color accuracy.
What is Smart HDR?
To provide users with a better photographic experience, Apple introduced this new HDR version in the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR later.
In new models of iPhones with Bionic processors, the HDR software uses a Neural Engine and computational photography technology that automatically recognizes the scene you are shooting in order to adjust the exposure settings according to different lighting conditions, thus producing better quality images with details preserved even though they may be taken at night (or in a very dark room).
Which iPhones come with HDR and Smart HDR?
iPhone models with HDR
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
iPhone models with Smart HDR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
The older iPhone model does not have a smart HDR feature.
How to Take HDR Photos on iPhone
1. Open the iPhone camera roll app (tap on the camera icon).
2. Select the HDR option at the top of the screen.
3. Take your HDR photo using the camera roll.
If you own an iPhone XS or a newer device, then you should have Smart HDR mode enabled by default. iPhone automatically detects when it’s most effective, enabling optimal HDR settings for the rear camera and the front camera when it’s most effective.
iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 models add support for Dolby Vision HDR. Dolby Vision HDR is an advanced high dynamic range (HDR) video format that brings greater brightness, contrast, and more vibrant colors to your videos.
The best third-party HDR camera app for iPhone
If you’re looking for an app that can do more than just take HDR photos, then you’ll want to check out:
These apps range from simple-to-use smart camera apps to apps that offer more advanced creative tools and editing features.
How to turn off HDR on iPhone?
For iPhone 7 and earlier:
Tap on the camera app button, tap the camera setting icon, and tap HDR at the top.
For iPhone 8:
Go to Settings > Camera
then turn off Auto HDR.
For iPhone XS, iPhone 11, and iPhone 12:
Go to Settings > Camera and toggle Smart HDR off.
How to turn off HDR video on iPhone
HDR is not just for photography; it can also be used for video recording. By recording in HDR, you can capture greater detail and range of colors in your videos, making them look more realistic and dynamic.
On iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models that support Dolby Vision, smart HDR is enabled automatically by default.
So if you want to turn off this feature, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video, then turn off HDR Video.
How to view HDR photos on your iPhone
HDR photos are saved in the iPhone Photos app as a high-dynamic-range image, and you can view them like any other photo. From your iPhone’s home screen, tap the Photos icon at the bottom of the screen.
For iPhone 13: Go to Settings > Photos, then turn on View Full HDR.
FAQs
Can I save HDR and non-HDR photos at the same time?
Yes, you can. Go to Settings > Camera, then turn on Keep Normal Photo.
For iPhone 8:
For iPhone 11
Are HDR photos better than non-HDR photos?
It’s a matter of personal choice, but the consensus is that HDR photos are better than non-HDR photos in most situations. It the best to try out different methods and see what works best for you.
So, the best way to find out is by taking a picture with your iPhone camera and then showing it to friends, and family and asking them to give you their opinion. Keep in mind that HDR photographs are more detailed and lifelike. This is because they combine multiple exposures of the same photo to create a more realistic image.
If you often shoot landscapes and urban architecture, HDR pictures may be the way to go.
Should I use HDR on iPhone?
When it comes to this topic, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as the decision of whether or not to leave HDR always on your iPhone depends on your personal preferences and needs.
HDR photography is particularly useful where the light conditions change often, e.g. So if you often shoot photos of moving clouds and the sky or high dynamic range outdoor scenes then keep HDR enabled.
However, if you experience any issues with HDR, then it might be a better idea to turn it off. Just make sure that you take the time to test out different HDR effects to see what works best for your photos. So, it is important to experiment and find what works best for you.
When to turn on HDR on iPhone?
HDR technology is becoming more and more popular these days, as it offers improved contrast and color palette that will make your photos look more realistic. When to use HDR? There are a few simple guidelines that you can follow to decide when to use HDR:
1. When you are photographing a scene with a lot of contrast, like a brightly lit object against a dark background.
2. When you are photographing a scene with a lot of detail, like a Close-up of flowers in sunlight.
3. When you are photographing a scene with a lot of bright light or sunlight.
4. When you are photographing a scene at night and want to capture the full range of light.
Final thoughts
When deciding whether or not to turn on HDR on your iPhone, the decision is up to you, and there are no set rules for when HDR should be used. Just keep in mind the guidelines outlined above so you can decide when and how often to use HDR.
