Instagram has just recently launched a new portrait feature called Focus. This feature softly blurs backgrounds when there is a person in the picture, making sure they stand out in a striking way. This is a great tool to use in the salon world as it will help your headshots turn heads!! More emphasis will be given to your beautiful work. This feature is common in professional photography and is another way Instagram is helping enhance the quality of their image-based platform.
How To Use Focus
When you open the camera, you’ll see “Focus” between “Boomerang” and “Superzoom” under the record button. You can take a selfie or a forward facing shot and you’ll notice that the software will automatically recognize the person (or people) and keep them in focus while softly blurring the background. You can use Focus when posting to Instagram, adding to your story, or sending photos or videos to friends.
Focus is available on iPhone SE, 6S, 6S+, 7, 7+, 8, 8+ and X and select Android devices. This update is available as part of Instagram version 39.0 for iOS in the Apple App Store and for Android in Google Play.
In a statement to TechCrunch, an Instagram spokesperson said Focus works on single-camera phones because it "leverages background segmentation and face detection technology".
Instagram Rolls Out Mention Stickers
Instagram also rolled out mention stickers this week which makes it easier to connect with friends and followers in your stories. You can use these stickers to mention friends and brands in your Instagram Story with a stylized button. Previously, mentions were limited to text. To find mention stickers, open the stickers tray after you’ve taken a photo or video in your stories camera. Tap the @mentions sticker, start typing the name of the account you want to mention and select if from the options that appear. You can then customize it as you like! This becomes an even more stylized way to feature your client when posting their picture by @mentioning them and encouraging them to post the picture to their own Instagram direct or story.
Update your Instagram app today to try out these new features!
Looking for more Instagram and social media tips for salons and spas? Check out the rest of our Resource Library for valuable content to help grow your salon or spa business!