Live Photos are a special type of image that can be taken on modern iPhones (6s or newer). They record a three-second video accompaniment to your normal photographs, showcasing the moments before and after the still image was snapped. This is great for capturing unexpected moments or adding subtle movement to a landscape shot.
Live Photos are taken automatically when you snap regular pictures, as long as the feature is activated. You can toggle it on or off by tapping the concentric circles icon top and center of the Camera app. When you come to scroll though your pictures later, you’ll notice a split-second of movement as each Live Photo appears. Press firmly onscreen to play the animation, or long-press to view them on devices without pressure-sensing 3D Touch capabilities.
Although Live Photos are taken automatically, it does take a little forethought to take a good one. It’s important to keep the camera relatively still and to remember to hold it in position for a moment before and after hitting the shutter button. Moving the camera too soon can result in a nausea-inducing end to your otherwise great photos.