In simple terms, choosing the portrait mode on your camera draws attention to your subject by blurring the background.

A well composed portrait focuses on a single subject with minimum distractions from the background.

Portrait mode automatically sets the camera to have a shallow depth of field, so that background objects stay out of focus and do not compete with the main subject.

 

.

 

This photograph has been shot in Portrait mode. Can you see that there is a shallow depth of field ? The models face and eyes are in sharp focus. The flowers in the background are blurred and out of focus.   Using portrait mode for this shot highlights the model. The background doesn't distract from the photograph at all.

 

Portrait mode is not just used for taking pictures of people. It can be used very effectively to isolate and emphasise an object.   This picture has a shallow depth of field. The coin in front is in sharp focus. The writing at the top of the photograph is blurry.   Your eyes are automatically drawn to the coin.

 

 

 

Look at these delightful uses of portrait mode in the photographs below..

Notice in each photograph the shallow depth of field, the sharply focused object and the blurry background.

You will immediately see the sharply focus subject as the background doesn't distract your eye at all.