Snapchat’s portrait mode makes your selfies look stunning, with the ability to blur the background while keeping your face sharp and crystal clear. The feature was designed to replicate the depth effect of DSLR cameras, which means that your photos will be visually appealing and of high quality, as if they were taken in a studio.
Whatever the reason for using portrait mode, whether to conceal unsightly backgrounds or to add an interesting feature to your selfie, it is a very easy-to-use but effective tool. How to use Snapchat portrait mode; all the details are here.
What is Portrait Mode on Snapchat?
Portrait mode zooms in on your face and sorts the background out, hence the blurring of the rest of the picture. This results in a depth of field effect that makes YOU the subject of the photo.
The feature relies on the front camera sensors of your iPhone to recognize your face and distinguish it from the background. And to everything else in the frame, it applies a mild blur. So you get a polished, professional-looking picture that focuses totally on you.
Just imagine, now you can carry a professional camera in your pocket! Now, rather than having noisy backgrounds detract from your face, portrait mode allows viewers to keep their eyes on the prize.
How to Turn on Snapchat Portrait Filter on iPhone
Using portrait mode on your iPhone is actually easy, doable stuff. Here’s how to turn this feature on and start taking great selfies.
Step-By-Step Directions for iPhone Users
- On an iPhone, the method is to open Snapchat and go to the camera screen.
- Simply swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen will give you access to the Control Center.
- Scroll down to the very top of the list and see if there are any Snapchat controls available.
- To enable the feature, tap on the Portrait icon. The icon turning white essentially means that it is turned on.
- Slide to determine the desired amount of blur in the background.
- Begin taking photos using portrait mode.
Important Notes for iPhone Users
- Snapchat’s portrait mode is only available with the selfie camera. You can’t use it for rear camera shots.
- Portrait mode: Some newer iPhones with Face ID, including iPhone X and subsequent models, have portrait mode turned on by default. If you notice right away that your background is blurry, the feature is already on.
- There is a slider control for blurring intensity that you can tweak. Left for less blur, right for more dramatic background softening.
Why is My Snapchat Camera in Portrait Mode on iPhone?
If your camera screen on Snapchat remains stuck in portrait mode without you turning it on, that is because you have an iPhone capable of Face ID. The device knows when your face is in view and automatically sets portrait mode by default. This is the case with iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14, along with newer phones.
When the white portrait icon is present in your Snapchat controls, it implies that portrait mode is on. In case you wanted to get rid of the effect, it is enough to tap the icon once more.
How to Switch Off Portrait Mode on Snapchat
Sometimes you want normal photos, without the out-of-focus background. It only takes seconds to disable portrait mode.
How to Disable Portrait Mode on Snapchat iPhone
- Launch Snapchat and go to the camera view.
- Swipe from the top right to get to Control Center.
- Tap Snapchat Controls.
- Locate the Portrait icon, and tap on it so that it’s grayed out or blacked out.
- The background blur will be removed.
This is the same process whether you have iOS 16, iOS 17, or above. The steps are the same for all iPhone models.
How to Stop Background Blur on Snapchat
If it happens that your background is blurry and you haven’t set the portrait mode, then it is quite probable that your phone’s software has done it for you without your knowledge. Hence, you need to go through the above steps to turn it off.
You can also disable focus mode or center stage if these features are giving you undesirable results. All of these controls appear in the same Snapchat Controls menu.
Things You Will Need to Use Portrait Mode on Snapchat Android
At the moment, a portrait mode feature for Android phones isn’t built into Snapchat. The native portrait mode depends on the iPhone’s Face ID-scanning hardware, which most Android devices do not have.
But there are still workarounds clever Android users can use to take such photos.
How to Enable Portrait Mode on Snapchat Android
Although you can’t get the official portrait mode, there are Snapchat lenses that enable background blur effects. Here’s how:
- First of all, open Snapchat and change the camera to the front one.
- Click on the smiley face just beside the camera button to access lenses.
- Check out what kinds of lenses are available and find ones that have the ability to blur the background.
- Choose a lens that provides the depth effect of your choice.
- Snap your photo or take your video as you have the lens engaged.
Background softening, bokeh effects, or focusing tweaks are offered by many of these popular lenses. It’s these that give your Android phone results similar to portrait mode.
Alternative Methods for Android Users
A portrait mode is included in the built-in camera software on some Android phones. You can take a portrait with your phone’s camera app and then upload it as a memory or story to Snapchat.
There are also portrait effects in third-party camera apps. Then, pull up the photo in Snapchat to show others.
These methods take more work, but they also allow Android users to produce professional-looking content comparable to that of iPhone users.
Understanding Snapchat Portrait Mode Features
Snapchat’s portrait mode has a bunch of extra tricks to make your photos look better beyond just blurring the background.
Studio Lights Effect
Studio lights alter the lighting on your face to produce more beauty. This function builds soft light that will not cast a shadow, highlight your face, and not flicker. Discover studio lights within the same Snapchat Controls menu where portrait mode is located. Turn it on to see the change in your selfies.
Center Stage Feature
Center stage ensures you are always framed just right at the center of your picture. This can be super helpful for video calls or recordings in which you are moving about.
Turn it on, and the camera readjusts to keep your face in the center frame. This is a great combination with portrait mode for something that will always look professional.
Adjustable Blur Intensity
The blur slider enables you to adjust just how strongly the effect of the background applies. Light blur reveals a little background, while heavy blur removes all of it.
You’ll have to tinker with the settings until you find one that makes your photo pop. Perhaps the blur effect would have to be different based on your lighting and background as well.
How to Take Better Portrait Mode Photos on Snapchat
There are several key tips you need to follow to achieve great results with portrait mode.
Lighting Matters Most
Good lighting is key to portrait photography. Most flattering is sunlight from windows. Do not use a strong light coming from above, as it will cast shadows on your face that are not suitable. Put the light in front of you. This lights up your face evenly and helps the camera separate you from the background.
Keep Some Distance from Backgrounds
Portrait mode is most effective if there is a little distance between you and the background. Move away from the wall or object behind you. This separation aids the camera in creating a more realistic blur. Things that get too close to you might not blur well.
Clean Your Camera Lens
A dirty front camera can mess up the quality of your snaps and impede portrait mode. Wipe your lens immediately before dedicated shots with a soft cloth. A clean lens equals a crisp focus on your face and smooth background blur.
Experiment with Angles
Experiment with other angles to find your best side. Portrait mode focuses on your face, so it matters a lot to find flattering angles. Pointing your head just a little bit or lifting the camera a tiny bit may highly increase the outcome.
Solving Typical Portrait Mode Problems
Portrait mode backfires on occasion. Here are answers to some common questions.
iPhone Camera’s Portrait Mode Not Working
If portrait mode isn’t enabled, try restarting the Snapchat app.. Close it fully and then open it to refresh the camera functions.
Be sure you have the most recent version of Snapchat downloaded. Update the app through the App Store if prompted.
Make sure your model of iPhone supports the feature. Portrait mode may not be available on older iPhones that lack the Face ID sensors, for example.
Background Not Blurring Properly
Poor lighting obstructs the portrait mode function from working properly. Go somewhere brighter for better results.
If the objects behind you fail to blur, adjust the amount of blurring using the slider control.
Portrait Mode Stuck On
If you can’t seem to deactivate portrait mode, close out of Snapchat and reopen it. This is typically a full reset of all camera settings.
Make sure the icon of a portrait is indeed off in Snapchat Controls. Occasionally, the visual effect remains even after it has been turned off.
How Snapchat Portrait Mode Measures Up to Other Apps
Knowing how Snapchat’s portrait mode compares to others lets you know what tool is right for the job.
Snapchat vs Instagram Portrait Mode
Instagram does have portrait mode in Stories, but it’s pretty different from Snapchat’s. Instagram’s take gives you less control over how blurry it becomes.
Snapchat’s system feels more organic and works better with other creative tools, such as filters and lenses.
Snapchat vs iPhone Native Camera
With its own camera app, you’ll get a really advanced portrait mode with various lighting effects. But sharing these photos on Snapchat is a little bit of extra work.
Using portrait mode right in Snapchat will save time and keep everything inside one app. No need to switch between apps, you can just quickly record and share!
How to Get the Best from Snapchat’s Portrait Mode
To really make the most of portrait mode, you have to put it together with other Snapchat features in new ways.
Pairing Portrait Mode with Filters
Use the color filter after opening portrait mode to create unique artistic effects. The mix results in a professional-looking product that pops in Stories.
Try any combination of filters and blurs to create your own unique look.
Portrait Mode for Different Types of Content
Casual selfies look great in portrait mode, and the feature does a fantastic job for more formal content as well. Broadcasting announcements, events, or networking for professionals. The clean look makes you seem more polished without any need for professional photography equipment.
Saving and Reusing Portrait Photos
Save your best portrait mode shots to Memories for future use. You can reshare them to Stories or share in chats without needing to take new photos. Build a library of quality photos you have stock up on some content to post anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do portrait mode on Snapchat on iPhone?
Why is my Snapchat camera always in portrait mode on iPhone?
How can I use portrait mode on Snapchat Android?
How to get rid of portrait mode on Snapchat?
How do I adjust portrait mode's depth of field effect?
Is the back camera on Snapchat in portrait mode?
How to stop Snapchat from blurring in the background?
Which iPhones are supported by Snapchat's portrait mode supported by?
Conclusion
Portrait mode lets you take great selfies with a more artistic depth-of-field blur effect. For iPhone users, you can get the feature through Snapchat Controls, and for Android users, creative lenses will work.
Good lighting and a fair distance from backgrounds, coupled with some fiddling, will help you get it right. Whether you need to disguise cluttered rooms or just want to polish your snaps, portrait mode can cast shots in an impressive light.
Begin experimenting with this feature today to take your Snapchat content to new levels. Practice and you can take some excellent selfies that can get attention and show off your best side. Similar to learning how to half-swipe on Snapchat, mastering portrait mode enhances your overall Snapchat experience. Additionally, if you encounter issues with contacts, you might want to learn how to know if someone blocked you on Snapchat.
