Instagram FAIL, Five Other Photo apps WIN
Curious about all the hubbub about Instagram, we subscribed to the service shortly before Facebook bought Instagram.
Noted people wailing about the ruin the darkside would bring. We were still fence sitting however, the filters and frame features were primarily the reason for joining and we were not impressed, having used better apps. As to the the integrated social network, smart idea and possibly the main reason Instagram was such a big hit, but other photo apps also have sharing functions.
Then mid-December 2012, Instagram’s new terms of service came out:
… a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.
That outraged many folk. Kick your users in the teeth will ya? The darkside that is FB manifested itself finally! Goodbye Instagram! You can backpedal all you like but we’re gone.
The photo app hunt begins! With Photoshop as the gold standard, Photoshop Express’ “lite” mobile app makes sense when away from access to the full version. PSEx has all the basic functions needed for improving mobile snaps. Just don’t bother about the few preset effects and borders that seem tacked on as an afterthought. But what else is there?
So after trying several free IOS photo apps available for mobile users, here are our top 5 picks:
1. Snapseed (Google, Nik Software)
A refreshing take on imaging software (watch out Adobe!) and comes with a fascinating tilt shift control. The interface is cunningly designed for touch screen functionality on the tiny mobile screen with non-intrusive controls and well thought out functions and options. Selective Adjust uses control points to select areas for color or tonal adjustment. Absolutely brilliant for pro-PS users!
2. Tadaa - HD Pro (menschmaschine Publishing GMBH)
Has a masking function (works with finger or stylus) to select an area to apply blur, saturation, contrast, brightness, HD clarity and other effects. Many FREE HD goodies with rapid capture, EXIF support plus best part of all, “you keep the copyrights to your photos” (developer quote). Excellent!
Pixlr-o-matic app: Added omph to a boat being built (image partially processed via Paper Camera, JFDP Labs Limited)
3. Pixlr-o-matic (Autodesk)
A decent selection of filters with lighting effects that can add pizzazz to flat sailing photos taken on a gray day. More effects (PLUS packs) available on purchase. Frames come with grunge effects like scratches, dirt, light leaks, print textures for those of us who grew up with (analog) printed photography and have seen, touched real vintage photos of grandfolks. Fun!
4. RetroCamera (CLBITZ Ubiquitous Communications)
All the effects you never knew you wanted plus the kitchen sink, somewhat ruined by an in-your-face overly attached girlfriend helpful help menu. If you can ignore the beastly menu, there’s endless hours of play! Makes you want to research tin types, clothing and poses of ancestors to recreate a true old-timey look. Put on your best pirate costumes and vogue!
Bow of the full-sized replica Andalucia Galleon, which visited Manila in 2010.
Vintiq app: Bow of the Andalucia Galleon, just add costumed crew with espada.
5. Vintiq (GMY Studio)
Another retro/antique/vintage look imaging app. Absolutely useless for sailing photos unless you have a real tallship, a galleon or some old map with a kraken to make faux nostalgic photos. Still fun with the right photo to play with.
Vintiq app: Taal Lake map circa 1911 (Lake Bombon back then) now looks like a treasure map, complete with “towns obliterated” in the bottom legend. A sobering note as Taal Lake is our favorite sailing venue.
whoremony457 liked this sailabilityphi posted this