Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of wanting to take fire photos at raves, but it isn’t as easy as it looks! Whether it’s a simple selfie or an epic squad pic, there are so many factors that go into it. You don’t always need a professional camera to do the job. Here are some of my tips on how to get the perfect festival photo with an iPhone. 

First off, set yourself up for success by arriving early to the rave so you can catch the sun while it’s up. Natural light makes for the best photos (bonus points during golden hour, which is about 1 hour before sunset or sunrise), so allow yourself extra time when you get inside to treat yourself to a mini photo shoot.

If you can’t score any sunlight, utilize the camera flash so that the photo isn’t blurry or too dark- don’t worry about red eye, there are apps for that! If you decide not to use flash, the next best thing is to use the “enhance” button on iPhone editing (top right corner). This feature has the power to make all the difference and truly enhance the lighting.

The festival grounds were made for us to take photos in front of! If you can, find an art structure, interactive installation, performer, or any cool spot to pose in front of. The most exciting photos are the ones that incorporate both the muse AND the festival’s unique backdrops.

If you’re having trouble finding a cool photo op spot, elevate your photo by werkin’ fierce poses! Don’t forget to take advantage of levels- both alone and with the whole squad. Hit the rave squat for a solo shot or help your squad create a dynamic group photo with levels. Whether it’s happy arms up in the air or a sexy booty shot, change up your poses every now and you will have yourself a dynamic photo collection by the end of the night.

Finally, you don’t need to have a professional photographer to shoot some fun angles! Encourage your paparazzi to change up shots with high, low, and tilted perspectives; the more you play around with angles, the closer you are to finding a cool shot.

Also, take advantage of any props you might have on/with you, such as fans, backpacks, and outfit elements. If you’re wearing a themed outfit, play off of it by incorporating in-character poses.

Now here’s where the real fun begins! Whether you have an iphone or not, you can get creative by adding filters, stickers, and lenses to your post. There are so many photo enhancing apps out there, but here are my favorites:

VSCO: A popular editing app, VSCO features premium filters and intricate editing tools. Many of the built-in lenses will make your photo instantly ready to face the feed.

PicsArt: This inventive app provides more than just filters, collaging, red-eye fix, teeth whitening, and blemish removal. Take your photo to the next level by adding stickers, cutouts, text, brushes, borders, and masks. These effects can be used to add in everything from subtle enhancements to over-the-top works of art.

Enlight Pixaloop: Add motion to your photo with this quick and easy animation tool. Furry coats, liquids, wheels, skies, you name it! Anything can be animated and altered to the speed you choose.  Top it off with some overlays and filters and you’re good to go. Now, you can also use the final result as a live phone wallpaper!

Edited with PicsArt

Final tip: the iPhone camera tends to drain the battery, so be sure to bring a portable charger. iHeartRaves just released the cutest tech charging poms that are so fluffy, fun, and affordable!