During my iPhone Photography events I demonstrate the latest image capture and editing features of Apple’s top-of-the-range devices. I also cover pairing the capabilities of both the built-in Camera and Photos apps with the addition of third party apps.
Photo Apps
As iPhone technology advances, some of the apps that were once considered to be must-haves are less relevant. Apple squeeze every ounce of performance from their cameras. Many of the photographic functions that were once delivered by additional apps have been eclipsed with the inclusion of many advanced buit-in features. At the heart of every iPhone is an immense level of processing power that enables computational imagery that delivers greater detail and sharper focus even in extremely low light environments. Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, Night Mode, 3D depth mapping, advanced image stabilisation and multiple other operations combine to produce images that now truly rival high-end dedicated camera systems.
Photographers looking for greater creative control over focus, aperture, shutter speed and ISO will seek out the extended capabilities of a manual camera app. A number of ‘pro’ apps are available that sport high-end tools for photo and video capture, with most offering RAW capture. Dedicated long exposure apps offer the ability to create motion blur and light trails.
There are many creative apps available and I only include the ones I favourite here.
Long Exposure Apps
Slow Shutter Cam: Capture a variety of amazing slow shutter speed effects that you only thought you could get with a DSLR. Connect to App Store
Spectre Camera: Uses AI to help you make amazing hand-held long exposure photographs. Spectre can remove crowds, turn city streets into rivers of light, make waterfalls look like paintings, and much more. Connect to App Store
Even Longer: Features full RAW support for long exposures. Capture up to 24 hours. Offers additional star trials and light trails modes. Connect to App Store
Average Camera Pro: Not really a long exposure app, Average Camera automatically takes multiple pictures (immediately or after a timer expires), calculates the average picture out of these and normalizes the result. It is useful for producing low-noise pictures in low-light situations, multi-exposure creativity and long exposure 'stacking'. Connect to App Store
Manual Capture Apps
Reeflex Pro Camera: Easy to use in everyday situations while still offering a rich set of functionalities for professional use cases, similar to those provided by a regular DSLR camera - like manual controls, exposure/focus guides and the newest long exposure modes. Connect to App Store
FiLMiC Firstlight - Photo App: FiLMiC Firstlight is a photo camera that makes live photography fun and creative. Fast, manual adjustment of focus and exposure with focus peaking or zebra stripes. Shutter and ISO Priority Modes and much more. Connect to App Store the app is also available for Android devices. Connect to Google Store.
ProCamera. Pro iPhone Camera: Offers maximum control over your iPhone camera, offers pro-level DSLR camera features and also provides a high-end video recording mode. Comprehensive photo editing suite, incl. (Pro) RAW and depth editing. Connect to App Store
Halide Mark II - Pro Camera: Subscription based app features manual control over exposure and focus. Halide’s professional tools are the most powerful in the App Store, with XDR (Extended Dynamic Range) 14-bit RAW streaming waveform views, color zebras, focus assists like focus peaking and loupe, histograms, an adaptive level grid, and manual depth capture. Customize controls to adapt the app to your needs. Connect to App Store
Photo Editing Apps
Big Photos: Multiple options to enlarge or down size images to custom sizes. set metadata options - view and edit meta data options. Connect to App Store
Snapseed: A powerful and professional photo editor developed by Google. Also available on Android. Connect to App Store
Focos: Focos is a big step into the future of computational photography with beautiful bokeh effects. Make changes to focus after capture, change the aperture repeatedly, and add multiple lights in 3D space. Connect to App Store
Pixelmator: Powerful, full-featured, layer-based image editor that lets you touch up and enhance images, sketch, and paint, as well as create advanced image layer compositions on iPad and iPhone alike. Connect to App Store
Mextures Photo Editor: Apply dust and film grain, textures, light leaks and beautiful gradients to your images in seconds. Connect to App Store
Distressed FX : Plus: A special edition of the highly acclaimed original. For a small single payment, you get access to ALL current and future filters, plus extra features. Choose from a wide range of textured images and overlays. Connect to App Store
BeCasso Photo Editor: Filter based editor. Transform your photos into unique paintings. The best part: Your data won’t leave your device. Connect to App Store
Affinity Photo: Affinity Photo for iPad is a genuine desktop-grade, professional photo editing app. Completely reimagined for iPad with the same power as the desktop version and with complete file format compatibility, you can work across the same document wherever you are, without any compromise. connect to App Store
Adobe PaintCan (discontinued): PaintCan helps you paint beautiful artworks from your favorite photographs with smart brush options. PaintCan is not a painterly effect - you really are the painter! The interface for the iPhone is different from the iPad, but retains all of the most critical tools. Sadly now discontinued by Adobe.
iColorama: Creativity app for enhancing their photos and converting them into amazing pieces of art.
iColorama S for iPhone
iColorama for iPad
Some Android alternatives to consider are:
Manual control camera app FILMIC Firstlight
Camera FV-5 Puts DSLR-like manual camera controls at your fingertips.
An alternative for photo-resizing is https://www.image-size.com/
Long exposure app Motion ProCam
I cannot vouch for the compatibility or quality of Android apps.
Accessories
I use a Shoulderpod S1 combined grip and tripod mount. It is compatible with virtually any smartphone model with or without a case.
I use a sturdy, solid and Waterproof case for when I am photographing in wet conditions.
I carry out extensive editing on an iPadPro.
Additional battery life is crucial when shooting and editing on the go, I use Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack. Attaching the MagSafe Battery Pack is a snap. Perfectly aligned magnets keep it attached to your MagSafe compatible iPhone — providing safe and reliable wireless charging.