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7 ways to take the best iPhone photos this New Year

Dubai - Because if you're going to take a photo, you might as well make it count

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Dubai is known for its elaborate fireworks displays on New Year's Eve at major landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. Year after year, residents have gathered to see the city's majestic fireworks. A Google search of "Dubai New Year's Eve fireworks" yields results in the thousands. These include beautiful photos taken by social media users. The device they used? Apple's iPhone.
Sure the camera is minimal but there are many ways to get great-looking fireworks photos using your iPhone. Here are just seven of them.

Gear up

Like their DSLR big brothers, iPhones take better photos when you accessorize them. Invest in photography equipment such as tripods, clip-on lenses and even cases designed to turn your smartphone into a full-fledged shooter.

Use HDR for static photos

Whenever you've opened your iPhone camera, you've probably noticed the button which says "HDR". Nothing too technical here but turning on HDR gives you better photos. However, it's only useful for static subjects. If you have moving subjects, see below.

Make GIFs when movement is really required

Sometimes a static image can only convey so much. If you need a more interactive photo, why not use iPhone's built-in "Live Photo" feature which allows you to create a moving photograph? Live a little slow? You can also use the "Boomerang" app to create moving photographs.

Launching your camera is a cinch

Don't want to miss a moment? Swipe the right side of your home screen and it'll bring up the iPhone camera in a flash. Never miss a great photo ever again.

Use the Grid feature

You can turn on the "Grid" by going to Settings > Photos and Camera. You might want to read up on, one of the cardinal rules of photography, the rule of thirds.

Download these amazing apps

Try out photography apps on the Apple App Store and get a unique splash of colour on your photos. There are apps for taking black-and-white photos, making the tones pop and for washing out. Check out community favourites such as VSCO, EnLighten, Snapseed, Afterlight and even Adobe Photoshop Express.

DO NOT use flash

Under no circumstances should you use the iPhone's LED flash. It's weak and many photos have been ruined by the flash. Instead, use the exposure controls by tapping on the viewfinder and swiping up or down depending on your need.