Best Camera Settings for Portrait Sessions
Updated over a week ago

Recommendations For Both Android and iPhone

Keep it Simple!
No need to overthink how you use the camera on your phone! For the most part, you can absolutely use the default settings, just as they are. But to help you take the best images possible, here are a few camera settings we recommend you use!
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Portrait Mode
If you have the option on your phone to use Portrait Mode, we highly recommend you do so! It automatically blurs the background and focuses on the subject, resulting in beautiful portraits!

What if I Don't Have Portrait Mode?

If your phone doesn't have Portrait Mode, that's totally okay! The default Photo Mode in your camera is still a great option!

Optical Zoom
If you'd like to zoom in on your subjects, take advantage of the Optical Zoom Presets within your camera (rather than pinching with your fingers to zoom in)! Click here to learn more!

Adjust For Shadows or Overexposure

If you're noticing that your subjects are too dark or too bright, you can easily adjust the exposure within the camera by using your finger to slide the sun icon up or down!

Turn Flash Off

No need to use flash! Make sure that it's off by tapping the lightning bolt icon in the upper left corner. You'll know it's off if there's a line through it.

Don't Use Video

While it may be tempting to use video so you don't miss any important shots, we advise you don't use video at all. Unfortunately using the photo feature to take pictures while recording a video results in really low quality photos. Best to avoid using video, and stick to Portrait Mode or Photo Mode on your camera!


Settings Specific to iPhone

HEIC vs. JPG
On iPhones, the default file setting is set to HEIC. We recommend switching your phone settings so your images are saved as JPGs instead! You can learn how to make this easy change using this article!

Turn Off Live Mode
Make sure to turn off 'Live Mode' before you begin photographing! You can easily do this in camera by tapping on the icon in the upper right corner. You'll know it's off if there's a line through the icon, shown in the example below!

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