Applying a depth of field effect with AI Portrait Mode

AI Portrait Mode uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect people in your photos and apply a natural-looking depth of field effect to the background. You can control the depth of field effect by adjusting the amount of blur, the bokeh style, the focus range, and feather.

AI Portrait Mode was used to draw attention to the family in the photo and reduce background distractions by applying a pleasing depth of field effect that blurs the background.

To apply a depth of field effect to portraits with AI Portrait Mode

1 Open a portrait-style photo.

2 Click Adjust > Artificial Intelligence > AI Portrait Mode.

It will take a few moments for the AI to analyze the image and to open the AI Portrait Mode window.

3 Review the red overlay that appears on the background areas.

Note: A buffer area appears around the subject. This buffer helps maintain clear edges for the subject when the blur is applied to the background.

4 If you need to fine-tune the selection, in the Brush Mode area, choose one of the following:

• Add to Subject — removes the red overlay from the subject

• Remove from Subject — adds the red overlay to areas that you want to identify as background

If you want to adjust the buffer area globally, drag the Expand Border slider.

For information about all the available controls, see Fine-tuning a selection with the Refine Brush.

Note: To change the brush size, drag the Brush Size slider or hold down Alt while dragging in the preview window.

5 When you are satisfied with the selection, click Next.

6 If you want to change the default result, you can adjust any of the following controls:

• Blur — lets you adjust the amount of blur

• Aperture shape — lets you choose between Circular Aperture Shape

or Hexagonal Aperture Shape

for pleasing bokeh effects in images that have points of light

• Feather edge — lets you adjust the softness of the edge along the subject

• Focus range — lets you fine-tune the size of the area in focus. This can be used to create a sense of background depth.

7 Click Done.

A new layer is created for the resulting image.

You can switch between the Add to Subject and Remove from Subject brush modes by right-clicking as you drag.