How To Use Portrait Mode Iphone Xr

Portrait mode is a feature that lets you click pictures with the main subject in focus while keeping the background blurred. The feature is identical to that of a DSLR camera. So, if you are wondering how to take Portrait snaps, apply filters and effects, edit portrait photos, or more, then read ahead and be the master for portrait photography with your iPhone.

iPhone models that support Portrait mode
Difference between Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting
How to take Portrait mode Photos on iPhone
How to use Portrait Lighting effects on iPhone
How to take a Portrait mode selfie
How to change Portrait Lighting effects afterwards
How to use Depth Control on iPhone
How to remove Portrait mode effect from Photos

iPhone models that support Portrait mode

Apple debuted Portrait mode for the first time on iPhone 7 Plus. Since then, most devices support it. Here is the full list.

iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X
iPhone XR
iPhone Xs and Xs Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE 2020
iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

Notes:

Except for iPhone 7 Plus, all models listed above support Portrait Lighting, though the number of effects varies. For example, iPhone XR only supports Natural Light, Studio Light, and Contour Light. High-Key Light Mono is available on both cameras of iPhone Xs and later, but only on the front camera of the iPhone XR
On iPhone 11 Pro and newer, tap the 2x button to zoom out and use the Wide camera. By default on these devices, the Portrait mode uses the Telephoto camera
For clicking Portrait Selfie, you need iPhone X and later
Want Portrait mode on devices not on this list?

Difference between Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting

These two terms may seem similar. However, there is a difference.

Portrait mode blurs the background and keeps the main subject sharp. In short, it tries to mimic (using multiple cameras and/or software) the bokeh-style effect of DSLR cameras
Portrait Lighting (on all models listed above except iPhone 7 Plus) are studio-quality lighting effects (Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, High-Key Mono) that you can apply to Portrait mode photos while shooting or while editing in Photos app

How to take Portrait mode Photos on iPhone

OpenCamera and selectTake Portrait. Or, open Camera and swipe to PORTRAIT mode
Make sure you are within 2-8 feet of the photo's subject. Follow the on-screen instructions (like, move further away), if any
When everything is set, the name of the effect like DEPTH EFFECT on iPhone 7 Plus or NATURAL LIGHT on other iPhoneswill turn yellow. You will also see the background blur in real-time
Tapshutter button or volume up or volume down button to take the picture.

Note: Suppose you do not follow the on-screen instruction and the effect name does not turn yellow, but you still click the picture. In this case, it will be a regular photo without any background blur effects.

How to use Portrait Lighting effects on iPhone

You can click a photo in Portrait mode and apply the Portrait Lighting effect while editing. You may also click with these effects. The steps and instructions are almost the same as above.

OpenCamera and swipe toPORTRAIT mode.
Touch theNATURAL LIGHT button in the viewfinder and swipe it to select a Portrait Lighting effect.Natural Light:As far as functionality is concerned, it's quite similar to the iPhone 7 Plus Portrait mode. It simply works by keeping the subject's face in focus by blurring the background.
Studio Light: It allows you to brighten up the subject in the picture by blurring the background for contrast. As a result, it offers a clean look, and you will be able to see more details of the subject.

Contour Light: In terms of functionality, it's very similar to studio light. However, it darkens the light around the edges of the subject. This lighting mode displays the vivid difference between highlights and lowlights by casting shadows on your subject's face.

Stage Light: It entirely focuses on the subject's face. While the background is completely black, the subject looks pretty bright and clear. Hence, you get a high-contrast photo.

Stage Light Mono: This lighting mode functions very similar to Stage Light by turning the background completely black and brightening up the subject. It uses a monochrome filter to show the subject only in black and white.

High-Key Light Mono: This is the latest Portrait Lighting effect. It is available on both front and back cameras on iPhone XS and later. On iPhone XR, it is available only on the front camera. With this effect, you can have a picture with a grayscale subject on a white background.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure thePortrait Lighting effect name turns yellow.
Tapshutter button or any volume button.

How to take a Portrait mode selfie

On iPhone X and later, you can use the front camera to click Portrait Selfies. The process is the same as Portrait mode shots.

OpenCamera and selectTake Portrait selfie.
Or, open Camera app, swipe to PORTRAIT mode, and then switch to the front camera
Follow the instructions shown on the screen. Ensure theeffect name turns yellow.
Tapshutter button. You may also press the volume button on the iPhone itself or the EarPods if it is connected to the device.

How to change Portrait Lighting effects afterwards

Suppose you click an image with the effect CONTOUR LIGHT, but now you wish to change it. You can do it effortlessly after the image is saved to the gallery.

OpenPhotos app and tapAlbums.
Scroll down and from under Media Types, tap onPortrait,and tapImage.
Now, tapEdit.
Touch the PORTRAIT button and swipe it to change the effect. See which looks best
Finally, tap onDone.

Note: After switching to a different effect, want to go back to the original? Follow up to step 3. Then tap onRevert and confirm by tappingRevert to Original.

revert portrait lighting effects from photo on iphone

How to use Depth Control on iPhone

Depth Control lets you change the level of a background blur of a Portrait mode image after you have clicked it. You can increase the blur or decrease it accordingly. You can use it on iPhone Xs, XR, and later. Here is how.

OpenPhotos app and tap Albums.
Under Media Types, tapPortrait.
Tap to select aphoto.
Now, tapEditand then tapDepth Control button. (f inside a circle)
Move the slider to the left or right to adjust the depth
Finally, tapDone.

Note: You can adjust the Portrait Lighting effect too following the above steps. Make sure in step 4, you tap on the Portrait Lighting button (dot and a circle inside hexagon).

How to remove Portrait mode effect from Photos

It is possible to convert Portrait mode photos to standard photos without any background blur. To do this:

OpenPhotos and tapAlbums from the bottom
TapPortraits under Media Types and open an image
then TapEdit.
Tap yellow wordPORTRAIT.
Immediately, all blur will be removed. Tap Done to save the image.

Note: Changed your mind yet again and want to get back the blur effect? From Recent or All Photos, open the photo. (This time it would not be under Portraits). Tap on Edit. And then tap on the white word PORTRAIT. Tap Done.

You may also like: Remove Filters and Effects from Photos on iPhone

Signing off…

This is how to click and edit Portrait mode pictures on the iPhone. I hope this guide was helpful. If you need some more assistance, please feel free to reach us using the comment sections.

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I'm a die-hard Apple Fanboy who's keen and enthusiastic to learn and explore new things in the world of technology. Besides that, I'm currently an engineering student in the field of Electronics and telecommunications, thus love playing with electronic hardware. When not exploring the world of technology, I love learning about the universe/cosmos, time travel, different paradoxes, and so on.