How I Take Architectural Photos Using Just My iPhone
I’ve always been a bit obsessed with architecture. There’s something about the clean lines of modern buildings, the texture of ancient stone, and the way light plays on glass that just draws me in. The best part? I don’t carry around a heavy camera anymore. Everything I need is right in my pocket—my iPhone 16 Pro.
If you’ve ever wondered how to capture beautiful architecture photos using just your iPhone, let me walk you through what I’ve learned from plenty of trial, error, and the occasional accidental selfie.
First Things First: The Camera Is That Good
The iPhone 16 Pro (or any other smartphone) really is a game-changer for mobile photography. Between the ultra-wide lens and the telephoto zoom, you can snap everything from towering skyscrapers to tiny design details.
1. Wide Shots That Wow
One of my favorite tricks is using the 0.5x ultra-wide lens. It’s perfect for getting the entire building into the frame—especially when you’re standing on a narrow street or facing a giant structure.
Watch out for distortion at the edges. I usually take a few steps back if I can and slightly tilt my phone to avoid those funky curves.
2. Zoom In on the Details
Sometimes it’s not about the full picture—it’s the little things that tell the story. The 5x telephoto lens on the 16 Pro lets me zoom in on carved doorways, ornate windows and architectural textures that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is where you can get a little creative and make abstract or minimalist images.
3. Light Is Everything
I’ve learned that no matter how good your camera is, light makes or breaks the shot. This is especially the case when using a camera like the iPhone due to its small sensor.
My favorite times to shoot are:
Early morning when everything is soft and golden
Midday for that harsh lighting (works in certain settings)
Late afternoon when the shadows create dramatic shapes
The iPhone’s exposure control is great—just tap on the screen and slide your finger up or down to adjust how bright or dark you want the shot.
4. Play with Angles
Some of the best architectural shots I’ve taken were from:
Getting low to the ground and shooting upwards
Standing off to the side for a diagonal perspective
Looking for symmetry and leading lines
To help with this, I often keep the grid turned on in my camera settings—it makes framing shots so much easier.
5. Shoot in ProRAW or HEIF Max
Honestly, if you want that crisp, professional look, switch to ProRAW or HEIF Max in your settings. It gives you way more detail to work with when editing. And yes—you can do all your editing right on your iPhone too. I mainly use:
Lightroom Mobile for color and tone
VSCO for quick edits
SKRWT for straightening out lines (a must for architecture!)
6. Edit, But Don’t Overdo It
I always try to keep edits clean and natural—architecture often doesn’t need a lot of filters. I usually:
Straighten the shot first (this is key!)
Add a bit of contrast and clarity
Sometimes boost colors slightly, especially on blue skies or reflective windows
Use the tone slider to make images warmer on sunny days and colder on moody days.
Black and white can also make architectural shots look timeless and striking.
7. Tell the Story
Architecture is more than just walls and windows. It’s about history, people, and place. Some of my favorite shots include:
A person walking by for scale
Reflections in glass or puddles
Old and new buildings side by side
Don’t be afraid to mix wide shots with close-up details to tell a fuller story.
Final Thoughts
I never thought I could take architectural photos I’m truly proud of using just my phone. Normally architectural photography excels with a high megapixel professional camera so you can crop and edit without destroying the quality of the image. However with the right skills, editing apps and lighting you can create incredible images with just your phone.
The key? Slow down, look up, and shoot with intention.
