Introduction
Hey readers!
Are you tired of your photos looking flat and uninspiring? Do you wish you could add some depth and visual interest to your images without any fancy equipment? Well, if you own an iPhone, you’re in luck! With just a few simple steps, you can easily make the background of your photos blur, creating a beautiful bokeh effect that will make your subjects pop.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making photo backgrounds blurry on your iPhone. We’ll cover the native Portrait mode feature, third-party apps, and some editing tricks that will help you achieve the perfect blurred background for your photos. So, grab your iPhone, let’s get started!
Native Methods
Portrait Mode
If you have an iPhone with a dual-lens camera (iPhone 7 Plus and later), you can use the built-in Portrait mode to blur the background of your photos.
- Launch the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Swipe to Portrait mode.
- Position your subject in the frame and tap the shutter button.
Portrait mode automatically detects and blurs the background, creating a beautiful bokeh effect. You can also adjust the blur intensity before or after taking the photo.
Depth Control
Introduced in iOS 15, Depth Control allows you to fine-tune the background blur in Portrait mode photos.
- Open the Photos app.
- Select a Portrait mode photo.
- Tap Edit.
- Select Depth Control.
- Use the slider to adjust the blur intensity.
Third-Party Apps
If you don’t have an iPhone with Portrait mode or want more control over the background blur, you can use third-party apps.
Focos
Focos is a popular photo editing app that offers a range of tools for creating blurred backgrounds, including:
- Aperture mode: Simulates the shallow depth of field of a large-aperture lens.
- Manual controls: Adjust the focus point, aperture, and shutter speed.
- Lens effects: Add creative bokeh effects like hearts, stars, and bubbles.
AfterFocus
AfterFocus is another excellent app for adding depth to your photos. Its key features include:
- Auto edge detection: Automatically detects and selects the subject, making it easy to blur the background.
- Depth mapping: Allows you to manually adjust the depth of field to achieve the desired blur effect.
- Bokeh editor: Customize the bokeh shape and intensity to create unique and artistic effects.
Editing Tricks
In addition to using native modes and apps, there are a few editing tricks you can use to blur the background of your photos.
Gaussian Blur
The Gaussian blur filter in the Photos app allows you to add a soft, diffused blur to your photos.
- Open the Photos app.
- Select a photo.
- Tap Edit.
- Select Adjustments, then Gaussian Blur.
- Use the slider to adjust the blur intensity.
Selective Focus
The Selective Focus feature in the Camera app can be used to create a shallow depth of field effect, similar to Portrait mode.
- Launch the Camera app.
- Tap the Live Photos icon.
- Take a photo and wait for it to process.
- Select the Edit tab.
- Tap the Depth tab.
- Adjust the focus point and blur intensity.
Comparison Table
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait mode | Easy to use, automatic background blur | Limited to newer iPhones with dual-lens cameras |
| Depth Control | Fine-tune blur intensity, creative effects | Only available in iOS 15 and later |
| Focos | Professional-level controls, creative effects | Paid app, requires some learning curve |
| AfterFocus | Auto edge detection, depth mapping | May not be as precise as manual controls |
| Gaussian Blur | Simple and quick, soft blur effect | Can be difficult to control the blur intensity |
| Selective Focus | Similar to Portrait mode, manual focus | Only available in Live Photos |
Conclusion
There you have it, readers! Now you know how to make the background of your photos blur on your iPhone, using both native features and third-party apps. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these techniques will help you add depth, dimension, and artistic flair to your photos.
If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out our other articles on iPhone photography, editing, and more. Thanks for reading!
FAQ about Make Photo Background Blur on iPhone
How can I blur the background of a photo on my iPhone?
Open the photo in the Photos app, tap "Edit," and select "Portrait." Adjust the aperture slider to blur the background.
Can I blur the background of any photo?
No, only photos taken with the Portrait mode camera on an iPhone XR or later can have their backgrounds blurred.
Why can’t I blur the background of my photo?
Ensure the photo was taken in Portrait mode and that you’re using an iPhone XR or later.
How do I adjust the intensity of the blur?
In Edit mode, tap "F" on the toolbar and drag the aperture slider to adjust the blur intensity.
Can I blur the background of multiple faces in a photo?
Yes, open the photo in Edit mode and tap "Edit Depth." Use the brush tool to select the faces you want to blur.
What is the minimum aperture setting for blurring the background?
f/1.4, which creates the most intense blur.
Can I blur the background after I’ve already saved the photo?
Yes, open the photo in Edit mode, tap "Portrait," and adjust the aperture slider.
Does blurring the background reduce the quality of the photo?
Slightly, but the iPhone’s advanced algorithms minimize quality loss.
Can I blur the background of a photo taken with a third-party camera app?
No, only photos taken with Apple’s Camera app in Portrait mode can be blurred.
How can I control the blur in real-time when taking a photo in Portrait mode?
Swipe up or down on the viewfinder to adjust the aperture and blur intensity before capturing the shot.
