Photo How To

One of the most valuable updates to the iPhone 16 camera is that it can now capture eye-popping macro photos and videos. Previously this was a feature only available on Apple's Pro models, but it's now trickled down the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.

Thus tutorial from instructor Luke Edwin covers everything you to know, from camera settings, focusing tricks, composing the shot, and more. He also provides a tip for users of iPhone 16 Pro models that enable you to shoot 48-megapixel macro images. That's because there's actually a trick you need to know for unlocking this powerful feature.

Edwin is a successful shooter whose concise lessons run the gamut from gear, the latest developments in imaging technologies, and the art of photography—whether your weapon of choice is a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or an up-to-date mobile device. You can find a list of the equipment he prefers in the description beneath this four-minute video.

Edwin is using an iPhone 16 for today's episode, and he begins with this important note: "The ultrawide lens is the only one that can capture super-close macro shots." In other words, it's essential to place your subject in front of the uppermost lens when photographing macro subjects.

Edwin explains that the iPhone, by default, digitally crops into images captured with the ultrawide lens to provide a closer view. The camera app will indicate that the 1X lens is selected, "but this isn't actually true because your ultrawide image is cropped until it’s the same aspect ratio of the 1X lens." However, you can manually switch over to the 0.5X for a wider field of view (and the camera will still focus on the close object).

It's also important to understand that the iPhone will always switch to macro mode when there's something close to the camera, which is great when macro photography is the name of the game. But this "feature" can be really annoying when your subject is in the distance and you're shooting through a window screen, fence, or other element near the lens that inadvertently becomes the point of focus.

Tapping on the screen doesn't solve this frustrating dilemma, but fortunately the solution is as easy as changing a setting so that the camera attains focus exactly where you want. Edwin demonstrates a few more tips and techniques that will enable you to get up close and personal when setting and shooting with an iPhone the correct way.

There much more to learn on Edwin's YouTube channel about all types of camera gear and styles of photography, so make sure you check in out when you have time to explore.

We also invite you to watch a tutorial we posted back in May, demonstrating the settings and techniques that another accomplished mobile photographer uses to capture spectacular nature and landscape images with his smartphone.