My favorite (mobile) app!

   

You'd be surprised (maybe) to find that photographers are not in the habit of turning their nose to the Instagramers and Snapchatters of the world just because we have one of those big fancy cameras.  I can speak for myself by admitting that I can get easily inspired when I use a fun app or I look over my wife's shoulder and see a piece of pure art on her phone.  For example, there was a picture she recently posted on Facebook that some friends had commented and "liked", giving me credit for such a beautiful image.  I was quick to acknowledge that it was not me at all!  It was Jenny!  (She's got a GREAT eye!...trust me!)  Still one of my favorite images ever, she took this beautiful shot...and posted it to Instagram and Facebook.

copyright Jenny McKindles 2013

Truth be told, she would not have created this image had I elected not to be the driver...so for that, I guess I should take credit...I'm kidding, of course.

     The point is that there are tons of apps out there and I am not afraid to pull out my phone to document ideas.  And my favorite app right now (after dumping a dozens) is
Snapseed by Nik Software.  You can find this app in both the iTunes store (iPhone and iPad) and the Google Play store for Android (phones and tablets).  These folks know what they're doing when it comes to photo enhancement software and apps.  Nik Software (I think they're owned by Google now) offers pro level applications and add-ons for Lightroom and Photoshop (we use a few), so the fact that they made a mobile app that is so simple to use is refreshing.  I say that because I have tested several "pro meets mobile" apps that I've just found them to be too much to learn, so I appreciate Nik's offering to the mobile world.

I just LOVE this app.  With the ability to enhance and edit your images as well as share them on your Facebook or Google+ page with ease puts this app on my phone's home page.  There are tons of adjustments to choose from and once you get the hang of when to swipe sideways and when to swipe up and down (this allows you to change things like Saturation, Brightness, etc. in most of the filters), you'll be editing like a pro in no time.

     What I love most about Snapseed over Instagram is that I'm not stuck with the 1.1 ratio (that square box) I'm stuck and have to crop when importing.  I can keep the size exactly as it appears. Another BIG advantage of using Snapseed is that you can combine filters!  So I can run an image through Vintage, save the effect and then run it through Drama and BAM!  Coolness!  It won't be long before you discover your own favorite combinations.  My favorite workflow starts with Tune Image (adjustments to Contrast, Ambiance, Saturation...) and every once in awhile using the Details filter (sharpening), then straight to Drama! and then I'll add a touch of the Vintage Films adjustment and I'm done. I'd love to see what you come up with!  Feel free to share yours on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RobbPhoto.

     I had downloaded this FREE app (oh yeah, I didn't mention THAT yet... Free app=THE BEST PART!) some time ago and I just didn't invest any time in learning how to use all of the adjustments, so I let my impatience get the best of me.  Then recently, like an old high school friend that you connect with on Facebook and eventually marry... sorry... couldn't resist... anyway... I stumbled upon Snapseed again and didn't realize that it really didn't take any time to get acquainted.  The key is to NOT skip over the overlay instructions you'll see when you first open the app.  Read them.  They're there for a reason.  Only then will you discover how easy (and awesome) this app is.

Here are the the features available with Snapseed:

== Basic Adjustments ==

• Auto Correct - Automatically analyzes your photo and adjusts color and exposure to perfection.
• Selective Adjust - Make precise selections and enhancements to specific areas of your photos in seconds with Nik Software’s revolutionary U Point technology.
• Tune Image - Use Ambiance to create depth and vibrancy that uniquely adapts to colors and textures. Adjust White Balance, Saturation, Contrast, more.
• Straighten & Rotate - Rotate 90° and/or straighten photos with simple gesture controls.
• Crop - Easily crop images to remove distracting parts of your photo with standard aspect ratios, or a free crop.

== Creative Enhancements ==
• Black & White - Get that classic Black and White look with this darkroom-inspired filter.
• Vintage Films - Make any photo look like a vintage color film photo from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.
• Drama - Add style with a custom effect specifically tailored to your photos, ranging from subtle textures to wildly artistic effects.
• Grunge - Give your photos a totally unique, hip, and dingy look.
• Tilt-Shift - Create a narrow in-focus area designed to simulate depth of field, common in a Miniature Scene look.
• Details - Enhance details with traditional sharpening or the unique Structure control found in the Nik Software professional products.
• Center Focus - Draw attention to the subject of your photo by blurring and adjusting the brightness of the surrounding background.
• Frames - Add stylized borders to photos for the perfect finishing touch.
• Retrolux - Make your photos look truly retro with light leaks, scratches, film styles, and more.

So if you're getting tired of the same ol' photo apps, download Snapseed!  I think you'll dig it!