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Achieving a professional touch in your photographs with a blurred background, known as ‘bokeh’, adds depth by focusing on the subject while softly blurring the background. You can achieve this effect on your iPhone without the need for a DSLR. This guide will demonstrate how to blur the background on an iPhone to produce stunning images with a professional touch.
The Beauty of Bokeh
‘Bokeh’ is derived from the Japanese word ‘boke’, meaning ‘blur’. In photography, it refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in out-of-focus areas of an image. This technique highlights the subject while creating a pleasing and less distracting background, impacting the mood and visual appeal of an image significantly.
How to Blur Background on iPhone: Mastering the Portrait Mode
From the iPhone 7 Plus onward, Apple introduced Portrait Mode, allowing users to capture photos with a sharp subject focus and a beautifully blurred background.
Let’s delve into using Portrait Mode on your iPhone to achieve a blurred background:
Step 1: Open the Camera App
Commence by launching the camera app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Enable Portrait Mode
Swipe through the options at the bottom of the screen until ‘Portrait’ is highlighted.
Step 3: Frame Your Shot
Locate your iPhone at the subject. The camera app will offer guidance like ‘Place subject within 8 feet’. When the depth effect box turns yellow, you are ready to proceed.
Step 4: Choose Your Lighting
Pick the suitable lighting option from Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, Stage Mono, and High-Key Light Mono.
Step 5: Snap the Picture
Once satisfied with your setup, tap the shutter button.
Step 6: Edit if Necessary
After capturing the photo, adjust the depth effect (blur intensity) by selecting ‘Edit’ on your photo and moving the depth slider. You can also modify the lighting effect after capturing the photo in the same manner.
With these steps, you are now equipped with the knowledge of how to blur the background on an iPhone using Portrait Mode.
Additional Techniques to Blur Background on iPhone
Apart from Portrait Mode, there are alternative techniques and tools to accomplish a similar effect, especially if your iPhone model does not support Portrait Mode.
Third-Party Apps
Various apps available on the App Store allow you to blur the background of your photos. Tadaa SLR, FabFocus, and AfterFocus are among the popular ones providing a range of tools to control the blur effect.
Editing Apps
Some photo-editing apps like Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop Express, and Lightroom offer features to selectively blur parts of your photos.
Conclusion
The innovation of being able to blur photo backgrounds, creating a bokeh effect, has transformed mobile photography. The iPhone makes this effect accessible to everyone, anytime, eliminating the need for specialized cameras for vibrant, depth-filled photographs. By mastering how to blur the background on an iPhone, you can elevate your photography skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I blur the background of a photo on an iPhone SE or older models?
Although these models lack Portrait Mode, you can achieve a similar effect using third-party apps.
Can I adjust the background blur level after taking the photo?
Yes, on iPhones supporting Portrait Mode, you can modify the blur intensity post-capture in the editing settings.
What’s the best third-party app for blurring photo backgrounds on iPhone?
Several excellent apps are available, such as Focos, Tadaa SLR, and AfterFocus. It is advisable to experiment with a few to determine your preference.
Can the blur effect be used on entities other than people?
While primarily designed for people, Portrait Mode can also effectively be applied to objects and animals.
Can Portrait Mode be used for selfies?
Yes, iPhones equipped with a TrueDepth camera system (iPhone X and later models) can utilize Portrait Mode with the front camera for selfies.
