Instagram released a new portrait mode-like feature for the app called Focus. Focus has been described as similar to Apple’s portrait mode because of it’s ability to blur the background and focus on the person in the shot.
In a statement obtained by The Verge, Instagram said “As soon as there’s someone in the shot, you’ll notice the person stays in focus while the background softly blurs. Simply tap to take a photo or tap and hold to record a video.”
Lifehacker explained how to use Focus. Simply open the camera in Instagram like you’re about snap a shot for your story, then scroll through the options along the bottom of the screen. Focus will be between Boomerang and Superzoom. Then, you just point the camera at someone’s face, take a photo or video and watch as the background blurs automatically.
my face after trying the new @instagram “focus” feature. works pretty damn well. pic.twitter.com/vkWM7IsIu3
— Adam Rose (@RealAdamRose) April 11, 2018
TechCrunch compared Focus to Apple’s portrait mode in order to find out if the quality compares. They found that Focus leaves the edges of the face slightly hazy, but overall, it’s a pretty good dupe for portrait mode.