Blurring the background in your photos on an iPhone can enhance the subject and create a professional-looking portrait effect. The iPhone’s Portrait mode is designed to achieve this with ease. Follow these steps:
1. Using Portrait Mode on iPhone
The easiest way to blur the background of a photo is by using the Portrait mode, available on iPhone models with dual or multiple cameras (iPhone 7 Plus or later).
Step 1: Open the Camera App
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Select Portrait Mode
- Swipe through the modes at the bottom of the screen until you reach Portrait.
Step 3: Focus on Your Subject
- Frame your subject in the viewfinder, ensuring that the subject is well-lit and within 2-8 feet of the camera.
- The camera will automatically apply the blur effect to the background while keeping the subject in focus.
Step 4: Take the Photo
- Once the depth effect is active, a Natural Light label will appear, indicating that the background blur (bokeh effect) is in place.
- Tap the shutter button to take the photo.
Step 5: Edit Portrait Mode (Optional)
- Open the photo in the Photos app and tap Edit.
- You can adjust the background blur intensity by tapping the f-stop (f/number) in the top-left corner and sliding the Depth Control slider to increase or decrease the blur.
2. Blurring Backgrounds Manually Using Editing Apps
If your iPhone doesn’t support Portrait mode, or if you want to manually add or adjust background blur, you can use third-party apps like Snapseed or Photoshop Express.
Using Snapseed:
- Download Snapseed from the App Store.
- Open the app and load the photo you want to edit.
- Tap on Tools, then select Lens Blur.
- Use your fingers to adjust the blur strength, position, and size.
- Save the edited photo.
Using Photoshop Express:
- Download Photoshop Express from the App Store.
- Open the app and import your photo.
- Tap on Edit and select the Blur tool.
- Adjust the blur intensity and area.
- Save the image when you’re done.