How to Blur the Background of Your iPhone Photos

Introduction

Hey readers!

Ever taken a stunning photo, but the background just doesn’t do it justice? Fear not! With iPhone’s powerful built-in camera features, you can easily blur the background of your photos, creating a professional-looking depth of field effect. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions and explore the various ways to achieve a blurred background on your iPhone.

Capturing Perfect Blurred Background Photos

Burst Mode

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Enable Burst mode by holding down the shutter button.
  3. Move your iPhone slightly while capturing multiple photos.
  4. Select the photo with the best background blur.

Portrait Mode

  1. Switch to Portrait mode.
  2. Position your subject within the frame.
  3. Tap on the subject to focus.
  4. Adjust the aperture (f-stop) slider to control the blur intensity.

Depth Control

  1. Enable Depth Control in the Camera settings.
  2. Take a photo with your subject in the foreground.
  3. Adjust the depth level using the slider after taking the photo.

Enhancing Blur with Third-Party Apps

Focos

  • Fine-tune the background blur intensity and shape.
  • Add artificial lighting effects to enhance the bokeh effect.
  • Apply filters and adjust image settings.

VSCO

  • Use the "Blur" tool to selectively blur specific areas.
  • Adjust the blur radius and opacity for precise control.
  • Enhance your photos with filters and editing options.

Afterlight 2

  • Create a depth map to control the blur gradient.
  • Add realistic bokeh overlays for a natural blur effect.
  • Experiment with various blur preset filters.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Subject Too Close

If the subject is too close to the camera, the background may not blur effectively. Move the iPhone further away from the subject.

Low Light Conditions

Blurring may be less effective in low light conditions. Try using a flash or external light source to provide better illumination.

Objects Too Small

Small objects may not trigger the background blur feature. Ensure that the subject is large enough to be recognized by the iPhone’s camera.

Table: Comparison of Blur Methods

Method Advantages Disadvantages
Burst Mode Quick and easy to use Limited control over blur intensity
Portrait Mode Best for portraits, adjustable blur Requires a more modern iPhone model
Depth Control Precise control over blur Requires post-processing, may not be available on all iPhone models
Focos App Advanced blur customization, artificial effects Not available for free
VSCO App Selective blur control, filter options Limited blur intensity adjustment
Afterlight 2 App Realistic bokeh overlays, depth map support May not be suitable for all blur effects

Conclusion

Mastering the art of background blurring can transform your iPhone photography. Whether you prefer using the built-in features or exploring third-party apps, you’ll be able to create stunning depth of field effects that will make your photos stand out. So, grab your iPhone and start experimenting with blurred backgrounds today!

Be sure to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks on capturing amazing photos with your iPhone.

FAQ about iPhone Background Blurred

Why is my iPhone background blurred?

  • The blur effect is a feature of iOS called "Perspective Zoom." It blurs the background of the home screen when you tilt your phone. To turn it off, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion and turn off "Perspective Zoom."

How do I turn off the blur effect on my iPhone?

  • Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion and turn off "Perspective Zoom."

Why is the blur effect only on the home screen?

  • The blur effect is only applied to the home screen because it is designed to give the illusion of depth. On other screens, such as the lock screen and app icons, the blur effect would be distracting.

Can I change the intensity of the blur effect?

  • No, you cannot change the intensity of the blur effect. However, you can turn it off completely by following the steps above.

Why does the blur effect sometimes make my iPhone run slower?

  • The blur effect can be demanding on your iPhone’s processor, especially if you have a lot of widgets or apps on your home screen. If you find that the blur effect is slowing down your iPhone, you can turn it off by following the steps above.

Why did the blur effect suddenly turn on?

  • The blur effect may have turned on if you recently updated your iPhone to iOS 13 or later. This is because Perspective Zoom is now enabled by default in iOS 13. You can turn it off by following the steps above.

Can I use the blur effect in third-party apps?

  • No, the blur effect is only available on the home screen. However, some third-party apps may have their own blur effects.

Why is the blur effect different on my iPhone X than on my iPhone 11?

  • The blur effect is slightly different on the iPhone X than on newer iPhone models because of the different screen technology. The iPhone X has an OLED screen, while newer iPhone models have LCD screens. OLED screens produce deeper blacks, which can make the blur effect more pronounced.

Why is the blur effect blurry on my iPhone?

  • The blur effect is supposed to be blurry. It is designed to give the illusion of depth and make the home screen appear more spacious.

How can I make the blur effect less blurry?

  • You cannot make the blur effect less blurry. However, you can turn it off completely by following the steps above.