You don't need to spend a lot of money on the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max to take macro photos. The iPhone 16's standard 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens helps you get close enough and capture amazing details. Use it at home to switch from regular close-up to macro photography and see how the results will surprise you!
What's special about the iPhone 16's macro lens?
The iPhone 16's dual camera setup – 48MP (f/1.6) main lens + 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide angle lens – gives you 2x optical zoom that makes a difference for macro shots .
The iPhone 16's macro photos are not as high resolution as the Pro models. Lower-end models are limited to 12MP macro photos, while higher-end versions offer 48MP and more advanced processing. But it's still a significant upgrade over the non-Pro lineup, which wasn't available before.
That's why you won't see many iPhone photography enthusiasts complaining, because it gives us one more reason to hit the Camera Control button. This is a very welcome change, as older models lack the ability to take macro shots in standard phones or in advanced Photographic Styles to complement your photo editing.
Note: Macro photography refers to the image where the subject is reproduced at a scale of 1:1 or larger. This means that the size of the real-life subject matches or is larger than the size on the camera's sensor. Macro shots taken with smartphones may not achieve this ratio consistently; instead, you'll get “macro-like” photos with sharp detail. Comparable results are always better on DSLR cameras with macro lenses.
Start imagining everyday objects as macro photography subjects
While flora and fauna make the best macro photography subjects, spark your creativity with everyday objects around the house. Here are a few angles to explore and look at old things in a different way.
Explore the kitchen
The kitchen has a lot of details. From an opened bean pod to the blade of a blender, any common object can be used for macro photography.
Tips: Experiment with diffused light coming from a kitchen window. You can also try creating shadows by reflecting light from white or foil paper.
Highlight everyday household items
Zoom in on the sharp tip of a pencil, the groove of a screw, or the drop of ink on the tip of a pen. Common household items are filled with details that we don't notice. Think of uniform repeating patterns in items like the complex circuits inside a computer or something as boring as a fan blade.
Tips: Boring household items make great subjects for abstract photography, especially when using the iPhone's macro mode. To highlight your subject, simplify the background. Frame the photo using plain color or white/black paper.
Capture hidden textures in common materials
Everything has a unique texture if we look closely. You can then combine, mix and match different textures for more interesting photos. Think colorful spice blends or condensation droplets on carbonated drinks.
Tips: Consider lighting carefully. Soft natural light from windows can highlight delicate details, while artificial light can create dramatic shadows. Take multiple photos from different angles to highlight the complexity of the structure.
Explore your backyard
Plants, animals and interesting textures in the trees are just a step away. Your macro photos can look even better if there's enough light. In a city filled with concrete structures, try photographing potted plants and tiny creatures around you.
Tips: When you're outdoors, the combination of the wind and your shaky hands won't make for a good photo. Use a tripod with your iPhone whenever possible. Of course, a tripod is always a good choice for all types of photography.
Macro photography with the iPhone is not for purists. It has some limitations. But this is a simple introduction for beginners who can move on to large cameras and special macro lenses. It's also cheaper and less overwhelming when your subjects are everyday objects.
