How to Blur the Background on iPhone Photos

This article teaches you how to blur the background in your iPhone photos while using Portrait mode and using the AfterFocus app or by repositioning your shot.

How to Blur the Background on iPhone Photos Using Portrait Mode

Portrait mode is a simple and effective way to blur your iPhone photos' backgrounds. Here's how to use portrait background effects to ensure that the background is blurred and the focus is squarely on the subject.

1. On your iPhone, open the Camera app.

2. Swipe to Portrait mode on the list under the image.

3. Swipe between the different light options, including Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, and High-Key Light Mono.

   iPhone XR users can only use the Natural Light, Studio Light, and Contour Light options.

4. Take the photo as usual and see the results in your Photos album.

   

How to Blur the Background on iPhone Photos After Taking a Photo in Portrait Mode

If you've already taken a photo in Portrait Mode, it's simple to adjust the effect afterward. Here's how to do it.

1. Find the photo taken in Portrait Mode in your Photos Album. 

2. Tap Edit.

3. Scroll through the slider options for Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, and High-Key Light Mono.

   You can also adjust the depth control by tapping the f icon at the top left of the screen to adjust the background blur level. 

4. Tap Done to save the new image.

   

How to Blur the Background on iPhone Photos by Moving

If your iPhone doesn't support Portrait Mode, you can use various apps to add a form of blurring. There is also an even simpler solution and one that's free - moving to adjust your shot. It's not perfect, but it can work well with a bit of practice. Here's how to create a blur photo background without spending a penny.

1. Open the Camera app.

2. Line up your shot by getting closer to your subject. The closer you get, the more blurred the surrounding background becomes.

3. Tap on the screen where you want the focus of the shot to be. A yellow box appears to denote the focus.

4. Tap the shutter button to take the photo.

What Does Each Portrait Mode Lighting Effect Mean?

It can be confusing to know what each one means with so many lighting effect options in Portrait Mode. Here's a quick overview.

• Natural Light. The face of your subject is in sharp focus against a blurred background. 
• Studio Light. It brightly lights up the face, giving the photo has an overall clean look.
• Contour Light. The face has dramatic shadows with highlights and lowlights.
• Stage Light. The face is spotlight against a deep black background.
• Stage Light Mono. Like Stage Light, but the photo is in black and white.
• High-Key Light Mono. It creates a grayscale subject on a white background.