The ultimate phone camera hack to get professional-looking photos every single time.

Ever scroll through Instagram wondering how everyone else seems to have crisp, magazine-worthy photos while yours still look like they were taken on a Nokia from the 2000s? Don't worry, it's not magic — just a little know-how.

Whether you're snapping pictures of your friends, a dreamy landscape, or a simple selfie, a clever camera hack has been revealed to get those perfect pics. Spoiler: You don't need fancy equipment, just your iPhone and some insider knowledge.

Watch: How to take high quality photos on iPhone. Post continues after video.

How do I set my iPhone to take good pictures?

The new iPhone 16 might be a wonder, with it's inbuilt camera button and inbuilt presets, but it's also about how you use it.

According to Instagram user Hannah Wilson, taking high-quality photos on your iPhone can be as easy as seven simple steps.

No complicated apps or PhotoShop knowledge necessary — you're just a few taps away from seriously levelling up your photo game.

Here's how you can nail it:

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson

Step 1: Move back a little bit (to begin with)

As counter-intuitive as it sounds, you want to give yourself some distance to start. This ensures you're not too close for comfort when you zoom later.

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

Step 2: Go to Portrait mode.

This is where the real magic begins. Switch over to Portrait mode on your iPhone's camera — it'll start playing with depth-of-field to help your photos look a bit more pro.

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

Step 3: Choose Studio Light.

Once you're in Portrait mode, scroll across the light options and select "Studio Light". It brightens your subject while leaving shadows where they need to be — basically giving you that soft studio glow.

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

Step 4: Zoom into 1.5x.

Zooming in just slightly (to 1.5x) allows the subject to stay the focal point and gives the image a tighter composition.

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

Step 5: Select the symbol 'f' in the top right corner and turn it up to 5.0.

If you're wondering what this does, adjusting the aperture here will make the background more crisp, adding definition and making your subject pop.

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

Step 6: Select the little hexagon symbol next to the 'f' and move the light down to 32.

This step tones down some of the brightness to avoid a too-harsh look. A nice soft light gives your photo that polished feel.

Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

Step 7: Hold down on the subject's face and drag it down "just a tiny bit".

This trick prevents your photo from looking overexposed, particularly in sunlight. By bringing the light balance down ever so slightly, your subject looks natural but well-lit.

And that's it!

Let's look at the before and after.

You might be surprised at just how much of a difference these small tweaks can make. A quick swipe between the 'before' and 'after' shots shows clearer definition, better lighting, and an image that's ready to hit your grid — no filter needed.

Take a look:

Left = Before | Right = After | Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson 

What iPhone has the best picture quality?

If all this camera-talk has you side-eyeing your device, you might be wondering: Which iPhone takes the best photos? Right now, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max hold the crown.

Here's why they're getting so much buzz:

A 48MP wide camera for jaw-dropping detail (perfect for close-ups of your dog or last night's pasta).

A 48MP ultrawide camera to fit everything in one shot — ideal when you're snapping big group pics or breathtaking scenery.

A 12MP 5x telephoto camera for zooming in without making everything look like mush.

There's also a handy new button on the side for instant access to photo settings, like zoom or switching lenses — a small tweak, but super convenient when you're mid-photo op.

So, as you can see, getting those perfect Instagram-worthy photos doesn't have to involve hours of editing or expensive equipment.

With just a few simple tweaks using your iPhone's Portrait mode, you can upgrade your snaps from 'meh' to professional.

Whether you're sticking to your current device or considering an upgrade, mastering these steps will have your photos looking sharper, brighter, and altogether perfect.

Now, go forth, get snapping, and let the compliments roll in. Your camera roll will never be the same again.

Feature Image: Instagram/@ihannahwilson