Raise your hand if you’re ready for the Android phone to get some love… raises hands and jumps around wildly I was one of those people who waited with baited breath for Instagram to come to Android. In fact, I like to think that I was one of the first to download the app. My kids were all “We have a hipster mom; snapping pics of her food and filtering it to death.” Whatevs, kids… Instagram is all about sharing stories with pictures, connecting with friends, and making memories.
I use Instagram to share morning coffee with my friends and offer words of encouragement. But over time, I got tired of posting just a picture of my coffee, I wanted to find ways to make the pictures pop and set the tone for the day. That’s when I started playing around with various apps to see if I could find some that met my needs.
Here are my top 3 {and they’re all free!}:
3. PhotoWonder ~ This app is relatively new to me but so far I’m liking it. Mostly, I use it to add text to my photos. Normally, you want your photos to tell a story but sometimes, adding a bit of text for emphasis is necessary. There are also a couple of tools that are fun when used in moderation, e.g. “Beautification”: it erases acne and smooths out skin but can leave your face looking a little too perfect.
2. Pixlr Express ~ I use this app on just about every photo after I run it through Snapseed. It gives my photos that added touch of vintagey brightness that I like. For the most part, I just go to “Effect”, select “Subtle”, and go through the filters until I find one that I like. Unlike with Instagram, you can adjust the fade on the filters, which can offer up and overly processed look or a subtle flavor, depending upon the filter level you choose.
1. Snapseed ~ Hands down, my favorite app. I use this app on just about every photo before I upload to Instagram. I can’t say every picture because there are some photos that simply don’t lend themselves to filters. I like this app because it’s easy to use, has a variety of filters {all of which are adjustable}, textures, frames, and other nifty little photography tricks. You can also adjust the colors/tones automatically or by hand with this app.
Are you on Instagram? Follow me at 4daenelt and let me know you’re out there.
And since we all love to share, please tell me your favorite photography app below.
