Taking photos is a popular way to capture moments and memories in our daily lives. However, sometimes the background of a photo can be distracting or undesired. Whether it’s a crowded street, a cluttered room, or any other unwanted elements, you may find yourself wanting to black out the background on your photos. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to achieve this on an iPhone, as well as discuss some alternatives and bonus tips for enhancing your photos.
The Challenge of Blacking Out the Background on a Photo
- Difficulties in selecting and isolating the subject
- Limited editing tools available on iPhone’s native Photos app
- Ensuring a natural and seamless transition between the subject and the blacked-out background
Video Tutorial:
Method 1. How to Black Out Background using Editing Apps
Using editing apps on your iPhone provides a more extensive range of tools and features to achieve the desired result. Follow these steps to black out the background using an editing app:
Pros:
- Can achieve precise and professional-looking results
- Additional editing options available for further enhancements
- Flexible control over the blacked-out background
Cons:
- May require downloading and learning to use a third-party app
- Can be time-consuming, especially for beginners
- May not always produce a perfectly natural result
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for a suitable editing app, such as Adobe Photoshop Express or Snapseed.
2. Download and install the chosen app.
3. Open the app and import the photo you want to edit.
4. Use the selection tools available in the app to carefully select the subject in the photo. This can be done using techniques like manual selection, lasso tool, or automatic subject detection.
5. Once the subject is selected, apply the “invert selection” feature, which will inverse the selection, leaving the background selected instead.
6. Use the app’s editing tools to adjust the selected background to black. This can be done by reducing the brightness, increasing the contrast, and desaturating the colors.
7. Fine-tune the edges between the subject and the blacked-out background to ensure a seamless transition.
8. Save the edited photo to your camera roll or share it directly on social media platforms.
Method 2. How to Black Out Background using Portrait Mode
The Portrait Mode feature available on newer iPhone models automatically blurs the background to create a bokeh effect. While this may not completely black out the background, it can significantly reduce the distractions. Here’s how to use Portrait Mode:
Pros:
- Quick and easy way to achieve a blurred background
- Doesn’t require downloading additional apps
- Natural and aesthetically pleasing effect
Cons:
- May not achieve a completely blacked-out background
- Portrait Mode only available on certain iPhone models
- Limited control over the level of blur
1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Swipe left to select the Portrait mode.
3. Position the subject in the frame, ensuring there is adequate distance between the subject and the background.
4. Tap the shutter button to capture the photo.
5. Review the photo and check if the background is adequately blurred. If not, try readjusting the composition and distance.
6. Save the photo to your camera roll or share it with others.
Method 3. How to Black Out Background using Third-Party Editing Software
If you prefer editing photos on your computer rather than on your iPhone, you can make use of third-party editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Here’s how to black out the background using these tools:
Pros:
- Greater control and precision over the editing process
- Wide range of advanced editing tools and features
- Possibility to achieve professional-level results
Cons:
- Requires transferring the photo from your iPhone to the computer
- Learning curve for using professional editing software
- May be time-consuming
1. Transfer the photo from your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable or any other method of file transfer.
2. Open the photo in the editing software of your choice.
3. Use the selection tools, such as the Magic Wand tool or the Pen tool, to carefully select the subject in the photo.
4. Invert the selection to select the background instead.
5. Fill the selected background with black using the appropriate tool or function.
6. Refine the edges between the subject and the blacked-out background for a seamless integration.
7. Save the edited photo in your preferred format and transfer it back to your iPhone or share it as desired.
Method 4. How to Black Out Background using Online Photo Editors
Online photo editors provide a convenient and accessible way to edit photos without the need for downloading or installing any software. Follow these steps to black out the background using an online editor:
Pros:
- No need to install any software on your device
- Accessible from any device with an internet connection
- Usually free to use, with some advanced features available for a fee
Cons:
- Relies on internet connectivity
- May have limitations compared to professional editing software
- Requires uploading your photo to a third-party platform
1. Open a web browser on your iPhone and search for an online photo editor, such as Pixlr or Fotor.
2. Access the chosen online photo editor and select the option to edit a photo.
3. Upload the photo you want to edit from your iPhone or access it from your cloud storage.
4. Familiarize yourself with the editing tools available in the online editor.
5. Use the selection tools to isolate the subject in the photo.
6. Invert the selection to select the background instead.
7. Apply the necessary adjustments to turn the selected background black.
8. Save the edited photo to your device or share it directly from the online editor.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Black Out the Background
If you encounter difficulties or are unable to black out the background on your iPhone, here are some alternative solutions worth considering:
1. Change the composition: Instead of attempting to black out the background, consider changing the composition of your photo to minimize the distractions. Experiment with different angles, distances, or framing techniques to focus on the subject.
2. Use props or backdrops: By using props or backdrops, you can effectively control the background in your photos. This can be as simple as holding up a plain sheet or utilizing a portable greenscreen.
3. Experiment with lighting: Adjusting the lighting conditions can have a significant impact on the visibility of the background. Utilize natural light sources or artificial lighting setups to create a dramatic effect or highlight the subject.
Bonus Tip: When blacking out the background, pay attention to shadow details and ensure that they are preserved to maintain a natural and realistic look.
Bonus Tip: Explore different editing techniques, such as replacing the background with a solid color or adding artistic effects, to enhance the overall visual impact of your photos.
Bonus Tip: Experiment with different editing apps and software to find the one that best suits your editing style and preferences.
5 FAQs about Blacking Out the Background on Photos
Q1: Can I black out the background on my iPhone without using third-party apps?
A1: While the native Photos app on iPhone does not provide a specific feature to black out the background, you can achieve a similar effect by adjusting the exposure, contrast, and saturation levels of the photo.
Q2: Can I undo the changes made to my photo if I am not satisfied with the results?
A2: Yes, most editing apps and software allow you to undo or revert the changes made to your photo, ensuring that you can go back to the original version if necessary.
Q3: Is there a difference in results between using editing apps and editing software on a computer?
A3: While both options can produce satisfactory results, professional editing software on a computer provides more advanced features and greater control, which can result in more precise and refined edits.
Q4: How can I make sure the blacked-out background looks seamless and natural?
A4: Pay attention to the edges between the subject and the background. Use brush or eraser tools to refine the transition and ensure that there are no visible traces of the original background.
Q5: Is it necessary to invest in a high-end iPhone model to achieve a blacked-out background?
A5: No, while some iPhone models have Portrait mode, which can help blur the background, other methods and techniques can be used on any iPhone model to achieve a blacked-out background.
In Conclusion
Blacking out the background on a photo can significantly enhance its visual impact and draw attention to the subject. While there are various methods available, using editing apps on your iPhone or utilizing third-party editing software on a computer offer the most control and flexibility. However, if these options are not viable, you can still explore alternative solutions, such as changing the composition or utilizing backdrops. With practice and experimentation, you can master the art of blacking out the background and elevate your photography skills to new heights.