Pro Tips
・
Nov 19, 2024
Color Pop is a striking technique where one color (or object) remains vibrant while the rest of the image is desaturated or black and white. This creates a dramatic focal point and adds artistic flair to your photos.
Device Compatibility
Fully Supported Features (iPhone 12 and newer):
Portrait mode with advanced depth control
ProRAW editing capabilities
Smart HDR 4
Photographic Styles
Full selective color editing
Partially Supported (iPhone X to 11 Pro Max):
Basic Portrait mode
Standard selective color editing
Manual color pop through editing apps
Basic depth control
Limited Support (iPhone 8/8 Plus and older):
Basic editing features only
No native selective color tools
Limited Portrait mode (8 Plus only)
Requires third-party apps for color pop effects
Creating Color Pop Effects
Method 1: Using Portrait Mode (iPhone 7 Plus and newer)
Camera Setup
Open Camera app
Swipe to Portrait mode
Keep subject 2-8 feet away
Ensure good lighting
Wait for "Portrait" text to turn yellow
Taking the Shot
Frame your subject
Tap to focus on the element you want in color
Keep the camera steady
Capture multiple shots for best results
Post-Processing
Open Photos app
Select portrait photo
Tap Edit
Use Portrait controls
Adjust depth effect
Method 2: Manual Color Pop (All iPhones)
Initial Photo
Take photo in standard Photo mode
Ensure sharp focus
Good lighting is crucial
Consider composition carefully
Basic Editing Steps
Open Photos app
Select image
Tap Edit
Use Selective color tool (iPhone XS and newer)
Adjust Black Point for contrast
Method 3: Using Built-in Tools (iPhone XS and newer)
Photos App Features
Use Color control
Adjust Brilliance
Control Saturation
Fine-tune Vibrance
Use Selective color options
Pro Tips for Color Pop
Subject Selection
Best Colors for Pop Effect
Red objects
Yellow elements
Bright blue items
Bold green subjects
High contrast colors
Ideal Subjects
Single flowers
Colorful clothing
Traffic lights
Street signs
Umbrellas
Food items
Lighting Considerations
Shoot in even lighting
Avoid harsh shadows
Best times:
Early morning
Late afternoon
Overcast days
Avoid mixed lighting
Advanced Techniques
Creating Custom Color Pops
For iPhone 12 Pro and newer:
Use ProRAW format
Enable Smart HDR
Adjust Photographic Styles
Use Deep Fusion (automatic)
For iPhone X to 11 Pro:
Use HDR mode
Enable Live Photos
Adjust exposure before shooting
Use AE/AF lock
Background Enhancement
Blur background (Portrait mode)
Increase contrast
Reduce highlights
Deepen shadows
Adjust gray tones
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Technical Errors
Over-processing
Poor subject isolation
Uneven desaturation
Loss of detail
Artificial-looking edges
Composition Mistakes
Cluttered backgrounds
Poor color choice
Weak focal point
Inconsistent lighting
Bad subject placement
Quick Settings Checklist
✓ Portrait mode (when applicable)
✓ Focus lock
✓ HDR enabled
✓ ProRAW (for supported models)
✓ Good lighting
✓ Clean lens
✓ Stable position
Tips by Specific Models
iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
ProRAW format
Advanced Portrait mode
Action mode for moving subjects
Photographic Styles
Smart HDR 5
iPhone 14 Series
Photographic Styles
Advanced color editing
Smart HDR 4
Night mode portraits
iPhone 13 Series
Cinematic mode
Smart HDR 4
Advanced depth control
Enhanced color processing
iPhone 12 Series
ProRAW capability
Smart HDR 3
Deep Fusion
Night mode portraits
iPhone 11 Series
Night mode
Enhanced Portrait mode
Smart HDR 2
Improved color accuracy
iPhone X/XS/XR
Basic Portrait mode
Smart HDR
Standard color editing
iPhone 8 and older
Basic editing only
HDR
Limited Portrait mode (Plus models)
Editing Apps Recommendations
(For Enhanced Color Pop Effects)
Free Options:
Snapseed
VSCO (basic features)
Lightroom (basic features)
Color Splash
Paid Options:
Darkroom
TouchRetouch
Afterlight
ColorStory
Final Tips
Practice Techniques
Start with simple subjects
Experiment with different colors
Try various lighting conditions
Master manual controls
Keep editing subtle
Workflow Tips
Shoot in RAW when possible
Back up original photos
Create editing presets
Save multiple versions
Review on larger screen
Remember: The best color pop photos start with good composition and lighting. The editing should enhance, not create, the effect you're looking for.