How to Achieve Portrait-Style Photos on iPhone 6s Plus and Understand iPhone Portrait Mode

The iPhone 6s Plus, while a highly capable device, does not feature a native Portrait Mode in its Camera app. This specific feature, which creates a shallow depth-of-field effect (blurry background, sharp subject), was first introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus and subsequent models that possess a dual-camera system or advanced software capabilities.

Why iPhone 6s Plus Lacks Native Portrait Mode

Portrait Mode relies on specific hardware, typically dual cameras, to create a depth map of the scene. One camera captures the image, while the second gathers depth information. This data is then processed by the iPhone's software (the "Image Signal Processor" or ISP) to accurately separate the subject from the background and apply a realistic blur. The iPhone 6s Plus features a single rear camera, which limits its ability to gather this depth information natively.

Achieving Portrait-Like Effects on iPhone 6s Plus

Although your iPhone 6s Plus doesn't have a built-in Portrait Mode, you can still achieve similar stunning effects using alternative methods:

• Third-Party Camera Apps: Many apps available on the App Store are designed to simulate the depth effect. These apps often use advanced algorithms, AI, or require you to manually outline your subject to create the blur.
  • Examples: Apps like Focos, AfterFocus, or FabFocus are popular choices that can help create a faux-bokeh effect.
• Manual Editing Techniques: You can take a regular photo and then use photo editing apps (even the built-in Photos app or more advanced options like Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom Mobile) to selectively blur the background. This method requires more manual effort but offers precise control.
• Natural Depth of Field: You can create a natural background blur (bokeh) by understanding basic photography principles:
  • Proximity: Position your subject closer to the camera and further away from the background.
  • Background Distance: Ensure there's ample distance between your subject and the background.
  • Lighting: Good lighting can help the subject stand out.

Understanding Portrait Mode on Compatible iPhones

While not available on the iPhone 6s Plus, it's beneficial to understand how Portrait Mode works on iPhones that support it (e.g., iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and newer models). This mode offers powerful features for professional-looking photos.

How to Use Portrait Mode on Compatible iPhones

1. Open the Camera App: Launch the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Select Portrait Mode: Swipe through the camera modes at the bottom of the screen (e.g., Photo, Video, Pano) until you find Portrait.
3. Frame Your Shot: Position your subject within the frame. Your iPhone will detect a person, pet, or object and indicate with a yellow box when it's ready. You might see prompts like "Move closer" or "More light needed" if conditions aren't ideal.
4. Capture the Photo: Once the depth effect is active, tap the Shutter button to take the picture.

Enhancing Your Portrait Photos

Compatible iPhones offer several ways to refine your Portrait shots:

• Add Portrait Lighting: After selecting Portrait mode, you can swipe through various Portrait Lighting effects, such as Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, and High-Key Light Mono, to enhance your subject's appearance. You can preview these effects live before taking the photo.
• Take a Selfie in Portrait Mode: Many compatible iPhone models also support Portrait Mode with the front-facing camera, allowing you to capture stunning selfies with a blurred background. Simply switch to the front camera within Portrait Mode.

Adjusting and Refining Portrait Photos Post-Capture

Once you've taken a Portrait photo, you have powerful editing options directly in the Photos app:

1. Open the Photo: Go to the Photos app and select the Portrait photo you want to edit.
2. Tap "Edit": In the top right corner, tap Edit.
3. Adjust Depth Control: For models supporting it (iPhone XS/XR and newer), a Depth Control slider will appear, allowing you to increase or decrease the intensity of the background blur.
4. Adjust Portrait Lighting: You can change the Portrait Lighting effect or adjust its intensity using a separate slider.
5. Save Changes: Tap Done to save your edits.

Removing the Portrait Mode Effect

If you decide you don't want the Portrait effect, you can easily remove it without losing the original photo:

1. Open the Photo: In the Photos app, select the Portrait photo.
2. Tap "Edit": Tap Edit in the top right corner.
3. Toggle Portrait: At the top of the screen, you'll see a Portrait button (often yellow or white). Tap it to turn the effect off. The photo will revert to a standard shot without the background blur. You can tap it again to reapply the effect.
4. Save Changes: Tap Done to save.

iPhone Models and Portrait Mode Compatibility

The table below summarizes which iPhone models typically support native Portrait Mode:

Conclusion

While your iPhone 6s Plus does not offer the built-in Portrait Mode found on newer iPhone models, you can still achieve beautiful portrait-style photos using third-party apps or by mastering natural photography techniques. For those with compatible iPhones, Portrait Mode offers an intuitive and powerful way to capture professional-looking images with stunning background blur and adjustable lighting effects.