Happy Spring!
With all the photo-editing apps floating around the social sphere, it can be challenging to pick and choose which apps yields the best results for the ‘gram. In the name of #SocialMedia, the Metter Media team tried out a myriad of apps to see while showcasing the very best of Central Square! Take a peak below which apps upgraded our IG game.
App: Snapseed
Creator: Google, Inc.
Location: Graffiti Alley
Rating: 5/5 stars
Before
After
Snapseed’s best components are “HDR Landscape,” which highly ups the quality of outdoor shots and accentuates the details of atmospheres, even in dimly lit rooms and “Transform,” which you can use to warp the positioning of photos (tilt forward, backward, left, right) and Snapseed will fill in the blanks for you. In the upper right hand corner, you can test if you like your latest adjustment by toggling back and forth using a before-and-after feature. Want to up your Insta-game? You gotta try this one for yourself to believe it.
App: Photo Mirror
Creator: LIU BIN
Location: Thelonious Monkfish
Rating: 5/5 stars
Before
After
Photo Mirror makes getting your photos Insta-ready a breeze. After you’re finished perfecting your image with a variety of filters and editing tools, just choose the direction of the reflection (there are *tons* of options), adjust the positioning, and you’re ready to share – which, by the way, is also made simple with one-tap social sharing. If you want to get deeper into the app, you can also do 3D images, making reflections out of hearts and butterflies; you can add borders and emoji stamps; use the effects tool to create trippy-looking edits; add text; and so much more. Best of all? It’s free!
App: Aviary
Creator: Adobe Systems
Location: Central Square Florist
Rating: 5/5 stars
Before
After
Finally, an app that allows you to bring you Insta game to a whole new level! Aviary is a one-of-a-kind app that gives VSCO a run for its money (it’s no wonder – the app was created by Adobe Systems). Users are able to enhance any dull photo into a minimalist dream with the touch of a couple buttons. Once you upload a photo on the app, you can add in subtle filters and adjust the contrast, sharpness, saturation, and more. If you play with the app further, you’re also able to add in delicate texts, fun borders, and even draw on your photo. This free app is designed with the user in mind by creating a simple way to refine your photo without losing your composition. In no time, all your friends will envy you for having the ultimate #feedgoals with this app!
App: Facetune
Creator: Lightricks
Location: Central Square Florist
Rating: 5/5 stars
Price: $3.99
Before
After
Facetune is essential to have in your army of photo editing apps. If it isn’t already your best friend- after one use it will be. Though everyone seems to be using on their faces to get the perfect selfie, it is far more useful than just that alone. It is often compared with Adobe Photoshop because of its similar ability to mask all of a photos imperfections. You can use the smoothing tool to help emphasize the object of the photo (seen above, with the rose). Instagram does give users the ability to blur a photo, however it is not comparable with the custom quality that Facetune gives you with its blur tool; there are two types of blurring you can use making it even more tailored to users needs. You can also use the defining tool to add intense definition to a particular part of a photo (notice the HD difference of the inside of the flower). Personally, my favorite tool that Facetune offers is the refining tool- this gives you the ability give your photos the nip and tuck it may need or draw more attention to something by making an object larger. Check out the size of the flower in the after photo versus the before photo!
App: Tiny Planet
Creator: Infoding
Location: Middle East Restaurant
Rating: 3/5 stars
Price: $ 0.99
Before
After
Using this app will give your profile the creative edge you need to separate your account from everyone else’s. It is also a great way to mix it up- everyone has seen the same sunset photo, by using the Tiny Planets app you can make yours different. There are a few options you can choose between: Tiny Planet, Rabbit Hole (used in photo above), Video Planet, Video Rotate, Video Zoom, and Video Blast. The app automatically adjusts the photo for you; this can be a huge help, but unfortunately you lose the ability to tell adjust what gets cropped out and what is cropped in.
App: Afterlight
Creator: Afterlight Collective, Inc.
Location: Outside of Life Alive
Rating: 4/5 stars
Price: $0.99
Before
After
If you find yourself using Instagram to edit photos you’re not even ‘gramming, this app is your solution. The filters and editing tools are similar to those if Instagram, though Afterlight offers some extra features at an extra cost. In addition to 15 adjustment tools and 74 filters, 128 different simplistic and adjustable frames are also available to use. The app’s interface is very easy to navigate and use, and it doesn’t seem to have the issue of crashing, unlike other apps. With Afterlight, you can do as little or as much as you’d like; when you’re done, you may choose to share your edited photo via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, message, email, etc.
Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies for small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.
