I’m back with another easy technique in my iPhone Photo Tip series. If you’ve ever wondered how to take a good photo on iPhone, especially in low light, this tip is for you. In Tip #1, I shared how natural light can instantly improve your photos. But what happens when the light is low—like indoors at night or out on the patio after sunset?
That’s where Tip #2 comes in: how to take better photos in low light, no flash needed. Let’s be honest, flash usually makes things worse. Newer iPhones (11 and up) have a built-in Night mode that makes the flash pretty much obsolete. So instead of reaching for the flash, let your iPhone do its thing—and with just a few simple tricks, your low-light photos can look great.
👈 Missed iPhone Photo Tip #1: Natural Light for Brighter, Better Shots?
Why Avoid the Flash?
Flash used to be the go-to solution for low-light photos. But these days, it’s kind of… outdated.
Newer iPhones, like the iPhone 11 and up are built to handle low light without needing the flash. Photos taken without flash tend to look more natural, warmer, and closer to how your eyes see it.
Flash might still come in handy in total darkness, but for most situations, your iPhone’s built-in tools are smarter and more subtle.
Let’s look at some simple tips you can do to take a good photo in low-light.
How to take a good photo on iPhone in low-light
Good low-light photos are totally doable, you just need to give your iPhone a little help. You don’t need fancy gear or editing apps, just a few simple tricks that make a big difference.
Try these easy suggestions next time you’re taking photos in the evening or indoors.
Night Mode
If you have an iPhone 11 or later, then taking low-light photos just got a whole lot easier, provided you know the right technique.
Night Mode kicks in automatically when your iPhone senses low light. You’ll see a small yellow oval with a crescent moon icon near the top left corner of your screen. iPhones with Night Mode do most of the work, but there is one small trick you need to know when using Night Mode.
The trick to using Night Mode
So you’re using Night Mode, but your low-light photos still aren’t turning out great. That’s probably because your iPhone needs a bit more time to capture the shot in darker settings. Even tiny movements can make the photo look blurry. Next to the Night Mode icon, you’ll see a number—that’s the countdown showing how long the camera will take to capture the photo.
- When taking a picture in Night Mode, the most important thing to remember is to hold still—it may take a second or two to capture.
- The longer the exposure, the more light your phone can pull in—but you’ll need to stay very still!
Here’s how to keep things sharp:
- Hold your phone with both hands and tuck your elbows in close to your body.
- Lean against something solid like a wall or table for extra support.
- Prop your phone up using a coffee mug, book, or even your purse if you’re out and about.
- Use a tripod or phone stand—they’re inexpensive and easy to use, especially for indoor shots or family group photos.
To avoid shaking your phone when you tap the shutter…
- Use the 3-second timer so it snaps the photo after your hands are off.
- If you have wired EarPods, press the volume button to take a photo.
- Wearing an Apple Watch? Use it as a remote shutter!
The steadier your phone, the clearer and brighter your low-light photo will be.
Tap to Focus and Slide Exposure
This is a handy trick if you don’t have an iPhone with Night Mode or want to brighten or darken a certain spot in your photo.
Just tap on the screen where you want the camera to focus, usually a face or the main subject. A yellow box will appear, along with a little sun icon. You can slide the sun up to make the photo brighter or slide it down to darken it if it’s too harsh. It only takes a second, but it gives you way more control over how the photo turns out.
Check out some examples below.
In Tip #1, I used this trick to avoid blown-out highlights when shooting in strong sunlight. Here, it helps bring out more detail in dim lighting—without using flash. Same move, different lighting!
Look for Light Sources
Getting a nice photo in low light isn’t about adding more light—it’s about helping your iPhone use the light it already sees. Here are a few simple ways to get better low-light shots:
- A lamp or overhead light nearby.
- String lights, candles, or holiday decorations for a cozy glow.
- A window with moonlight or streetlight coming through.
- Your phone’s own screen or flashlight (pointed away) as a subtle light source.
Try to position your subject so the light hits them from the front or side, not from behind.
Take Several Shots
In tricky lighting, even small changes in how you hold your phone—or how much someone moves—can change the result.
- Snap a few photos of the same scene from slightly different angles.
- Review them afterward and pick the clearest one.
Sometimes, your third or fourth photo ends up being the winner.
👆Tap to focus tip: I took these pics by taping to focus on the moon, then sliding the exposure down to see more details of the moon.
Try It Out Yourself
The next time you’re in a dimly lit room or outdoors after sunset, try holding your phone steady, tapping to focus, and letting Night mode do the work. You might be surprised how well your iPhone handles it—no flash required.
What’s Next?
Next up in the series: I’m talking photo composition in Tip #3. You’ll learn how to frame your shots in a way that’s pleasing to the eye using one simple iPhone setting. It’s a classic trick photographers swear by—and yes, your iPhone has it built right in.
👉Next up: iPhone Photo Tip #3: Use the Grid for Better Framing
👈If you missed Tip #1 iPhone Photo Tip #1: Natural Light for Brighter, Better Shots?
Going on a trip soon? It’s a great time to practice these tips! Check out my iPhone Tips for Travel to get your camera roll organized and ready for the memories you’ll want to keep.
Have a favorite summer photo you’re proud of? Or a moment you wish you’d captured better? Leave a comment or reply—I’d love to hear how you’re using your iPhone without the flash.
Gail Kerr
IT Professional and Technical WriterTechnology has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. With over 27 years of experience providing computer support in both large corporations and small businesses, I’ve seen just about everything. In 2009, I went back to school to earn an Associate Certificate in Technical Writing—combining my love of tech with a passion for clear, easy-to-understand communication. Now, I help people of all levels feel more confident with their devices. I’ve also become the go-to person for friends and family whenever a tech question or challenge comes up.
