Since the advent of high-definition cameras featured in smartphones like the iPhone, photography has changed dramatically and has developed to meet the demands of its users. The ever increasing popularity of photo-related applications, such as photo filters, has been an impressive one. Photo filter applications have become one of the hottest commodities, especially when Facebook bought Instagram for a whopping one billion dollars!
As with other types of photography-related applications, mobile developers have flooded the market with photo-filtering apps. As a result, iPhone users are now overwhelmed and confused regarding which application to use. If you happen to be one of these confused iPhoneographers, here are some of the best photo-filtering apps you can choose from:
1. Camera Awesome by SmugMug (Free)
Camera Awesome takes picture taking to the next level by shooting quick and sharper, better-exposed images. Its features have created cool terms like “awesomeize”—a one-click button that optimizes your photo’s sharpness, contrast, lighting and vibrancy. Another feature is the “Hoth” that turns your photos into black and white ones, while the faded, sepia tone feature is called, “More Cowbell.”
2. Camera Fun Pro by SpiceLoop ($0.99)
This photo-filtering application provides one of the widest varieties of filters you can add to your iPhone photos. It offers 28 awesome lenses including alphabet, avatar, black & white, blueprint, bulge, canvas, chalk, chess, color x-ray, emboss, glass, mirror, neon, night vision, oil brush, pinch, pixel, poster, and more. Unlike other photo-filtering applications, Camera Fun Pro allows you to take pictures using a photo effect lens with live camera, so you know how it looks—even before you capture the photo.
3. EyeEm—Photo Filter Camera by EYE'EM (Free)
Users of EyeEm claim that this photo-filtering application is a great tool that makes some powerful behind-the-scenes technology easy to understand for anyone using this application. It offers 14 real-time filters that allow you to take beautiful photos. In addition, it allows you to share your photos among different social networking sites.
4. Hipstamatic by Hipstamatic, LLC ($0.99)
Aside from Instagram, many phenomenal camera applications like Hipstamatic have been created by mobile developers. This application allows the user to swap lenses, flashes, and films for hundreds of different effects that give the image a professional look. Like other photo-filtering apps, you can easily share your images with Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.
5. Retro Camera Plus by Urbian Inc. (Free)
Ever wondered how iPhone photos would look from a pinhole camera or perhaps from an old Polaroid? Well, Retro Camera can achieve this effect by simulating old school pictures of your family, friends and your surroundings. It offers five cameras, five sets of vintage vignettes, and film scratch and cross-processing effects inspired by the old Lomo, Holga, Polaroid, Diana & toy cameras.
6. Snapseed by Nik Software Inc. (Free)
This app offers an intuitive and fully gestural interface that hides very advanced features. It is ideal for photo enthusiasts and Instagram users who want to take more control in editing and adjusting their photos. Snapseed also offers auto-correct and selective adjust, and it supports RAW and TIFF file formats.
7. Photo Toaster by East Coast Pixels, Inc. ($1.99)
This new entry app is popularized by its overwhelming array of settings, effects, borders, textures, and live sliders. It also offers useful features such as lighting options, snappy performance, sophisticated noise reduction, user presets, and many other sharing options.
8. Color Splash by Pocket Pixels Inc. ($0.99)
This fun and easy-to-use photo filter app is extremely popular due to the impressive results it provides. It allows you to convert your image to black and white as well as select a portion in the photo that you want to bring back the color. Other features include zoom editing, multi-touch gestures, multiple undos, and a variety of brushes.
9. Repix – Inspiring Photo Editor by Sumoing Ltd (Free)
Repix is another photo filter app that is also known as a combination of a photo editor and painting app. It allows you to add artistic effects on your photos as well as use handcrafted brushes to create a unique masterpiece out of your photos.
10. Pixlr-o-matic by Autodesk Inc. (Free)
This is another popular photo filter app that offers tons of borders and tweaks. It allows you to overlay multiple effects, make subtle adjustments, and preview your photos. It is also popularized by the millions of permutations of filters and borders.
These quick and easy-to-use photo filters can significantly enhance the appearance of your photos. You can add some fantastic effects and bring out your creative side.