Creating professional photos with artistic background blur, known as the bokeh effect, has long been the privilege of owners of expensive DSLR cameras or flagship smartphones. However, modern technologies make it possible to obtain a similar result even on budget devices with an operating system Android. Blurring the background helps focus attention on the main subject of the photo, removing visual noise and distracting details from the frame.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to achieve the desired effect. You will learn how to use the capabilities of the built-in camera, edit ready-made photos through system galleries, and apply powerful artificial intelligence algorithms in third-party applications. Understanding the principles of operation portrait mode will allow you to take shots that you are not ashamed to show on social networks or print.
Regardless of the model of your device, be it a recent flagship or a phone from several years ago, there are tools for post-processing. We'll look at the nuances of working with depth of field and explain why sometimes software processing looks better than optical processing. Are you ready to turn ordinary photos into masterpieces?
Using the built-in portrait mode
Most modern smartphones based on Android equipped with a special shooting mode that automatically detects the boundaries of an object and blurs the space behind it. This functionality is often hidden behind an icon with a picture of a person or the inscription “Portrait”. Activating this function requires minimal action from the user, but the result directly depends on the lighting and contrast of the scene.
When using the built-in algorithm, the camera analyzes the distance to the object using the second lens of the telephoto lens or data from depth sensors. If your device has only one camera, neural networks they build a depth map on their own, based on silhouette recognition. It is important to hold the phone steadily, as even a slight shake can throw off the calibration of the focusing system.
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, allow you to adjust the degree of blur even before pressing the shutter button. This is done through the aperture slider, which simulates the change in f-stop value on professional optics. The lower the numerical value, the more the background around the object will be blurred.
For better performance of portrait mode, ensure that the subject is well illuminated - it is easier for the algorithms to separate a person from the background in bright light.
It is worth noting that the built-in tools do not always cope perfectly with complex edges, for example, with hair or transparent objects. In such cases, the system may mistakenly blur part of the object or leave a portion of the background sharp. However, for quick shooting on social networks, this method remains the fastest and most convenient.
Editing finished photos via Google Photos
If you took a photo in normal mode and realized that the background is too colorful, do not rush to delete the frame. The application Google Photos, pre-installed on most devices, has a powerful tool for adding a blur effect after the fact. This feature is available even for photos taken without using portrait mode, thanks to advanced segmentation algorithms.
To use this feature, open the desired photo in the application and click on the “Edit” button. In the bottom toolbar, select the "Tools" section and then find the "Portrait Blur" option. The system will automatically detect the person in the frame and apply a standard degree of blur, which you can adjust manually.
The adjustment slider allows you to adjust the intensity of the effect from slight softening to complete abstraction of the background. A unique feature of the editor is the ability to change the focus point after shooting. You can click on any object in the photo, and the application will recalculate the depth map, making this object sharp and the rest blurry.
☑️ Algorithm for working in Google Photos
On older devices, applying the filter may take several seconds. It is also worth considering that saving changes creates a new copy of the file without affecting the original, which allows you to experiment endlessly.
Third-party applications for professional bokeh
When the built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. These apps offer more flexible settings and advanced masking tools to achieve cinematic results. The leaders in this niche are applications like AfterFocus, PicsArt and Snapseed.
The application AfterFocus allows you to manually select the focus area and background using a brush. You can choose Smart mode, which will automatically find the edges of the subject, or draw focus lines with your finger. This approach gives complete control over which parts of the frame will remain sharp, which is critical for product photography or group portraits.
Google uses the Lens Blur tool, which simulates optical blur. You can choose the shape of the spot (circle, line, full screen) and adjust the transition between sharp and blurred areas. This is an ideal option for creating artistic accents, for example, to highlight a specific detail in the interior or on the street. Snapseed Google uses the Lens Blur tool, which simulates optical blur. You can choose the shape of the spot (circle, line, full screen) and adjust the transition between sharp and blurred areas. This is ideal for creating artistic accents, for example to highlight a specific detail in an interior or outdoor setting.
Using third-party software requires more processing time, but the result is often superior to automatic camera modes. You get the ability to add vignetting effects, change the aperture shape, and even apply textures to blurry areas. This turns an ordinary smartphone into a full-fledged post-processing studio.
Technical features and limitations
Understanding exactly how a phone creates blur will help you avoid common mistakes. The process is based on shallow depth of field simulation. Real cameras use a large sensor and fast optics, whereas a smartphone relies on calculations. This leads to artifacts if the scene is too complex for the algorithm.
One of the main problems is working with translucent objects. Glass bottles, veils, smoke or hair are often perceived by the system as part of the background and are subject to excessive blurring. In such situations, even the most expensive flagships can make mistakes, requiring manual modification in editors.
In addition, the distance to the object plays a key role. For portrait mode to work correctly, you need to be at the optimal distance, usually from 1 to 2 meters. If you get too close, the camera will not be able to build a correct depth map, and if you move far away, the effect will be barely noticeable.
⚠️ Warning: When shooting at night or in low light, blur algorithms may not work correctly, creating noisy artifacts at the edges of the object. Try to use this mode only in good light.
It is also worth considering the computational load. Processing photos in portrait mode requires significant processor and neuromodule resources. On budget smartphones, this can lead to a delayed shutter response or a long time to save the photo to the gallery.
Comparison of background blur methods
To choose the best method for your tasks, you need to compare the available options according to key parameters. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which manifest themselves depending on the shooting scenario. Below is a table to help you navigate the variety of tools.
| Method | Edge quality | User control | Working speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in camera | Average | Low (automation) | Instantly |
| Google Photos | High | Medium (sliders) | Fast |
| AfterFocus | Excellent (manual) | Full | Slow |
| Snapseed | Artistic | High | Average |
As can be seen from the comparison, the built-in tools are superior in speed, but lose in the accuracy of details. Manual editors take time, but allow you to correct automation errors. The choice depends on what is more important to you: publishing speed or ideal picture quality.
For daily shooting, the built-in mode is sufficient, but for important shots it is better to spend 5 minutes on manual processing in a specialized application.
Do not forget about the saving format. Some cameras save portraits in a special format with depth data, allowing you to change focus later. Third-party applications usually immediately bake the effect into the image, making the changes irreversible without undoing the actions.
Tips for the perfect result
To make your photos look as natural as possible, follow a few simple recommendations. First, try to choose a background with contrasting elements or light sources. Blurred lights turn into beautiful bokeh circles, which adds dimension and atmosphere to the photo.
Secondly, avoid blending the object with the background in color. If you are dressed in black against a black wall, the algorithm is likely to make a mistake and blur your clothes along with the interior. Contrast between the foreground and background is the key to successful segmentation.
Third, use a tripod or rest your phone on a stationary surface in low light. This will allow the camera to take a longer shutter speed without blur, and the algorithms to more accurately determine the boundaries of objects. The stability of the device directly affects the clarity of the contours.
The secret of professionals
Try to shoot the object not strictly from the front, but slightly at an angle. This will create a natural distance between different parts of the body and the background, enhancing the three-dimensional effect and making the blur more gradient and realistic.
Experiment with distance. Don't be afraid to get closer to your subject or further away by using optical zoom instead of digital zoom. Optical zoom preserves detail and improves the performance of depth sensors, while digital zoom simply crops the frame.
⚠️ Attention: Camera interfaces and function names may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS). If you don't find the button described, look for similar icons or consult your device's help.
Regular practice and understanding the limitations of your device will help you take photos that look expensive and professional. Remember that technology is just a tool, and the vision of the frame depends on the photographer.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to make a blurred background on an old phone without a second camera?
Yes, it is possible. Modern applications use artificial intelligence to analyze an image and create a depth map programmatically. The quality may be slightly lower than that of devices with a dual camera, but the result is quite acceptable for social networks.
Why is hair or the edges of clothing blurred in the photo?
This is a common mistake in segmentation algorithms, especially on moving objects or in poor lighting. The system cannot always accurately determine the boundary between fine details and the background. This can be corrected in manual editors by restoring sharpness with a brush.
Does blurring the background affect the quality of the object itself?
With proper settings, the quality of the object does not suffer. However, aggressive noise reduction, which is often included with portrait mode, can make the skin look too plastic. It is recommended to reduce the intensity of anti-aliasing in the camera settings.
Is it possible to change the degree of blur after saving the photo?
If the photo was taken in a special portrait format (for example, HEIC with depth data), then yes, in some galleries this is possible. If the photo is saved as a regular JPEG after processing in a third-party application, you can change the effect only by re-editing or undoing the actions.
Which applications are best for Android?
The market leaders are Google Photos (for simplicity), Snapseed (for versatility) and AfterFocus (for manual control). The choice depends on your skills: the first two are suitable for beginners, the third is suitable for advanced users.