Iphone 5s taking grainy photos?

My iPhone is taking a grainy photos is this normal? Sometimes it's decent, but it's a a lot more mediocre then iv seen on other peoples phones on things like fb. Does it need perfect lighting all the time for a decent photo? Also, how do you get it to focus when taking a picture of urself?

Yes, it is normal that you need really good light for a semi decent photo.

You even need good light (either natural or created) if you use a CAMERA, let alone when you use a PHONE - a gadget designed for talking to people.

As for self portraits:

Rule # 1: Do NOT make a duck face (this is a general tip - don't have a fit if it doesn't apply to YOU)!
Rule # 2: Don't just hold the camera in your outstretched hand, that is such an awful look! It distorts your features and screams: "SNAPSHOT!".
Rule #3: No mirror photos - they are passé and even a little pathetic.

Use a CAMERA - not a telephone and not a webcam.
Make an effort to take a decent photo, then you either won't even need to post-process it, or at least it would be worth while to do so.
Make sure your camera is set to the biggest possible size and the highest possible quality. Pay attention to the lighting and to your background.
Take a photo when and where there's enough (diffused) light - you do NOT want to use a little on-camera flash!

If you don't have a tripod (or better still an assistant), put your camera on a little bag of rice on top of something sturdy and use the self timer to take a much better photo of yourself.

Here is an article with some examples that you might find useful even though some of the examples are atrocious: http://photo.tutsplus.com/articles/inspiration/100-seriously-cool-self-portraits-and-tips-to-shoot-your-own/

In poor light the tiny sensor in smartphones creates a lot of "noise".
They are OK in good light but in low light you need a proper camera to get good results.

Would you use a toaster to cook a turkey? Then why use a phone to take a photo?

For goodness sake… Get a proper camera - even a cheap point and shoot will do. Cell phones all take terrible pictures. And hand held selfies always look bad.

All the replies on this post are just messed up. The person was just looking for a little help and you guys are sarcastic asses.