Experiment with Portrait Mode on your iPhone: Use the depth effect to capture professional-looking portraits

Are you tired of taking average-looking portraits with your iPhone? Well, fret no more! With the powerful Portrait Mode feature on your iPhone, you can now capture stunning, professional-looking portraits that will leave everyone in awe.

Portrait Mode is a game-changer when it comes to smartphone photography. It utilizes the depth effect to create a beautiful bokeh effect, blurring the background and making the subject stand out. This feature was first introduced in the iPhone 7 Plus and has since been included in the newer iPhone models.

So, how can you make the most out of Portrait Mode and take your portrait photography to the next level? Let’s dive in:

1. Find the Perfect Subject

The first step to capturing a great portrait is finding the perfect subject. Look for someone or something that stands out and has interesting features. Remember, Portrait Mode works best when there is a clear distinction between the subject and the background, this can be a person, a pet, or an object, but portrait mode works best when you can position yourself between 1-4 metres from them.

2. Play with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and portrait photography is no exception. Experiment with different lighting conditions to create different moods and effects. Soft, diffused lighting works well for a classic and flattering look, while dramatic lighting can add a touch of mystery and intrigue.

3. Use the Depth Effect

Now, here comes the fun part – using the depth effect. When you open the Camera app on your iPhone, swipe to Portrait Mode and position your subject within the frame. The depth effect will automatically be applied, and you will see a live preview of the bokeh effect. Adjust the distance between yourself and the subject to control the intensity of the blur.

Use the Depth Control slider to adjust the level of background blur in your portraits.

1. Tap  in the top-right corner of the screen.The Depth Control slider appears below the frame.
2. Drag the slider to the right or left to adjust the effect.
3. Tap the Shutter button to take the shot.

After you capture a portrait, you can use the Depth Control slider in the Photos app to further adjust the background blur effect. See Edit Portrait mode photos.

4. Experiment with the different light modes

iPhones offer you 6 different types of lighting effects to use in portrait mode

5. Experiment with Editing

Once you have captured your portrait, don’t be afraid to experiment with editing. The Photos app on your iPhone offers a range of editing tools that can enhance your portrait even further. Play around with the brightness, contrast, and saturation to achieve the desired look. Alternatively you can use more in depth apps such as Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed.

With these tips in mind, you are ready to unleash the power of Portrait Mode on your iPhone. Get out there, find your perfect subject, and capture stunning portraits that will make everyone think you hired a professional photographer!

For more iPhone photography tips to help you on your way to becoming a iphone photography pro, click here.