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How to Shoot Portrait Mode Photos with a Background Blur

Select your device to see how to shoot it.

iPhone

Select Portrait mode from the camera app's mode bar, keep a reasonable distance from your subject, and the background blurs automatically.

Android

Choose 'Portrait' or 'Live Focus' mode in the camera app to capture a photo with the background blur effect already applied.

Adjust the blur after shooting

Many phones let you go back into the photo editor afterward and adjust the aperture (blur) value even after the shot is taken.

Why it matters

You can separate a person or object from its background and draw the eye right to the subject, without needing a professional camera.

Professional-looking photos without a professional camera

A sharp subject with a soft, blurred background used to require an expensive camera and lens. Portrait mode gets a similar look with just your phone.

Works on more than just people

On most modern phones, the same blur effect applies just as well to pets and objects as it does to people, so it's worth trying on more than just portraits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use portrait mode on objects and pets, not just people?

Yes β€” most modern phones apply portrait mode’s blur effect to pets and objects just as well as people.

What happens if I'm too close or too far from my subject?

The camera will show an on-screen prompt telling you to move closer or farther away; the blur effect only applies properly once you're within the right range.