Hello all!
I'm trying to improve my photography with minimal resources. I was wondering if anyone has messed around with any of the manual camera apps available on Iphone, as I currently don't have the money for a DSLR. I plan on using it mostly for photographing caves, drains, etc. here in msp. Thanks for the suggestions!

Posted by ChaseMcDude Hello all! I'm trying to improve my photography with minimal resources. I was wondering if anyone has messed around with any of the manual camera apps available on Iphone, as I currently don't have the money for a DSLR. I plan on using it mostly for photographing caves, drains, etc. here in msp. Thanks for the suggestions!

Adobe Lightroom Mobile + ProCam7

If this question was about google pixel, yes there are all kinds of interesting things, including full manual mode and raw files. I used it on couple occasions. I would imagine iPhone would have something of the sort.

Posted by strangePlaces If this question was about google pixel, yes there are all kinds of interesting things, including full manual mode and raw files. I used it on couple occasions. I would imagine iPhone would have something of the sort.

iPhones are pretty much auto-only without an external app.

Newer iPhones have more features for the built in camera app though.

I like ProCam on my iPhone. It offers way more adjustments than the stock camera app. You won't be able to shoot too well in low-light unless you have an iPhone 11 (regular, Pro, or Pro Max).

Just installed procam. Thanks for the help y'all. Any suggestions for settings for low light?

I think investing in a little lighting and getting creative with lighting goes a long way. I don't think shooting manual will improve your shots that dramatically. If I couldn't shoot fully manual RAW files straight out of my phone I would probably shoot with Lightroom like @Natchraz mentioned, it's also worth it to spend some time with edits.

I had mentioned lighting, maybe consider investing in a NEEWER CN-160 and a cheap Amazon tripod. You can get both on Amazon for a total of $37 and if you decide to get a camera later on you can still use them. There's a ton of cheap colorful scene lighting you can invest in. You can even use flashlights and glowsticks to help light your scene. Finally I wouldn't be afraid to use built in flash especially with the right edits. It looks terrible if your subject is a person or if you're shooting an entire scene but for right documentary style shots it's not the worst thing.

Finally, I would try to focus on other aspects of photography that aren't limited by the camera you use. Try to work on the composition of each photo.

Some links:
https://www.amazon...pa_i_a8hMEbY0D8MVE

https://www.amazon...pa_i_J9hMEb79VZCZ5

https://www.amazon...pa_i_z-hMEb12YVTZ6

Drop the shutter speed and use something to stabilize the phone for a longer exposure shot then try out some light painting. Procam will actually let you do some pretty good light painting shots on the iPhone whereas nightmode on the iPhone 11 will try to smooth it out and ruin your shot. (I've tried)

Procam has a good tutorial on how to use their app and some basic photography tips if you're interested:
https://www.procamapp.com/tutorials.html

Also msp has some great drains and incredible graffiti in them! Looking forward to seeing these shots

A phone tripod adapter would helpful.

https://www.amazon...ment/dp/B00OS9E6AO

Edited some photos from last night on light room. My buddy bought a big flood light and we were messing around with that. This is my favorite one I got. Super fucking grainy but I guess that's what happens when you're shooting on a 6S, probably went a little heavy with the editing too.

I took a photography based art class last semester so I have a decent idea about composition. I'll keep practicing all of this. Thanks again for the help.