Edit your photos like a pro

Not all casual photographers want to fork out for the big-name photo editing software, and these days you don’t have to. For those of you simply looking to crop out your ex, or show off your pet with some flattering filters, there are some slick apps and free sites out there to help you shoot and edit like a pro.

Picnik
Picnik is the perfect resource for anyone interested in basic editing. It’s easy, free and comes with heaps of features including preset filters, exposure adjustment, plus simple tools for cropping and resizing photos. It integrates nicely with other photo-sharing sites like Facebook, Flickr and Picasa.

Camera+
The Camera+ app not only comes with standard editing tools, it’s also a major improvement on your existing camera. Set the exposure with the touch of a finger while simultaneously focusing in on your subject to get the precise shot you want. And my favourite – tap, tap, tap to take speedy shots one after another. The app allows you to zoom in without sacrificing too much picture quality and, for those with an iPhone 4, the photo flashlight bathes your pics with extra light in dark conditions. Once you start using Camera+, your old standard camera just won’t do.
Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Camera 360 Ultimate
For Android users, Camera 360 Ultimate is in the same vein as Camera+; enhancing your camera with better usability and a wide range of choices. The effects beautify and polish your photos and include options like tilt-shift to present your pics with a whole different view. The “night enhancement” effect is particularly good at brightening moody evening shots.
Compatible with Android devices.

Instagram
I’m a bit unenthusiastic about Facebook these days, especially now that I’ve jumped on the Instagram bandwagon. Photos are the main highlight for me with any social media and this award-winning free app is essentially a photo-only version of Facebook or Google+. Follow your mates, ‘like’ and comment on their pics and keep an artsy feed of your own going. The app doesn’t feature as comprehensive a selection of editing and filter options, but the ones it does have do the trick. Plus, you can import doctored up pics from your camera roll to add to your feed. I’ve heard rumors Instagram will be out for Android soon, so keep your eyes open.
Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

PicFrame
A handy little app called PicFrame has made it on my favourites list lately. It lets you choose a frame with spots for 1, 2, 3 or more cropped and artfully-placed photos. Group your photos by theme and place them in a frame customized with colours, corners and borders. Upload the final photo to Instagram and wow your followers. PhotoGrid for Android has many of the same features, allowing users to easily convert photos into collages.
PicFrame compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Photogrid compatible with Android devices.

Summertime tends to breed good times outdoors and there’s always something satisfying about capturing those perfect moments. But you don’t need a big bulky camera to make it happen; chances are there’s a pretty impressive photo tool in your pocket already – you just need a helping hand to bring those snaps to life.

*All featured photography was taken with Camera+ and edited with Camera+, Instagram and PicFrame by Erin Riley.

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