Smartphone Photo Editing Apps: Chapter 1

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In the modern age of technology, the use of high-powered DSLR cameras is no longer the only devices that can archive scenic and motivational HD photos. Today, the new generation of smartphones has changed the notion of traditional photography with their instantaneous and immediate posting and on-the-spot editing techniques. One of the biggest changes that have constantly grown over the past five years has been the editing options and applications for your photos. With these options, a person is able to change bland and dry photos to dramatic visually impactful subjects.

Below, you will discover three of the photographer recommended photo-editing apps that you can use to alter your photos in the best possible way. While it can be difficult starting off, try and gain a sense of what these options can do for you.

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Snapseed

Snapseed is a photo-editing application produced by Ni Software that enables users to enhance photos and apply digital filters. Snapseed users can edit pictures and photographs by using the swiping gesture to select different effects and enhancements. Alternatively, users can opt for an automatic adjustment of color and contrast. But for those who want to go above and beyond, try playing with the various special effects that this application offers. These include Drama, Grunge, Vintage, Center-focus, Frames, and Tilt-shift. Because of its user friendly interface, clean and sleek mobile look, and last but not least, basic photo processing techniques, Snapseed has become one of the most popular rated apps within the Top 100 Best Android App of 2015 PC Magazine.

VSCO Cam

Another very popular mobile editing application is the VSCO Cam. In addition to rich photo-editing techniques, the VSCO Cam also functions as a camera app. But to go beyond the obvious, VSCO Cam have built their reputation in the photo world by creating unique film emulation presets that can be used with the desktop software Adobe Lightroom. In addition, many of the filters feature soft and faded looks that have quickly become very popular amongst mobile photographers. While still comparative to its rival, Instagram, VSCO Cam provides its users with the gold standard for both photo and film emulation.

Filterstorm Neue

Filterstorm Neue offers many of the features and editing control of the more powerful desktop applications like Lightroom and Photoshop. The only difference is that it comes in a mobile-friendly format! For those eager photography enthusiasts, this is the perfect app for you. Filtersrom Neue provides you with more advanced editing techniques to help take your photographs to another level. It will require you to invest some time in learning how to use this app. Much of this app requires you to have an understanding of brightness, contrast, Hume, luminosity, and curves. One additional feature that really sets Filterstorm Neue apart from the rest is that you can selectively apply adjustments through a number of tools, including a powerful masking brush as well as radial and linear gradient filters. Currently this is on sale for $3.99 at the Apple store for your iPhone or iPad.

6 Photo Editing Tips for your Smartphone

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In the modern day age of technology, the use of high-powered professional Canon cameras is no longer the only devices that can archive scenic and inspirational photos. Today, new generations of smartphones have changed the notion of traditional photography. Their easy to carry and fully functional editing features have increased its popularity than buying overly expensive bulkier DSLR cameras. But one huge advantage that these devices have over the traditional ways is simply the idea of photo-editing and photo-sharing instantaneously. Apps such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other various social media properties have become a huge game changer in producing quality and likable photos. There indented purpose of posting to family and friends have forced companies such as Apple and Samsung to improve the quality of their cameras with fully functionally professional editing features.

Now, it is no surprise that most people underestimate the capabilities of smartphone cameras, especially to the older generation. When camera applications came to light for the phone back in the early 90s, it was simply meant to capture a photo; nothing more, nothing less. Today, photo-editing applications on our smartphones have improved dramatically in quality making it easier than ever to enhance, crop, remove, add, and filter your photos on the spot. These various tweaking within your settings such as angling, lighting, enhancing, or filtering your photos truly transforms these pictures into memories and moments of a special time and place.

Below, you will find six handy tips and guides in how to utilize your smartphone camera to the best of its abilities. By leveraging these tools, you, as well as many others, will be able to produce high quality photos just like a professional.

1. Know Your Smartphone Camera Setting

This is a simple step people do not take the time to understand. One thing you need to understand is that if you want to produce remarkable stunning photos, than you should not rely on your phone’s default auto mode. Think of the default mode as a simple idea of opening a notebook with a blank sheet of paper. It is your job to figure out what you want to capture. To do this, tap on where you want the phone to focus on to give you a sharper clearer image. In addition, various smartphones have other alternative settings. Look at the options of focusing, exposure, and white balance. These specific features can be the difference from 5 likes to 100 likes.

2. Play with the Resolution

The higher the resolution of your photo, the better the quality you will produce. When taking images with your smartphone, try and go as close as possible to the subject rather than zooming in when you take your shot. Zooming lowers the resolution, quality, and overall subject of what you are trying to take. In addition, play with the overall settings such as exposure, focus, and lighting to improve your resolution of your photo. One problem you should note is that higher resolution photos can eat up space on your phone. The best way to handle this problem is one of two ways: 1. Post then delete. As it sounds, posting your photo online and deleting it after can help with the storage issue. If, however, you want to save the photo, try saving it externally such as on your computer, the cloud, or an external drive.

3. Selfies vs. Photos

This one should be obvious, but the back camera of your smartphone generally provides higher resolution specs than the front camera. Unless you are taking selfies, it would be your best intention to utilize the back camera for higher quality photos.

4. Play with the Lighting

One of the biggest problems people have when taking photos is lack of lighting. With the right amount of lighting, your subject can look livelier, especially with a welcoming environment. Keep in mind, natural lighting is definitely more preferred. If you are taking photos indoors, try standing near a window or a door where there is an ample amount of lighting. This can create a certain effect that can highlight various characteristics and features in your subject.

5. Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, and Framing

Composition, composition, composition! Many amateur photographers think it is a simple quick snap and edit. To take attractive welcoming photos, learn the basic composition of the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, and framing. Think of this in angles. Shooting at different angles can enhance your subject in the best of ways. In addition, it also presents different perspectives that can provide new meaning to the overall theme of the photo.

6. Photo-Editing Applications

In addition to your smartphone settings, try looking into various photo-editing applications. At times, there are things that can be controlled and manipulated simply through these smartphone applications. For example, many people use these apps to enhance their photos by filtering the lighting and setting like in Instagram or Facebook. In addition, play around with the settings. Similar to your smartphone settings, your photo-editing application settings provides various tips that can change the contrast, structure, brightness, warmth, saturation, color, filtering settings, fading, shadowing, and much more. Begin by playing around with it and seeing which features best portray the theme of your photo.