This photography technique of applying “background blur”, known as bokeh, can be accessed on the iPhone in a few simple taps in a range of distinct styles. Learn how to point and shoot like a pro on your iPhone.
How to Activate Portrait Mode
Before we start, check out the iPhone models that support portrait mode.
How to Toggle Between Portrait Lighting Effects
The Portrait Lighting feature encompasses a set of five studio-quality lighting effects that can be applied instantly to Portrait Mode photos to isolate, enhance, or otherwise brighten key elements of your subject. Portrait Lighting uses computational photography to generate artificial lighting edits that a professional photographer might apply in a post. However, the iPhone allows users to see a real-time preview of each effect in their viewfinder before they take the shot. It’s like having a professional photographer and photo studio with you in your pocket! Tip: Learn how to secure your photos in the cloud with iCloud Photos.
Portrait Lighting Effects Explained
Natural Light: Your subject’s face appears sharp against a blurred background. Studio Light: A bright light is applied to your subject’s face and shadows are reduced. Contour Light: Artistic lowlights and highlights are applied to your subject’s face while dramatic shadows accentuate key features. Stage Light: A spotlight effect is simulated outlining your subject’s face against an inky black background.Stage Light Mono: Applies a classic black and white filter onto stage light photos. High-Key Light Mono: Outlines your subject by administering a grayscale filter before masking it against a pure white background.
Adjust Depth Control in Portrait Mode
How to Remove Portrait Mode Effects in a Post
Tip: If you need to further edit your images, you can use on of these free tools to enhance your photography on Mac. Image credit: Apple. All screenshots taken by Brahm Shank. Note: While using the 2x telephoto lens on select iPhone models, Portrait Lighting and depth effects are not available if photos are captured without proper framing.
