How to Blur the Background of Photos on iPhone
Are you tired of cluttered photo backgrounds ruining your beautiful shots? It can be frustrating when unwanted elements like pedestrians, peddlers, or vehicles distract from the main subject of your photo. But fret not! We have the solution for you. In this article, we will share several methods to help you blur the background of your photos on iPhone. By blurring the background, you can effectively highlight the important subjects and create captivating images. So let’s dive in and explore the various ways to achieve a stunning blurred background effect on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using Portrait Mode on iPhone
Understanding Portrait Mode
Portrait Mode is a powerful feature available on iPhone cameras that simulates the shallow depth of field effect achieved by professional cameras with large apertures. This effect allows you to focus on the subject while blurring the background, creating a prominent and visually appealing portrait effect. It uses advanced algorithms to accurately detect the subject and provide an immersive depth of field experience.
Requirements for Portrait Mode
Portrait Mode is available on various iPhone models, including iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, iPhone X and later, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 8 Plus. However, if you are using an iPhone XR or iPhone SE (2nd generation), the rear camera needs to detect a face to enable Portrait Mode.
How to Blur Background with Portrait Mode
To blur the background using Portrait Mode on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
1. Open the camera app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Portrait mode from the available shooting modes.
3. Choose one of the six different light effects offered by iPhone to enhance the portrait.
4. Tap the shutter button to capture the photo.
By following these easy steps, you can effortlessly blur the background and capture stunning portraits with your iPhone. However, it’s important to note that Portrait Mode may not perform optimally in low light conditions. If there is insufficient lighting, the app will notify you to seek more light sources for better results.
Method 2: Adjusting Focal Distance and Subject-Background Separation
Optimizing Focal Distance
If the results from Portrait Mode are not satisfying, there are additional techniques you can utilize to achieve better background blur. One aspect to consider is the focal distance, which determines the ideal distance between your iPhone and the subject.
1. The Right Focal Distance:
– When capturing portraits, it is recommended to keep a distance of 0.5 to 2 meters between your phone and the subject.
– Avoid getting too close to the subject as it can result in oversized facial features. Similarly, being too far away will diminish the depth of field effect.
– By maintaining an optimal focus distance, you can achieve a balanced depth of field while allowing other elements in the frame to contribute to the composition.
Subject-Background Separation
Another critical element for achieving a blurred background is maintaining an adequate distance between the subject and the background.
1. Proper Distance Between the Subject and the Background:
– Pay attention to the space between your subject and the background. They should be moderately separated to ensure a noticeable blur effect.
– If your subject is too close or too far from the background, the camera will prompt you to adjust the distance accordingly.
– When the subject is correctly positioned, a yellow box will appear on the screen as an indication of successful recognition. The camera will automatically focus on the subject’s face and blur the background accordingly.
By optimizing both focal distance and subject-background separation, you can enhance the background blur and elevate the overall aesthetic of your iPhone photos.
Method 3: Photo Editing for Background Blur
Using iPhone’s Built-in Photo Editing Features
If you are not satisfied with the blur effect achieved during shooting, you can easily enhance the background blur in post-processing using iPhone’s built-in photo editing features.
1. Launch the Photos app and locate the photo you want to edit.
2. Tap on the “Edit” button to enter the editing mode.
3. Look for the square icon below the photo and tap on it to access the light effects.
4. Choose the desired light effect that suits your vision for the photo.
5. Use the slider to adjust the intensity of the light effect according to your preference.
6. Tap “Done” to save the changes to the photo.
If you want to revert to the original photo without any changes, you can simply tap “Edit” and select “Restore” to undo the modifications.
Using Third-Party Apps for Background Blur
For iPhones that do not support Portrait Mode, there are numerous third-party apps available that enable you to achieve impressive background blur effects effortlessly. One such app is Lazinc, which offers powerful editing tools and user-friendly features.
1. Start by downloading the Lazinc app from the App Store and launch it.
2. Tap the “+” button to import the photo you wish to blur the background of.
3. Navigate to the “Blur” section within the app and choose the appropriate blur effect.
4. Adjust the intensity of the blur effect to achieve the desired result.
5. Save the edited photo to your device.
Lazinc simplifies the process of blurring the background of your photos and provides an alternative solution for iPhones without built-in Portrait Mode functionality. It’s a versatile tool that allows you to explore various creative options beyond basic background blurring.
Using Free Online Editors
If you prefer to edit your photos online, there are several free editing platforms available that offer background blur features. These online editors provide a convenient way to achieve impressive results without the need to install any additional software.
To blur the background using a free online editor, follow these steps:
1. Visit a reputable free online editor such as Canva, Pixlr, or Lazinc.
2. Upload the photo you want to edit.
3. Access the blur tool or effect within the editor.
4. Apply the desired blur effect and adjust the intensity as necessary.
5. Save the edited photo to your device or preferred cloud storage platform.
Online editors offer a range of editing options beyond just background blur, making them a valuable resource for enhancing your photos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blurring the background of your photos on iPhone is a simple yet effective way to emphasize the main subject and create aesthetically pleasing images. Whether you use the built-in Portrait Mode, optimize focal distance and subject-background separation, or rely on photo editing apps and online editors, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different techniques to find the approach that best suits your creative vision. Now, you can capture remarkable photos with beautifully blurred backgrounds, elevating your iPhone photography to new heights.
FAQs
Q1: Can I blur the background of existing photos on my iPhone?
Yes, you can blur the background of your existing photos on iPhone by using the built-in photo editing features or third-party apps like Lazinc. These tools allow you to apply background blur effects to your photos and enhance their overall visual appeal.
Q2: Which iPhone models support Portrait Mode?
Portrait Mode is available on iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, iPhone X and later, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 8 Plus. However, for iPhone XR and iPhone SE (2nd generation), the rear camera must detect a face to enable Portrait mode photography.
Q3: What if I’m not satisfied with the blur effect in post-processing?
If you’re not fully satisfied with the background blur achieved during post-processing, you can consider adjusting the focal distance and subject-background separation while capturing the photos. These techniques, along with the editing tools, will help you achieve a more desired blur effect.
Q4: Can I achieve a background blur effect without Portrait Mode?
Yes, even without Portrait Mode, you can still achieve a pleasing background blur effect. By using third-party apps like Lazinc or online editing platforms, you can apply various blur effects to your photos and create stunning images.
Q5: Are there any free online editors for background blur?
Yes, there are free online editors available that enable you to blur the background of your photos without any additional software installation. Canva, Pixlr, and Lazinc are some popular online editors that offer background blur functionality among their wide range of editing tools.