How to Make the Background of a Picture Black on iPhone

By Shawn Published June 16, 2023

In today's visually saturated world, we sometimes underestimate the impact of simplicity. This is especially true in photography, where a monochromatic or black background can convey a timeless elegance. Utilizing an image background remover can effortlessly transform your photo's backdrop to black, highlighting the subject and infusing the image with a sophisticated flair. If you're an iPhone user, you might be wondering, "how to make the background of a picture black on iPhone?" This article will unravel the answer, guiding you through simple, free methods to achieve this stylish effect.

Why a Black Background?

Choosing to go with a black background can have several aesthetic advantages:

Accentuates the Subject: A black background eliminates distractions, directing the viewer's attention to the subject.
Creates Contrast: Black provides a stark contrast to lighter colors, making your subject pop.
Conveys Mood: Black can evoke emotions of mystery, elegance, or seriousness, adding depth to your image.
Highlights Details: With a black background, details that might otherwise be overlooked in the subject become more noticeable.

Making Backgrounds Black on iPhone: The Free App Approach

Several free apps available on the App Store can assist in making your picture's background black. The top three user-friendly options include:

Snapseed: A professional photo editing app by Google, Snapseed offers a wide array of tools, including selective editing which can help create a black background.
PicsArt: This app not only allows users to change the background color but also offers several editing tools for enhancing the overall image quality.
Adobe Photoshop Mix: Although slightly more advanced, this app provides precise tools for changing the background to any color, including black.

A Step-by-Step Guide Using Snapseed

Let's take a detailed look at how to make the background of a picture black on iPhone using Snapseed:

Download and Open Snapseed: Install the app from the App Store and open it on your iPhone.
Open Your Picture: Tap on the '+' button to open your picture in Snapseed.
Use Selective Tool: From the tools menu, select 'Selective'. Tap on the part of the image where you want to change the background to black.
Adjust Brightness: Slide your finger downwards to access the 'Brightness' function. Slide to the left to decrease brightness until the background turns black.
Fine-tune the Selection: If the selective tool also darkens parts of your subject, you can fine-tune it by pinching to zoom or contract the selection area.
Save Your Photo: Once you are satisfied with the changes, tap on the checkmark at the bottom right corner to apply the effect. You can then save your photo by tapping 'Export'.

Other Ways to Make Your Background Black

If you prefer not to download a new app, you can achieve a similar effect using the native iPhone Camera and Photos app. Here's how:

Use Portrait Mode: When taking a photo, use Portrait Mode and select 'Stage Light Mono'. This will automatically darken the background and turn it black while keeping your subject illuminated.
Edit in Photos App: Open the photo you want to edit, tap on 'Edit' and select the B&W filter. Then, increase the 'Contrast' and decrease the 'Brightness' until the background becomes black.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Focus on Light: When shooting or selecting your photo, ensure your subject is well-lit and the background is not. This makes it easier to turn the background black.
Be Patient with Selecting: If you're using an app like Snapseed, take your time with the selective tool. The more accurately you select your background, the more natural your final image will look.
Experiment with Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with other adjustments like 'Contrast', 'Saturation', and 'Highlights' to achieve the best look for your photo.
Practice: Like any new skill, practice makes perfect. Don't get disheartened if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Keep trying, and you'll get there!

Cross-Platform Background Removal

While this guide focuses on iPhone users, the concept of background manipulation isn't restricted to a single platform. For those curious about how to remove backgrounds from pictures on Android, the process is similar. Android users have access to a wide range of apps that offer background removal features, such as Background Eraser and Canva.

On the desktop front, tools like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP provide advanced features to remove image backgrounds on PCs and mobile devices. These applications offer more control and precision, ideal for professional or intricate edits.

Conclusion

Whether it's to create a captivating Instagram post or add a professional touch to your product photography, knowing how to make the background of a picture black on iPhone can elevate your photographic capabilities. With our guide, you're now equipped to bring a dramatic and eye-catching transformation to your photos right from your iPhone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the background of a picture black directly in the iPhone's Photos app?

Yes, you can. Although it won't offer the same precision as dedicated photo-editing apps, you can achieve a similar effect by applying a B&W filter and tweaking the brightness and contrast.

Do I need any special skills to use photo editing apps like Snapseed?

While each app has its learning curve, Snapseed is designed to be user-friendly. With practice, you can easily get the hang of its various tools and features.

Can I change the color of the background to something other than black?

Absolutely! The process would be similar, but instead of reducing the brightness to make the background black, you'd use the app's color tools to change the background to your desired color.