How to use Depth Control for Portrait mode in the Camera app for iPhone

iPhone XS Depth Change
iPhone XS Depth Change (Image credit: Rene Ritchie / iMore)

Whether you're a pro iPhoneographer or someone who just decided to pick up one of the super pretty, uber colorful iPhone XRs (I have the yellow one and I'm obsessed), being able to shoot stunning portrait mode photos with your iPhone is always helpful.

Portrait mode is a feature that has allowed people who typically shoot on their iPhone to take it to a DSLR level: Portrait mode blurs the back of photos, making the focused subject matter have the appearance of more depth. It works together with the iPhone's superior camera lens and advanced software technology.

When someone shoots with a DSLR camera, they're able to have more control over their image, but the introduction of Portrait mode has allowed users to do the same from the comfort of their iPhone. No more big, expensive DSLRs — just your iPhone and Portrait mode. Here's how you can use Depth Control for Portrait mode for iPhone.

How to use Depth Control for Portrait mode in the Camera app for iPhone while shooting

  1. Launch the Camera app from your home screen.
  2. Tap Portrait.
  3. Tap the Focus icon in the upper right corner.

The focus slider will appear at the bottom of your screen. You can swipe to adjust the Depth Control level.

How to use Depth Control for Portrait mode in the Camera app for iPhone while editing

After you're done shooting your Portrait mode photo, you can go into the editing section of the camera app to tweak and adjust Depth Control to your liking.

  1. Tap on the Portrait mode photo you would like to edit Depth Control with.
  2. Tap edit in the upper right corner.
  3. Adjust the Depth Control using the slider at the bottom of your screen.

When you're happy with the depth on your photo, tap Done in the lower right corner to save your image.

What do you think?

Are you a big fan of shooting with Portrait mode? Are you excited to play around with Depth Control? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Cella Lao Rousseau

Cella writes for iMore on social and photography. She's a true crime enthusiast, bestselling horror author, lipstick collector, buzzkill, and Sicilian. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @hellorousseau