How to Take Long Exposure on iPhone - A Comprehensive Guide

By Dr Kelvin, 21/06/2025

Understanding Long Exposure Photography

Long exposure photography is a technique that involves using a slow shutter speed to capture the effect of time passing in a photograph. This can result in beautiful and artistic images, such as blurred clouds, smooth water, and light trails from moving vehicles. Though traditionally associated with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, long exposure photography is achievable on your iPhone with the right techniques and apps.

Why Use Long Exposure on an iPhone?

The iPhone's camera has evolved significantly over the years, offering features that rival some dedicated cameras. Taking long exposure photos is one of those creative features that enhance the artistic value of your photography. These types of photographs can portray motion in a static image, turning average photos into stunning works of art. Whether it’s capturing the fluidity of a waterfall or light trails from cars on a highway, the long exposure feature provides you with endless creative possibilities.

Preparing Your iPhone for Long Exposure

Cleansing the Lens

Before shooting, make sure your iPhone lens is clean for optimum image quality. Use a microfiber cloth to remove any smudges or dust particles.

Stabilizing Your Phone

Since long exposure involves slow shutter speeds, any movement can cause pictures to blur. Use a tripod to stabilize your iPhone. If you don’t have a tripod, you can creatively secure your phone on a stable surface using household items.

Using Live Photos for Long Exposure

One of the simplest methods to capture long exposures on an iPhone is through the built-in Live Photos feature. This feature captures a video-like sequence with 1.5 seconds before and 1.5 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.

Steps to Capture Long Exposure with Live Photos

• Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
• Ensure the Live Photos option is enabled (you’ll see a concentric circle icon at the top of the screen).
• Frame your shot and tap the shutter button.
• After capturing the photo, open the Photos app and find the Live Photo you just captured.
• Swipe up on the photo to reveal Effects and select ‘Long Exposure’.

This method offers an easy way to get into long exposure photography, perfect for capturing moving elements like flowing water or clouds.

Using Third-Party Apps for Greater Control

If you want more control over the settings for long exposure photography, several third-party apps can help. These apps offer features such as manual control over shutter speed, ISO, and focus, giving you more creative freedom.

Recommended Apps

• Slow Shutter Cam: Offers a simple interface with options for Motion Blur, Light Trail, and Low Light modes, allowing for creative flexibility in your photography.
• ProCamera: Provides DSLR-like controls, including a night mode and support for RAW format, offering more control over exposure settings.

Steps to Using Third-Party Apps

1. Download and install a compatible app from the App Store.
2. Familiarize yourself with its interface, especially the controls for shutter speed and ISO.
3. Secure your iPhone using a tripod for stability.
4. Set the desired shutter speed, generally between ½ to 30 seconds, depending on your light conditions and the effect you want to achieve.
5. Take your shot, making sure the camera and subject (like water or clouds) remain stable throughout the exposure.

Tips for Successful Long Exposure Photography

Choose the Right Timing

Lighting conditions significantly impact long exposure photography. Overcast days, dawn, or dusk offer ideal conditions as the balanced light prevents overexposure. Also, this balance enables a longer shutter time, capturing more motion in the shot.

Experiment with Different Subjects

Waterfalls, moving traffic, starry skies, and even pedestrian crossings provide exciting opportunities for long exposure photography. Each presents different challenges and rewards, adding to the richness of your photographic collection.

Utilize Editing Software

Post-processing is an integral part of digital photography. Apps like Adobe Lightroom or Snapseed offer tools to enhance your long-exposure shots by adjusting contrast, brightness, and sharpness, giving them a professional touch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Overexposed Images

If your images are too bright, reduce your exposure time or capture your images during less bright times of the day. Alternatively, use a Neutral Density (ND) filter to limit the light entering the lens, allowing for a longer exposure without overexposure.

Unwanted Camera Shake

Using a tripod should mitigate most causes of camera shake. If you still experience blurriness, use the camera timer or a remote shutter to avoid touching the phone at the moment of capture.

Focus Issues

Ensure the camera is focused before initiating the long exposure. Switching to manual focus, if available, can help mitigate focus problems, especially in low light.

Conclusion

Long exposure photography opens up a new realm of creative possibilities and with an iPhone, it's accessible and easy to experiment with. Whether you choose to start with the built-in Live Photos feature or delve deeper with third-party apps, understanding the basics will surely enhance your photographic skills. As you become more familiar with the techniques and editing software, your ability to craft compelling visual stories will expand.