Get more from your Live Photos with these tips: Video tutorial

Have you ever noticed that some photos in your iPhone or iPad camera roll include a bit of motion? Those are Live Photos.

If you’re unfamiliar with Live Photos, the feature captures about a second and a half before and after you tap the shutter button. That means if someone moves or blinks, you can choose the best frame later—without taking another photo.

Live Photos are controlled in the Camera app and are turned on by default. To check, look for the icon that looks like a set of concentric circles. If there’s a line through it, Live Photos are off. Tap the icon to turn them back on.

Watch this video for 3 things you can do with Live Photos. 

Have more fun with Live Photos

Does your picture default to the frame of you with your eyes mid-blink? Let’s fix that. 

To change the key photo: 

1. Open the picture you want to adjust and tap on the sliders to open the editing menu. 
2. Tap Live.
3. Find the frame you want to change it to, then tap Make Key Photo. 
4. Tap Done to save the changes. 

Live Photos can also be turned into GIF-like images. In your photo library, open a Live Photo and look for “Live” with a drop-down arrow near the top left of the image. From there, you can choose Loop, Bounce or Long Exposure. You can also turn off the Live Photo from this menu.

If you have multiple Live Photos—whether from the same session or different moments—you can even combine them into a single, semi-fluid movie.

1. In your camera roll, tap Select and tap the Live Photos you want to include. 
2. Tap the … and tap Save as Video. 

How to turn off Live Photos

If you share a Live Photo with another iPhone user, they’ll be able to see the full motion. If you prefer to send it as a still image, you can turn Live Photos off by using the drop-down menu with the motion options or by tapping the Live Photos icon in the message window before sending. When the icon has a line through it, Live Photos are off.

You can also turn Live Photos off before taking a picture, but the setting automatically turns back on. If you want to permanently toggle it off, go to: 

1. Settings. 
2. Tap Camera and find Preserve Settings. 
3. Toggle off Live Photo. 

Shop top-rated related products:  

• Helpful device tracker: Apple AirTag 4-Pack  
• A rugged iPhone case: Casekoo Crystal Clear Protective Case  
• A popular wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger  
• Top-selling screen protector: Ailun Glass Screen Protector  
• The best portable battery pack: Portable Charger with Built-In Charging Cables  
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder  
• An iPhone tripod we love: Aureday Phone Tripod  
• The best USB-C cable: Anker 6 Foot USB-C Cable, Pack of 2 
• Simplified home automation: Remote Control Outlet

Tips for the perfect picture

Capturing a nice picture is more than pointing and clicking. If you want to step up your game, here are some easy tips to help your pictures look even better: 

• Use the grid lines and line your subject up where they meet.
• Play with the angle.
• Use portrait mode to create a nice, blurred background. 
• Have good lighting.
• Use the angles that work best for you.
• Zoom with your body, not the camera.