How to Capture Stunning Blurred Background iPhone 8 Videos
Hey readers,
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on capturing breathtaking iPhone 8 videos with a blurred background, also known as the "bokeh effect." Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or simply passionate about creating visually striking content, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to elevate your mobile videography to new heights.
Understanding Bokeh
Bokeh refers to the artistic blur or out-of-focus effect that creates a pleasingly soft background in photographs and videos. This technique is often used to isolate the subject of an image, drawing the viewer’s attention to the main focus. On the iPhone 8, achieving bokeh in videos requires a combination of hardware and software capabilities.
Utilizing iPhone 8’s Portrait Mode
The iPhone 8’s Portrait Mode is specifically designed to capture photos and videos with a blurred background. When shooting a video in Portrait Mode, the camera uses a combination of optical image stabilization, depth sensors, and computational photography to distinguish between the subject and the background. This allows you to create videos where your subject remains sharp and focused, while the background is softly blurred.
Activating Portrait Mode
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone 8.
- Select the "Portrait" mode from the menu bar at the bottom.
- Ensure that the "Rear" camera is selected.
Tips for Shooting in Portrait Mode
- Get close to your subject: The iPhone 8’s Portrait Mode works best when the subject is within 2-3 feet of the camera.
- Ensure good lighting: Adequate lighting helps the camera create a more accurate depth map, resulting in a more natural-looking bokeh effect.
- Avoid overly cluttered backgrounds: Objects or people in the background can interfere with the camera’s depth detection, so choose a background with minimal distractions.
- Experiment with different focal lengths: The iPhone 8’s Portrait Mode offers two focal lengths: "Natural" and "Studio." Try switching between these options to find the one that best suits your desired level of bokeh.
Advanced Techniques for Blurred Backgrounds
Beyond Portrait Mode, there are additional techniques you can employ to achieve stunning blurred backgrounds in your iPhone 8 videos.
Using Third-Party Apps
Various third-party apps available on the App Store allow you to simulate a blurred background effect in videos. These apps use different algorithms to create a depth map and apply the appropriate blur to the background.
Manually Adjusting Depth of Field
If you’re shooting a video with the iPhone 8’s default "Video" mode, you can manually adjust the depth of field using the "Exposure" slider. By decreasing the exposure, you can create a shallower depth of field, resulting in a more blurred background.
Shooting in Telephoto Mode
The iPhone 8’s telephoto lens offers a longer focal length, which naturally results in a shallower depth of field. If you want to capture videos with a pronounced bokeh effect, try using the telephoto lens, especially when shooting from a distance.
Comparing iPhone 8 and iPhone X Blurred Background Performance
The iPhone 8 and iPhone X both offer blurred background capabilities, but there are some key differences to note. The iPhone X’s dual-lens system and more advanced computational photography algorithms allow for a more accurate and natural-looking bokeh effect, especially in low-light conditions.
| Feature | iPhone 8 | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Depth and Bokeh Performance | Good | Excellent |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes |
| Low-Light Performance | Average | Good |
Tips and Tricks for Stunning iPhone 8 Video Backgrounds
- Pay attention to composition: Carefully consider the placement of your subject and the background to create visually pleasing shots.
- Use natural light: Natural light can significantly enhance the quality of your blurred background videos. Shoot outdoors or near windows to maximize natural lighting.
- Experiment with different angles: Try shooting from different perspectives to create unique and interesting effects.
- Practice makes perfect: The more you experiment with different techniques, the more proficient you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Capturing stunning blurred background iPhone 8 videos is a skill that can elevate your mobile videography to a whole new level. By understanding the concepts behind bokeh and utilizing the various techniques outlined in this guide, you can now create professional-looking videos with a cinematic flair.
Check out our other articles for more tips and tricks on mobile photography and videography:
- How to Take Amazing Low-Light Photos with Your iPhone 8
- Capture Breathtaking Time-Lapse Videos with Your iPhone 8
- Ultimate Guide to iPhone 8 Video Editing: Tips and Techniques
FAQ about iPhone 8 Video Blurred Background
Why is the background of my iPhone 8 videos blurry?
Answer: Your iPhone 8 has a feature called Portrait mode, which uses the phone’s dual cameras to create a shallow depth of field effect, blurring the background and making the subject (e.g., a person or object) stand out.
How do I turn on Portrait mode?
Answer: Open the Camera app > Tap the "Portrait" option in the camera mode carousel.
Can I adjust the level of blur in Portrait mode?
Answer: Yes, tap the "f" button on the screen to adjust the aperture setting, which controls the amount of blur. A wider aperture (lower f-number) creates a more blurred background.
Does Portrait mode work for selfies?
Answer: Yes, some iPhone 8 models have a front-facing TrueDepth camera that supports Portrait mode for selfies.
Can I add a blurred background to existing videos?
Answer: No, Portrait mode only works when recording new videos. You cannot add a blurred background to existing videos.
What are the limitations of Portrait mode?
Answer: Portrait mode may not work well in low-light conditions, with small subjects, or when the subject is too close or too far from the camera.
How do I turn off Portrait mode?
Answer: Tap the "Portrait" option in the camera mode carousel to turn it off.
Does Portrait mode use both cameras?
Answer: Yes, Portrait mode uses both the wide-angle and telephoto cameras to capture depth information that creates the blurred background effect.
Can I use Portrait mode with third-party camera apps?
Answer: No, Portrait mode is only available in the native Camera app.
What is the technical explanation of how Portrait mode creates a blurred background?
Answer: Portrait mode uses computational photography techniques to analyze the depth of field in a scene. It then applies a digital blur to the background while keeping the subject sharp.
