Blurring the background on your iPhone is a great way to make your subject stand out and give your photos a professional look. With just a few taps on your screen, you can achieve a beautiful, blurred background effect that will make your photos pop. It’s a simple process that doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, and it can be done using the built-in camera app on your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Blur Background on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that this tutorial will help you create a blurred background effect using the Portrait mode feature available on iPhone models with dual cameras. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open the Camera App
Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
When you open the Camera app, make sure to select Portrait mode from the options available at the bottom of the screen. Portrait mode is specifically designed to create a depth-of-field effect that blurs the background while keeping the subject in focus.
Step 2: Frame Your Subject
Position your subject within the frame and make sure they are within the recommended distance.
The Camera app will usually prompt you if the subject is too close or too far away. The ideal distance for Portrait mode is about two to eight feet away from the camera. This distance allows the camera to properly detect and focus on the subject.
Step 3: Adjust the Depth Control
Use the Depth Control slider to adjust the level of background blur.
Once you have your subject in focus, you’ll see a Depth Control slider (looks like a small f-stop number) appear next to the shutter button. You can move this slider left or right to decrease or increase the amount of background blur before or after taking the photo.
Step 4: Take the Photo
Press the shutter button to take the photo with the blurred background.
After adjusting the depth control to your liking, simply press the shutter button to capture the photo. If needed, you can edit the level of blur further in the Photos app after taking the picture.
Step 5: Edit the Photo (Optional)
Open the Photos app, select your photo, and tap ‘Edit’ to make additional adjustments to the background blur.
If you want to fine-tune the blur effect, you can do so by selecting the photo in the Photos app and tapping ‘Edit.’ Here, you can adjust the depth control again or apply various filters and adjustments to enhance your photo even further.
After you’ve completed the steps, you’ll have a stunning photo with a beautifully blurred background that highlights your subject. This effect can add a professional touch to your portraits and make them stand out on social media or in your personal collection.
Tips: How to Enhance the Blurred Background Effect on iPhone
- Position your subject against a background that has some depth or texture to it, as it will enhance the blur effect.
- Use natural light to your advantage, as it will help create a more even blur and prevent harsh shadows.
- Keep your hands steady or use a tripod to avoid camera shake and ensure a sharp focus on the subject.
- Experiment with different angles and perspectives to see how they affect the background blur.
- Remember that you can always edit the photo later, so don’t be afraid to take multiple shots and choose the best one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What iPhone models support the background blur feature?
The background blur feature, also known as Portrait mode, is available on iPhone models with dual cameras, starting from the iPhone 7 Plus onwards.
Can I blur the background on an existing photo?
Yes, you can apply a blur effect to an existing photo using editing apps that offer this feature, such as the built-in Photos app or third-party applications like Adobe Photoshop Express.
How can I make the blur effect more pronounced?
You can increase the blur effect by adjusting the Depth Control slider further to the right, which will increase the f-stop number and create a stronger blur.
Will the background blur work with objects or only people?
Portrait mode primarily focuses on detecting and blurring the background behind people. However, with newer iPhone models, you can also use it to blur the background behind objects by selecting the appropriate portrait lighting effect.
Can I remove the blur effect after taking the photo?
Yes, you can remove or adjust the blur effect after taking the photo by editing it in the Photos app and moving the Depth Control slider to the left, which will decrease the f-stop number and reduce the blur.
Summary
- Open the Camera app.
- Frame your subject.
- Adjust the Depth Control.
- Take the photo.
- Edit the photo (optional).
Conclusion
Blurring the background on your iPhone is a game-changer for mobile photography. It’s a feature that can turn a good photo into a great one by drawing attention to the subject and adding an artistic touch. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who simply enjoys taking pictures for fun, mastering the art of background blur will elevate your photos to the next level. So next time you’re out and about with your iPhone, give it a try! Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each shot, you’ll get better at capturing those perfect moments with beautiful, blurred backgrounds.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.