Taking photos from iPhone using this method, even DSLR fails Photos often play a significant role in creating hype for a place or an object. You’ve likely seen artistic images of waterfalls or rivers where the water appears to cascade from the heavens, exhibiting a silky-smooth blur, while the surrounding rocks and trees remain crisply detailed. Although these images might seem entirely natural, they are actually the result of a sophisticated photographic technique designed to convey motion in a still image.
Traditionally, capturing such pictures required a DSLR camera equipped with filters and a tripod. However, you might be surprised to learn that you can achieve this effect with any iPhone released after the iPhone 6. It’s not limited to the latest models like the iPhone 15 Plus; older iPhones are also capable of producing such stunning images.
The technique leverages Live Photos, a feature that converts a still image into a short animation by recording a few seconds of video when the shutter is pressed. By analyzing moving objects, the iPhone captures their motion and applies a blur effect. Simultaneously, it identifies stationary objects (such as rocks or walls) and maintains their sharpness and focus. This allows for the creation of long-exposure images even in bright midday sunlight, without the need for a tripod or filters. This functionality effectively challenges the capabilities traditionally reserved for DSLRs.
Create a long exposure
After capturing your Live Photo, you can transform it into a long exposure shot. Start by opening the image in the gallery app. In the top left corner, you’ll see a small “Live” icon with a downward-pointing arrow next to it. Tap this arrow to reveal several options: you can convert the image into a looping GIF, a bouncing GIF that plays forward and then backward, or select the long exposure option at the bottom.
The conversion process will take a moment, but soon you’ll see the motion in your shot beautifully blurred into the desired dreamy effect. You can zoom in to ensure the image remains sharp. Feel free to apply the same effect to other photos of the same scene to see if any turned out even better.
Make long-exposure photos from existing Live images
If you don’t have a view of auroras in the night sky, consider exploring your photo library for existing images suitable for long-exposure photography. One of the advantages of the iPhone’s long-exposure feature is that it can be applied to any Live Photo you’ve previously taken.
For instance, if you visited Niagara Falls in New York or Havasu Falls in Arizona a few years ago and had Live Photos enabled, you can now apply the long-exposure effect to those shots. Simply swipe up on any Live Photo and activate the long-exposure option.
To streamline this process, navigate to your Live Photos album in your gallery, where you can easily view all the Live Photos on your phone that can be converted into long exposures.
My recommendation? Put on a good podcast, get comfortable, and see what stunning images you can uncover in your library.
Keep Steady
While the iPhone does not require a tripod to capture high-quality long-exposure images, achieving the best results typically involves minimizing any camera movement during the capture of the Live Photo. I recommend stabilizing the phone against a wall or another fixed surface while shooting.
If you must hold the phone in your hand, I suggest tucking your elbows in towards your body and holding your breath to reduce motion blur.
Additionally, it is advisable to take multiple shots in quick succession by repeatedly pressing the shutter button while maintaining a steady position. This approach increases the likelihood of capturing at least one image that is sufficiently stable to produce an attractive long exposure.
