Have you ever wanted to take breathtaking, high-quality photos of rainbows but lack the proper equipment and photography skills necessary to pull it off? With new-age technology, smartphones bring amateur photography to the next level. It’s as simple as pulling out your iPhone, fiddling around with the camera settings, and snapping a photo. Before you know it, you have a beautiful, professional-looking shot.
There are many different steps to getting a breathtaking photo of a rainbow. You must be aware of the exposure and composition, as well as where to find rainbows and the best backgrounds for making them pop. Let this article serve as a guide to you as we touch on the best iPhones to buy, the basics of taking a good photograph, and even some third-party apps that mimic digital cameras.
A Guide to Photographing Rainbows
Before we can get into the different phone models and apps you might want to try, we need to look at actually photographing the rainbow. Below is a step-by-step guide that will help you to get the perfect shot without having an extensive background in photography.
Choosing a Background
The background of your photograph is what really sets the scene. Once you’ve found your rainbow, you want to capture it in front of something that won’t be too distracting. Choose something monochromatic and darker if possible to really allow the colors of the rainbow to pop in your photo. The side of a building, the sky itself, or a mountain would be good options. You want to make sure your background isn’t too patterned or busy; that would draw focus away from your subject.
Eliminate Distracting Foregrounds
The foreground of your photo is just as important as the background! Look around the scene before pulling out your camera. Are there lots of people around? Are there smaller buildings, playgrounds, or trash cans in the way?
While these may seem like everyday objects, they’ll actually draw focus away from the rainbow in your finished shot. Choosing a space with little distractions is a good idea; that way there won’t be anything getting in the way of your perfect photograph.
Wait for Good Lighting
Be mindful of the time of day when heading out to photograph rainbows. If it’s too bright outside, it will be harder for the camera to pick up the vibrancy of the colors. If it’s too dark, the rainbow might not even appear. Try adjusting where you’re standing to make sure the lighting is perfect. Take a few test shots and see how much of the rainbow appears in your photo.
Another option is to adjust the exposure. You may not have any control over the lighting outside and waiting could result in a missed opportunity. Use the exposure feature on your iPhone’s camera to change the lighting, or toggle on the HDR setting to get a combination of various different exposures.
The Right Composition
Here’s where that grid feature comes in handy! Having the right composition for your photo can be the difference between an amateur iPhone shot and a professional-looking high-quality photo.
Think about the rule of thirds: dividing your photo into three horizontal and vertical parts can actually change the outcome. This is what the grid feature actually does for you! Off-centering the rainbow can be even more captivating than a dead-center shot. Play around with this feature and see what you discover!
Patience!
The most important component of photographing a rainbow is to be patient. You may not get the perfect shot on the first try. You may struggle with lighting, saturation, and composition. Be patient with yourself! Take as many shots as you need to get the one you really love, and don’t be afraid to play around with your camera’s features. They’re there for a reason!
Post-Shot Editing
Lastly, if your shot isn’t as vibrant as you’d like it to be, you can always edit the photo afterward. Your iPhone camera comes equipped with several filters you can mess with, but you can also download a third-party app to edit as well! We will get to our recommendations in just a minute.
Finding a Rainbow to Photograph
In order to start photographing rainbows, you’ll have to know where to find them. Don’t just think about weather conditions; you also want to consider what settings would make the best background for your photograph. Would a rainbow look better in front of a run-down grocery store or the face of a mountain? It’s all personal preference, but something to keep in mind.
This next section will cover the different types of rainbows you might come across, as well as the weather conditions needed for finding them. Remember: the main part of photographing a rainbow is being in the right place at the right time.
The Many Different Types of Rainbows
Rainbows form when light reflects off of water droplets in the air, usually after or during a storm.
According to LiveScience, there are actually 12 different classifications of rainbows. There are four characteristics that scientists use to classify these rainbows and vary based on their color intensity among other things.
However, these aren’t particularly important to photography and are used more for studies. When thinking of different types of rainbows, you’re more likely to think of their shape and whether or not they appear in multitudes, rather than the percentage of each color present.
For the purpose of this section, we’re going to focus on different structures seen by the naked human eye and not worry about the scientific requirements for classification.
Primary Rainbow
This is your typical, classic-cut rainbow: a single arc with seven colors to it.
Secondary Rainbow
A secondary bow is what forms behind a primary bow and offers the “double-rainbow” look. This happens when the water droplets are reflected twice instead of once, and the colors appear in reverse. Secondary bows are wider than primary bows but less intense in color.
Twinned Rainbow
According to World Atlas, this is the rarest kind of rainbow. It consists of a primary bow and a secondary bow splitting from the same base, with colors appearing in the same order. They are formed when the bows stretch across two storms, both of which have water droplets of different sizes.
Circular Rainbow
Technically, a rainbow is always a circle, it’s just not easy to see the end of it. However, sometimes rainbows will appear in the sky as a full circle. They are easier to see when viewing from a higher altitude and consist of a primary and secondary bow.
Conditions Needed for a Rainbow
Rainbows are pretty common; it’s likely that you’ve seen one before. So, you’ve probably never wondered what is needed in order for a rainbow to form. But when you’re deciding to photograph one, you have to know what to look out for in order to be able to capture the perfect shot.
The first thing needed for a rainbow to appear is both sunshine and rain. There have to be water droplets in the air, but there also has to be light to reflect off of them. Additionally, the observer has to be standing between the sun and the rain, with the sun behind them. Lastly, it’s helpful if there aren’t many clouds in the sky, to make viewing the rainbow easier.
Best iPhones for Nature Photography
Now that we’ve covered how to take photos of rainbows, we now need to look at the best tool for you to do so. Of course, each newer iPhone model has improved features, including a higher-quality camera. Therefore, it’s always a safe bet to go with either the most recent iPhone, or one from only a few years back. This way, you’re getting the best quality out there. Here are the latest iPhones and their camera features.
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max
These three models are the latest iPhones on the market, released late last year. They each boast considerable qualities, with the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max being mainly similar in design.
The iPhone 11 is equipped with two 12MP (megapixel) ultra-wide and wide cameras, both of which have a specific night mode for shooting after dark. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have three 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto cameras, all equipped with night mode.
At a glance, the iPhone Pro or Pro Max are the best options for photography in general, but especially nature photography. The consistent image quality combined with multiple lenses makes it easy to grab the perfect frame-worthy shot.
However, these models can set you back quite a bit, starting at $999 for the Pro and $1099 for the Pro Max (according to Apple). The 11 is slightly cheaper at $699 but is still quite an investment.
iPhone X, iPhone XS, or iPhone XR
The next newest model of iPhone is the X, released in November of 2017. The fancier of the three — the X and XS — boast dual 12MP wide and telephoto cameras, while the XR is equipped with only a singular 12MP wide camera.
The main difference in camera structure is the lack of an ultra-wide setting as well as night mode. When shooting rainbows, night mode isn’t necessarily important, but an ultra-wide lens is a great tool for making sure you get as much of the rainbow into the shot as possible.
Because these models are older, they are cheaper, but not by much. According to Apple, the XR starts at $599, only $100 short of the ultra-wide wielding iPhone 11.
iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus
Lastly is the iPhone 8, released in September of 2017. This is the oldest iPhone camera we recommend; anything earlier is less likely to deliver the same great quality. The iPhone 8 is a simpler model, with only a singular wide 12MP lens. The Plus, on the other hand, has two 12MP lenses, one wide and one telephoto. It’s similar to the iPhones X and XS, but older and therefore less sharp. The iPhone 8 is a good option if you’re trying to save money.
Of course, it’s possible to shoot rainbows on any iPhone model you have. There’s no need to run out and buy a new one per se, but a newer model is your best bet if you’re looking for high-quality, professional shots. If you’re simply trying to learn photography and aren’t worried about having the latest gadgets, then whatever iPhone model you currently own will work just fine.
iPhone Camera Features
Before you run outside to shoot, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the different features of your iPhone’s camera. Every model typically adds another feature, whether it be a stronger lens or option for exposure, but for the purpose of this guide, we will be referencing iOS 11 features, as that software was released in 2017 and many modern iPhones have them.
Manual Exposure and Focus
This is a great feature for any camera-user. Manually changing the exposure and focus can help your confused camera from focusing on the wrong subject or letting in too much sunlight and ruining your shot. To change the focus, simply tap on the area of the screen where you want your camera to focus. If you hold your finger down, you can also lock the focus, allowing you to shift slightly without having to readjust every time.
Changing the exposure will also save your shots from direct sunlight and glare. When you tap to focus, a little box with a sun symbol next to it will appear. Drag that sun symbol either up or down to change the exposure. Play around with this and you’ll see what lighting works best for your shot!
HDR: On or Off?
Another option for your photos is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) button, located on the top of your screen. When you have the HDR setting equipped, your phone actually captures three pictures, rather than just one. Each of the three pictures is taken at a different exposure, and what you see as a result is the combination of them. This often results in better lighting and more defined shadows and highlights, so it’s a great option to play around with.
It’s a Grid System
iPhone cameras come equipped with a grid setting, that throws a 3×3 lined grid onto your screen. To enable this, visit your camera settings and switch the grid to on. This will help with your composition and making sure that everything is properly spaced out for an excellent shot.
Best Third-Party Camera Apps for Your iPhone
If your phone camera isn’t cutting it for rainbow photography but you still don’t want to invest in a digital camera, you can always download an app that will mimic a camera for you. These apps often have settings that your regular iOS camera doesn’t, and will help you to get the best possible shot.
The chart below compares some of the most suggested camera apps for your iPhone.
| App | Features | Price |
| VSCO | – Manual camera controls- RAW format- White balance- Shutter speed | Free, but with an option for a VSCO X membership at $19.99/year |
| Obscura 2 | – Live photos- RAW and JPEG options- ISO sensitivity control | $4.99 and features in-app purchases |
| ProCamera | – Perspective correct- Anti-shake stabilization- Dual-lens support for iPhones with multiple cameras | $7.99 |
| MuseCam | – Preset filters- Color correcting tools- Depth of field tool | Free and offers a pro version for $3.99 |
| Camera+ 2 | – Action mode- Slow shutter- Macro mode | $4.99 |
| Halide | – Auto ISO and shutter optimization- RAW and JPEG options- Quick exposure | $7.99 |
There is no one obvious option for the best camera, whether it be the one your iPhone is already equipped with or a third-party app. Many of these apps have similar features, so a good choice is to choose the one that best fits your budget. Play around with the different apps and read online reviews to decide which would be the best for you and your photography.
Benefits of Nature Photography
Why should you photograph rainbows instead of cities or people? Nature photography actually has some benefits that other types of photography don’t have. Aside from serving as a creative outlet, nature photography can help relieve some stress and anxiety.
- A breath of fresh air
Not surprisingly, nature photography can be a lot more stress-free than shooting in a studio or city. You can easily separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a quick breather, while still practicing your hobby.
Choose a quiet spot in the woods, beach, or your local state park. Separate yourself from large crowds and take the time to experience your surroundings. Listen to the wind through the trees. Take deep breaths. And of course, search for rainbows or other interesting subjects to shoot, like flowers or wildlife.
2. Bursts of color
When practicing photography in one location, you’re likely to get used to the lighting and colors. Stepping outside gives you a whole new set of challenges to learn from. It’s a lot harder to control the lighting outside, so you’ll be forced to practice working with the exposure on your iPhone. Nature photography also unlocks a whole new set of editing challenges, where you can learn to properly filter and saturate photos for that professional finish
3. It doubles as a workout
No, really! Many of the best locations to shoot nature are a bit of a trek to get to, especially if you have a tripod with you. Take the time to find a nice trail, and get both your workout and leisure time in. Killing two birds with one stone!
Now that you know the anatomy of your iPhone camera, the benefits of photographing rainbows, and how to get that perfect shot, get out there and start shooting! You’ll be surprised at how professional your photos appear.