How to get Portrait Mode like Bokeh Effect on Older iPhones

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process to get portrait mode-like bokeh effect on your older iPhones.  Are you feeling left out because your older iPhone doesn’t have the fancy Portrait mode feature? Don’t worry, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can still achieve the bokeh effect and capture stunning portraits on your older iPhone.

Portrait mode is a feature that uses the dual-lens camera system of newer iPhones to create effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus. The result is a stunning portrait that looks like it was taken with a professional camera. However, not all iPhone models support portrait mode. If you have an older iPhone, you may feel left out of the portrait mode trend. But fret not, there are ways to achieve the same effect on your older iPhone.

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Understanding Bokeh Effect

Before we dive into how to get portrait mode-like bokeh effect on older iPhones, let’s first understand what bokeh effect is.

it is a term used to describe the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image. It is created by using a wide aperture, which results in a shallow depth of field. This means that only the subject in the foreground is in focus, while the background appears blurry.

Bokeh effect is commonly used in portrait photography to isolate the subject from the background and draw attention to the subject.

Portrait Mode on iPhone: What is it?

Portrait mode is a feature introduced by Apple in 2016 with the iPhone 7 Plus. It uses the dual-lens camera system to create a depth map of the scene and blur the background, simulating the bokeh effect.

Portrait mode has since been added to newer iPhone models, including the iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Which iPhone Models Support Portrait Mode?

As mentioned earlier, portrait mode is not available on all iPhone models. If you have an older iPhone, you may be wondering if your device supports portrait mode.

Here’s a list of iPhone models that support portrait mode:

• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max

If your iPhone model is not on this list, don’t worry. There are still ways to achieve the same effect on your older iPhone.

Portrait Mode Alternatives for Older iPhones

If your iPhone model does not support portrait mode, there are still ways to achieve the same effect using third-party apps or adjusting camera settings.

Using Third-Party Apps for Bokeh Effect

One such app is Camera+, which has a “Depth Effect” feature that allows you to adjust the depth of field and create effect. Another app that can help achieve the bokeh effect is Focos, which allows you to adjust the depth of field after taking the photo.

However, keep in mind that using third-party apps may not produce the same quality as portrait mode on newer iPhones.

Camera Settings for Bokeh Effect

If you don’t want to use third-party apps, you can still achieve the effect by adjusting the camera settings on your older iPhone. Here are some tips:

• Use the “Portrait” setting in the Camera app, which can be found on some older iPhone models. This setting will automatically adjust the aperture and focus on the subject, creating a shallow depth of field.
• Use the “Live Focus” feature on Samsung Galaxy devices to create a similar bokeh effect.

Lighting and Composition Tips for Bokeh Effect

The lighting and composition of your photo also play a crucial role in achieving the effect. Here are some tips:

• Use a large aperture and wide-angle lens to create a shallow depth of field.
• Place the subject in front of a distant background to increase the blur effect.
• Use natural lighting or a softbox to create a well-lit subject and add depth to the photo.

How to Edit Bokeh Effect Photos

After taking your effect photos, you can enhance them further using photo editing apps. Here are some tips:

• Use the “Blur” tool in apps like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance the bokeh effect.
• Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation to make the subject stand out even more.
• Use the “Selective Adjust” tool in Snapseed to adjust the depth of field and create a more natural-looking bokeh effect.

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Conclusion

Although portrait mode may not be available on all iPhone models, there are still ways to achieve the bokeh effect and capture stunning portraits. By using third-party apps, adjusting camera settings, and considering lighting and composition, you can create professional-looking photos with a shallow depth of field.

FAQs

1. Can I achieve the bokeh effect on my iPhone 6? Yes, you can achieve the effect on your iPhone 6 using third-party camera apps or adjusting camera settings.
2. Do all Samsung Galaxy devices have the “Live Focus” feature? No, not all Samsung Galaxy devices have the “Live Focus” feature. Check your device’s camera settings to see if it is available.
3. What is the best app for achieving the effect on older iPhones? Camera+ and Focos are both great apps for achieving the bokeh effect on older iPhones.
4. How can I improve the composition of my effect photos? Try placing the subject in front of a distant background and using natural lighting or a softbox to create depth in the photo.
5. Can I edit the effect in my photos after taking them? Yes, you can enhance the effect using photo editing apps like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, or apps like Snapseed with a selective adjust tool.