Mobile Photo Apps Get Serious

Smart phone photography offers users a set of near professional grade tools thanks to the continual "bigger/better/faster/more power at less cost" evolution of technology. In this post, I'm singling out iPhone apps as that's my mobile device (don't be a h8r). And I'm not even touching on Instagram as it merits its own post.

A slew of low- to no-cost apps to help your pics look their best are introduced on a near daily basis. While there are a ton of novelty apps, most offer multiple options allowing you to take pictures, edit and share within the app. This seemingly basic capability has helped photo sharing become as common as placing calls on many mobile devices.

Here are just three mobile photo apps that have made the biggest impact on my picture taking:

• Camera+   A colleague introduced me to Camera+ after I'd been using CamerBag (which is a fine filter app). But if I had only one app, it would be Camera+. It allows you to easily edit and apply a ton of filters to your pictures. And combined with iPhone's HDR capabilities, it's made my Instagram pics look better than amatuer at times.
• Diptic   Diptic lets you combine images. Think of "before and after" shots or a series of shots that tell a story. It's flexible and dead simple to use. There's also a Flickr group dedicated to this app.
• PhotoShop Express   It's a basic version of Photoshop that lets you shoot/edit and share. It's the only free app in my top three. But it's connected to Photoshop's online tools and makes for a very handy companion if you're using those tools.

There are a ton of niche apps I use from time to time that complement the above apps.

• Halftone   A fun app that turns your pics into comic strip panels.
• Panorama 360   The simplest, most social panorama app I've ever used.
• Labelbox   Scrapbook-inspired, it lets you put captions on your images.
• ToonPAINT   Turn your pics into somewhat abstract drawings. You can paint them afterwards as well.
• Slow Shutter Cam   For anyone that's been dying to create streaming light pics, this is your app.
• mogophoto   From slow shutter to fast, mogophoto takes 20 pictures in 1-2 seconds for stop-motion photography. It's great for sporting events and live action shots.

All off these apps are good at what they do. But they're just the tip of the app store. I've also played with picfx, Picture Effect Magic, Color Splash, Photo Mess, myPhotoBooth, LEGO Photo and even The Threadless Threadcam.

These apps have impacted the quality of my pictures and even how I use sites like Flickr and most recently Instagram. They're fun to use and have inspired my creativity. What are your favorite photo apps?

Comments

[Amvandenhurk]

I love the free PhotoShop app. It suits me fine. I'll have to check out a couple you talk about because I'm all about having fun with photos.

[Kevin Dugan]

The photoshop app is definitely a good app. I agree that you can't go wrong with it -- especialy as it is free. Diptic was easy to justify purchasing based on what it allows you to do. And over time, as I started using Camera+, I noticed folks were asking me about which filters I use to get certain shots. So I finally pulled this list together. Thanks!

[Renee]

That is one of the great things about iPhones, there are so many apps available to you, you can easily find at least one for everything that you love. I will definitely have to check out a few of these, as I am only familiar with the PhotoShop Express app. Thanks for sharing the insight.

[buy risperdal online]

Hey I attempted to e-mail you about this post that i have a few inquires but cant seem to achieve ...

[new dvds]

It doesnt do too much with colours and things and the videos you use are perfect for this topic! Really, awesome blog.http://http://www.dvdboxsetsshop.com/">http://www.dvdboxsetsshop.com/">http://http://www.dvdboxsetsshop.com/

[San diego photo booth]

I feel like you could probably teach a class on how to make a great blog. This is fantastic! I have to say, what really got me was your design. You certainly know how to make your blog more than just a rant about an issue. Youve made it possible for people to connect. Good for you, because not that many people know what theyre doing.

[Darius]

Hello! I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your blog post. I found it very informative. Keep up the good work! Do you need an affordable custom mobile app that will be submitted to both Apple and Android upon your final approval? My developers make these custom mobile apps for small to medium sized businesses. Near or far, it doesn't matter. We can still work something out as everything can be done over email, phone, instant messenger, or text messages. You can choose what fits your business best. Our office is located in Mesa, Arizona. If your business is in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, or the surrounding areas, TheAppTones can come to your business to make things even easier. You can see demo apps on our website. Again, keep up the great work on your website!!

[repeteur wifi]

I wwas extremely pleased to discover thos website. I want to to thank you ffor your tikme for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every bit off itt and i also hasve you book-marked to check outt new information in your site.

[prix montre festina homme]

Hey thewre fantastic website! Does rinning a blog like this require a large amount of work? I have absolutely no understanding of computer programming however I waas hoping to strt my own bllog in the near future. Anyhow,should you have any suggestions or techniques forr new blog owners please share. I know this is off subjiect but I just needed too ask. Many thanks!

[montre guess femme prix]

Tremendous things here. I am very satisfied to see your post. Thaanks a lot annd I am looking forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?