iOS 13 lets you adjust Portrait Lighting intensity and shoot classic monochromatic images

The Camera app in iOS 13 has received some love, too, although not as much as we’ve been hoping for. There are two main new user-facing enhancements. First, a new monochromatic image effect is available in-camera during capture, creating a classic look by setting a monochromatic subject agains an all-white background. The other new feature allows you to adjust the intensity of any Portrait Lighting shooting mode, while taking an image.

Portrait Lighting adjustments

The Camera app on iOS 13 lets you adjust the position and intensity of your studio lighting in real-time, while taking an image. This is also available in post processing within Photos.

Using the new Portrait Lighting intensity slider, you can virtually move the light closer in order to sharpen eyes and smooth out facial features. Or, push the light farther away to create a subtle look, just like a photographer would in a photo studio.

A new monochromatic look for portraits

iOS 13’s Photos and Camera apps both feature support for a brand-new high-quality monochromatic effect that can be used to establish an overall mood. Called High‑Key Mono, it’s very easy on the eyes while producing a soothing effect.

The new High‑Key Mono effect available for Portrait mode photos on iOS 13.
The new monochromatic effect available in Camera and Photos for portrait shots looks great.

Like before, Camera on iOS 13 lets you shoot portraits with real-time effect previews, but now you also get this new High‑Key Mono filter when shooting in Portrait Lighting mode.

iOS 13 Camera: what’s changed?

Here’s everything new for the Camera app on iOS 13.

  • Adjust Portrait Lighting intensity: Increase the intensity of each Portrait Lighting effect — moving the light closer to your subject — to smooth skin, sharpen eyes and brighten facial features. Or decrease the intensity of the light — moving it away from your subject — for a subtle, refined look.
  • High-Key Mono: This new Portrait Lighting effect creates a beautiful, classic look with a monochromatic subject on a white background.

To learn more about iOS 13, read Apple’s press release or visit apple.com/ios/ios-13-preview.

Who’s liking iOS 13’s Camera?

And with that, we conclude our tour of iOS 13’s Camera app.

What’s your favorite feature in the improved Camera app on iOS 13, and why?

Let us know by leaving a comment down below.