Here’s how to make your smartphone pictures look like a professional took them



There is a special mode on many smartphones that let you take professional looking headshots - here's how to activate it!

When Apple introduced the iPhone 7 Plus, they also showed off a new "portrait" camera mode that takes pictures with professional looking, blurred out backgrounds.

Here's how to get a similar effect on several popular phones.

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To try it the special feature, I enlisted the help of two KTLA staffers - Kimberly Cain and Chris Martinez. Both are avid on social media and also consider themselves ametuer photographers.

"It might be a bad thing for professional photographers but it’s also a good thing for consumers," said Martinez.

iPhone 7 Plus

On iPhone 7 Plus, two lenses help make the magic. To activate the depth effect feature, open your camera and swipe it into "portrait" mode. The dual cameras let you see the effect instantly, so you can adjust accordingly. The phone will also let you know what you need to do to get the best shot.

The portrait effect is only available on the iPhone 7 Plus, you will not find it on other iPhone models.

Here is our best pic from the iPhone. Kimberly said it's "flattering" because it's "not like too sharp."


iPhone 7 Plus Lens Blur


Google Pixel Lens Blur


Samsung Galaxy S7 Lens Blur