How to Get iPhone7 Plus Portrait Mode

Photo by: Vincent Elejorde

Keanu Reeves voice: Whoaaa. One of the most talked about features of the iPhone7 Plus and iOS 10.1 update is definitely the new Portrait mode. 

Simply put, we are now able to take photos that create the look of an image that was taken by a DSLR camera right there on your phone. A blur now separates the foreground from the background aka you really pop!  

This is all thanks to the dual lenses only found on the Plus. I'm sure you've noticed that when following some of your favorite bloggers, or even when you check out things like wedding photos, they just look better. This is because a camera with a wide aperture (how big the lens opens) is being used which causes a "field of focus." So outside of the main focus (hello cute outfit and your gorg face) everything else is out of focus (goodbye streets and buildings...trees you too). 

But let's get to the good stuff. I'll be going over how to get this new feature on your iPhone7 Plus as well as showing you examples of what you can expect. 

How To Get It
1. Make sure you have a recent iCloud backup

2. Open Settings from your Home screen

3. Tap on General 

4. Tap on Software Update

5. Tap Download and Install

6. Enter your Passcode

8. Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions if prompted (mine did not)

9. Tap Install Now 

The download should begin automatically. If it doesn't, it will read "preparing to download." Mine took a minute to get the motors running so patience really is a virtue my friends.

How It Works

Portrait mode requires that you're no closer than 19" minimum focusing distance. When you shoot the photo, a standard image and depth effect image will both be saved to your camera roll. You'll see the portrait mode image tagged "Depth Effect." 

You'll also see a little coaching prompt to let you know if you are too close, too far, or if there's not enough light. WE ARE A TEAM GUYS. We're in this together.

The Results

What you will find is pretty damn amazing. I've been completely awestruck by this new feature which I have to stress is still in beta. What that means is it's still in its testing phase and not official. There are glitches and kinks to work out so definitely keep that in mind when using it. 

Stay away from the following so you won't set Portrait mode into Angry mode:

+ Motion

+ Bad lighting

+ Being too close/far from the subject

This shot came out amazing because it avoided all the above mentioned no no's. 3/4 shots with the face and partial body is where you are going to get the most bang for your buck in this mode. 

Maj babes, am I right? I shot this photo of my girls Jessi and Racquel after our shoot on the beach in Malibu. Even unedited it's every bit magical. 

These are two shots taken from my trip last weekend in Palm springs. The first was shot on a partly cloudy day. The second smoochy snap was taken at night. But you can see the depth effect still worked. There was enough overhead lighting and contrast with the background to keep it all roses. Also, that guy's face in the background is everything.

So there you have it friends! I've been so excited to share my love for this new feature Apple has rolled out. It really is groundbreaking. Looking forward to seeing how it improves in the future.

Would love to hear your thoughts about it and hopefully this post helps in any way on your quest for fire content! xx