The Correct iPhone Camera Settings for Amazing Photos

July 29, 2025

Most people shoot with their iPhone on default settings.

And their photos look… fine.

But with a few tweaks — and the right preset — your iPhone can start producing shots that look like they came from a $5,000 camera.

The key? Using the correct iPhone camera settings.

You don’t need a full studio setup.

You don’t need to spend hours editing in Lightroom.

You just need to set things up properly and apply something clean.

This is how to do it.

The Problem with Default iPhone Photos

By default, your iPhone automatically edits every photo you take.

Sharpening.

Brightening.

Skin smoothing.

It tries to guess what looks good.

And honestly, sometimes it works.

But most of the time, it gives you:

Blown out skies
Flat skin tones
Weird HDR effects that just look off

The goal is to strip back that processing — so you can shoot clean, high-quality photos that still feel natural.

Step 1: Change These To Get The Correct iPhone Camera Settings

Head to Settings > Camera and update these:

Formats

Photo Mode → Set to 24MP→ Best balance between sharpness + file size
ProRAW & Resolution Control → Turn ON→ Gives you access to RAW Max mode (you’ll want this)
ProRAW Default → Set to RAW Max→ This lets your iPhone shoot full 48MP photos in RAW format — ideal for editing later
ProRAW Format → Choose JPEG-XL (Lossy)→ Smaller file sizes, no real quality drop

Preserve Settings

Camera Mode → ON
Macro Control → ON
Exposure Adjustment → ON
Live Photo → OFF→ Can’t use this with RAW anyway

Composition Tools

Grid → ON
Level → ON

Step 2: How to Capture the Best iPhone Photos

Changing your settings is just the beginning. Here are a few pro tips to get clean, high-quality shots every time.

1. Use the 1x Lens

Your iPhone’s main camera is the most advanced. It’s sharper, brighter, and better in low light. Use it whenever possible.

Also avoid the 2x unless you really need it — and never pinch-to-zoom.

Zooming digitally lowers image quality. Instead, move physically closer to your subject.

2. Enable RAW Max Before Shooting

Tap RAW in the camera app (hold it down to enable RAW Max) for maximum quality. This gives your presets more detail to work with during editing.

3. Shoot With Intention

Good light > Good gear.

Golden hour, shade, indoor soft light — all way better than harsh sun or LED spots.

Step 3: Editing with PlatSupply Presets

Here’s where most people go overboard.

They throw 10 filters on top of each other.

Crank contrast to 200.

Boost clarity until everyone looks like they’ve been sandblasted.

That’s not the move.

What To Do Instead:

Import the RAW photo into Lightroom
Apply a preset from PlatSupply
Make 2–3 small adjustments max

Done.

Why PlatSupply Presets Work So Well

They’re built specifically for iPhone ProRAW photos.

No harsh filters.

No fake HDR look.

Just clean, minimal adjustments that:

Bring out better contrast
Add subtle warmth or cool tones
Adjust skin and edges without overdoing it

The idea is to enhance the photo — not make it look like it was edited to death.

A Quick Example Workflow

Shot of a Porsche in an underground car park

→ Shot in RAW Max

→ Applied one of our Automotive Collection presets

→ Dropped the exposure a little

→ Adjusted temperature cooler

Result?

A subtle, moody edit that still feels like real life — just better.

Bonus Tips

Wipe your lens — it matters more than you think
Use the volume button to avoid shaking the phone
Don’t over-edit — if you’re unsure, do less (the quote “less is more” is a cliché for a reason 😉)
Shoot during golden hour if possible
Avoid using the flash — natural light almost always looks better
Swipe up in the camera app - this allows you to access extra settings like exposure compensation