Smartphone-Specific Techniques

Wide-Angle Mode Application

Expanding Vision, Avoiding Distortion

What is wide-angle mode?

  • Many modern phones are equipped with ultra-wide lenses that can capture broader scenes, usually labeled as “0.5x” or “wide-angle.”

Best application scenarios:

  • Spectacular landscapes – capture wide natural panoramas
  • Small spaces – photograph entire rooms indoors
  • Architectural photography – show complete building exteriors
  • Large group photos – include everyone without having to step back too far

Techniques to avoid distortion:

  • Stay level - try to avoid tilting the phone
  • Avoid placing important subjects at edges - distortion is most severe at wide-angle edges
  • Use built-in correction features - many camera apps automatically reduce distortion
  • Avoid close-up portraits - unless pursuing creative effects, faces appear unnatural in wide-angle

Creative use:
Utilize the unique perspective and distortion effects of wide-angle to create surreal feelings, try shooting from extremely low or high angles.

Portrait Mode Techniques

Creating Professional Background Blur Effects

What is portrait mode?

  • Also known as “portrait mode,” it uses software algorithms to simulate the background blur effect of large aperture lenses, making the subject stand out.

Usage scenarios and techniques:

  • Portrait photography - ideal distance usually 1.5-2.5 meters, ensuring facial details are clear
  • Item close-ups - showcase exquisite details of products, food, flowers, and other small objects
  • Pet photos - most phones can now recognize and blur backgrounds around pets

Methods to improve success rate:

  1. Ensure adequate lighting – algorithms perform poorly in low light
  2. Maintain appropriate distance – too close or too far affects blur effect
  3. Create background depth – the greater the distance between subject and background, the more pronounced the blur effect
  4. Avoid complex edges – details like hair strands, branches may cause edge recognition errors

Common error fixes:

  • If edge blurring appears unnatural, use the phone’s built-in editing tools or third-party apps to fine-tune blur intensity and range.