Savor the day, honor the splendor and [literally] capture the moment! Nothing warms our heart more than a blissful walk around Lincoln Park, taking in all of the sights and sounds while smiling at friends and strangers along the way. On the most gorgeous days the city serves as a backdrop for series after series of stellar photoshoots — everything from the casual selfie to a family portrait is caught on camera. A serious camera is cool but here’s a fun fact: most prized photos are taken on an iPhone!
Many of us can remember the blurry, grainy images taken on flip phones and how thrilling that cutting edge technology was. But let’s be honest: no one was comparing those early phone photos to those taken by Ansel Adams. Today, iPhone cameras have the power to capture an entire lifetime by producing professional, quality images that can rival those taken by a real photographer.
A recent article in The New York Times explores tips on how to truly take advantage of the iPhone photo technology that’s quite literally at our fingertips.
Throughout this post we’ll explore how to take GREAT photos on your iPhone by breaking our tips down by category.
Tips for PARENTS Photographing Kids/Family
Use Burst Mode for Kids in Motion
• How: Hold down the shutter button (or swipe left if using newer models).
• Why: Kids have a hard time sitting still. Burst mode takes multiple shots rapidly, so you can pick the one where everyone’s eyes are open and nobody’s mid-movement.
Tap to Focus + Slide to Adjust Exposure
• How: Tap your subject on the screen to focus, then slide your finger up/down to brighten or darken the image.
• Why: Prevents blurry or overexposed photos—especially in difficult lighting (like a sunny playground or dim birthday party).
Clean the Lens
• How: Quick wipe with a soft cloth or shirt before taking a photo.
• Why: Kids = schmear. A dirty lens produces foggy, low-contrast photos that a filter can’t fix.
Tips for Taking a Photo for a STRANGER
Clean the Camera Lens
Give the lens a quick swipe with your shirt – they’ll thank you later. The blur that comes from a dirty lens can’t be edited/fixed.
Tap to Focus on Their Faces
Tap someone’s face on the screen before snapping. This locks the focus and exposure on what’s most important.
Take a Bunch of Shots
More is better (in this case). Snap 3–5 pics or even more. You never know who might be blinking, moving or what’s happening in the background.
Frame the Photo
• Leave space above their heads.
• Capture the background if it’s scenic without making the people tiny.
• Use the gridlines (turn on in Settings > Camera > Grid) to keep the photo straight and balanced.
Use your words!
“Okay, smile! 3… 2… 1…” This helps people prepare especially with kids. Also, check for shadows on faces or sun in eyes before shooting.
Bonus Move
Ask, “Want one vertical and one horizontal?” If they’re a teenager or 20-something they may prefer a photo taken from below — this is a popular vantage point among the youth and produces shockingly cool perspectives (if done well).
Tips for Photographing a HOTEL SUITE that you LOVE
When capturing an interior space, it’s important to:
Utilize the Natural Light
Position yourself near a window to capture soft, diffused light. Try to avoid harsh overhead lights because they can create unflattering shadows.
Adjust Exposure
If the room is dimly lit, you can adjust the exposure on your iPhone camera by tapping the screen to lock focus and then adjusting the slider to brighten the photo.
Capture Angles and Consider the Space’s Composition
Experiment with various angles that showoff the room’s features and create different perspectives. For example, you can take a shot from above to highlight the room’s size or a candid shot by the window to capture a relaxed vibe.
Find Leading Lines
Look for leading lines in the room (like the edge of a table or a window frame) to guide the viewer’s eye and add depth to the image.
Highlight Key Features
Decor: Capture details like a beautifully made bed, intersting furniture designs or a breathtaking view.
Take Candid Shots
Include yourself or friends in the photo to showcase style.
Grab moments where people are looking out at the view or lounging by the window to create a relaxed and natural vibe.
Post-Processing = Useful for ALL Photos
Use editing apps:
VSCO, Snapseed, and Quickshot can help you enhance your photos with filters, adjustments, and other features.
Touch up the photos:
Use editing apps to adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings to achieve the desired look and feel.
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by Jonathan Gordon — a travel enthusiast who enjoys spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2026 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn!
