Here is the definitive guide to the best photo apps around for iPhone, iPad and Android from cool cameras to photo editor tools — and they’re all free! While they may not replace a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera) and a few hours with Photoshop, they’ll definitely wow your social media network!
The Best Photo-Taking Apps
1. Instagram
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Instagram, Inc.
Price: Free
One of the world’s most popular, powerful, and versatile photo apps – and what has burgeoned into the most popular photo-sharing social media network itself – remains one of Android’s greatest resources for adding glam to the most everyday photo. With access to a host of creative tools and filters, Instagram gives supreme control over taking and editing photos. Once the photo receives its fair share of filters and fades, it can be uploaded to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr, with which it’s connected, to accrue even more likes. The latest version also lets you combine several clips into one video; follow friends, celebrities — or whatever makes you smile; and have a constant stream of new pics flowing through your home feed.
2. VSCO Cam
Platform: iOS (iPhone & iPad), Android
Developer: Visual Supply Company
Price: Free
VSCO Cam comes packed with top performance features, including high res imports, and before/after comparisons to show how you built up your edit — the results are dazzling and not previously seen on Android-based devices. Photography lovers can also connect with incredible photographers from around the world and create their own stunning photography. Build your own VSCO Journal to join in with the community and find inspiration from other users. Unlike other social platforms, there are no likes, comments or followers to level the creative playing field.After editing, share photos across popular social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
3. Google PhotoScan
Platform: iOS/Android
Developer: Google
Price: Free
While this is not strictly speaking a photo-taking app, it’s worth its weight in gold. It’s all very well being able take and edit photos on your phone or computer, but what about those old, yet valuable, pre-digital ancient snaps you have lying around? If scanning them is too much for you, Google’s PhotoScan app makes digitizing them super easy — just scan photos with your phone in seconds, without unsightly glare and shadows!
The Best Photo Editing Apps
4. Pixlr
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Autodesk Inc.
Price: Free
Unlike many apps from Google Play Store with their countless, annoying ads and click-bate, Pixlr photo editor keeps its interface clean and clear for a continuous editing experience — and with 2 million plus combos of effects, filters, and overlays, what an experience it is! You can also layer images, add captions, and make great collages. The new version adds an eraser to auto fix and auto contrast, and extra labels for better navigation between effects. The app even provides a “favorites” button to create presets and save them easily in the app’s settings.
5. Prisma
Platform: iOS/Android
Developer: Prisma Labs
Price: Free
Better than any filter-based photo app, Prisma uses an AI technique called style transfer to transform your pics into masterpieces in the style of famous artists such as Picasso, Munch, Mondrian, and Van Gogh. Also, it’s not restricted to still images, but now works on video.
Platform: iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android
Developer: Adobe
Price: Free
With its high-quality editing software, Photoshop Express offers the professionalism you’d expect from Adobe. The interface and user experience is flawless; it fulfils all the functions you need for editing; and will probably be the one you turn to for sheer convenience. Gain access to Adobe’s library of exciting editing features such as blemish removal, one-touch filters, the new image rendering engine, and the ‘Flip’ and ‘Straighten’ functions not included in many other apps. The most recent updates include the ability to shoot and process RAW images directly from your device, so you can take full advantage of your phone’s advanced optics.
There are tonnes of photo-related apps out there, but these are an excellent kick-start to perfect your images and add zing to your Social Media Network!
