HOW TO Capture detailed low–light shots

Flash or no flash?

A burst of flash can create a flat, washed–out looking subject (and draw attention). You might be better off tapping the arrow head, tapping the Flash icon, and choosing Flash Off.

Go wide

On iPhones with multiple lenses, the Wide lens has the widest aperture (compared to Telephoto or Ultra Wide). Because Wide lets in more light, this reduces ISO noise and is less likely to require Night mode (see Step 4).

Increase exposure level

To manually let in more light, tap the chevron then tap the Exposure Level icon. An Exposure dial enables you to brighten the shot by up to two f–stops. This dial will reset when you close the Camera app.

Night mode

In very dark locations, the Camera activates Night mode. The Night mode icon turns yellow and an auto exposure time (e.g. two seconds) appears. Tap the icon to dial in a longer exposure (up to a max of 10 seconds).

Take a shot

With Night mode activated, tap the Shutter button. To help steady the camera during a long exposure, keep the two cross hair icons aligned. This will reduce unwanted shake–induced blur for a sharper shot.

More control

Night mode shots could still be grainy due to an automatically high ISO setting. Apps such as Halide Mark II enable you to take manual control over ISO and shutter speed for potentially less grainy low–light shots.