Pixiq

You've found yourself falling under the iPhone craze; you've seen all the trendy and fun creative photographs that come from it, yet you're torn between which apps are worth it. Well I assure you―you won't be disappointed with the following apps I have reviewed, which are from my collection of personal favorites.

ProCamera:
Even though the title says it all, I shall remind you what it means to be a 'Pro' with this app! 'ProCamera' is the only app, without a doubt, that teaches the amateur to follow in any 'Pro'- photographers footsteps! Rising above other competitors has been a joyride for the company who produced such an effective, and not to mention, efficient app. 'ProCamera' is a photography teacher in itself. What more could you want? For those that have a few answers to that question―I will discuss the extensive options featured in this detail-oriented app. Furthermore, I will completely fulfill that question for you. Beginning with not only importing photos from your existing camera roll, but also the flexibility between shooting fresh photos and/or video! Yes, I did say video! I suppose we can start with the settings options. 'ProCamera' includes a 'Self Timer' ranging from 0.5 seconds all the way up to 20 seconds. By far, the best delayed shutter I have come across!

Secondly, are the modes―now what in the world would you need to worry about modes for? Like I've stated, this app will really bring out the photographer in you by showing you how simple it is to shoot in: 'Expert Mode,' 'UltraSpeed Mode,' and 'RapidFire Mode.' The last two modes are made for those clear action shoots which you will acquire when using 'UltraSpeed' or 'RapidFire'! Also, 'Full Resolution Zoom,' 'Anti-Shake,' 'Continuous Video Focus,' 'Geo-Tagging,' and of course, I can't leave out the most convenient feature 'QuickFlick.' With a swipe of your finger you're taken to your saved photo and/or video albums!

The Anti-Shake feature prevents a photo from being taken until your hand is steady enough for a sharp image, the app has three sensitivity settings to choose from. Now, when you hand someone your phone to take a pic, you can guarantee a sharp and crisp image. Additionally, it allows you to review your pictures before saving them so you don't have to go back and delete the bad ones from your memory card.

The heart of this app lays in the outstanding ability to geometrically frame your photo or video subject. With 3 different grids―which help you achieve a better "Rule of Thirds," you can frame any subject or subjects perfectly. However, if the grid lines become distracting you can un-tap that feature and switch to the compass feature for finding true north!

When wanting those professional results, 'ProCamera' has gone beyond the call of duty! I would be insane if I didn't recommend this app for those of you who are new to this scene or even to those who are familiar. You will learn something either way, and learning is always an inviting experience!

PhotoForge2:
Simplify, simplify, simplify―truly great words! Rather difficult to achieve if your goal is to be a top-notch photographer. Ironically, 'PhotoForge2' gives you the flexibility to create dazzling images in a way "even a caveman can do it!" When you first launch the app, you'll probably ask yourself "Is this still loading? Why have I been taking to a screen with only 'PhotoForge' and a 'Plus' sign?" I told you so, simple! Let's make this even more obvious than it already is―you tap on the 'Plus' sign and you're directed to a screen where you can shoot fresh or you can import existing photos from your camera roll. In this example, we will be importing a photo from the camera roll, by the way, you can import more than one photo―so you don't have to keep going back to your camera roll. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty here: you're at the editing screen . . . what do you do first? What can you do first? With 'PhotoForge2' there is an array of adjustments, effects, and just plain awesomeness. Some of the more important ones, in my opinion, are the 'Levels,' 'Curves,' 'Channel Mixer,' 'White Balance.' What really tickles my fancy with this app are the abilities to create '3D Effects,' all the 'FX Effects,' and the built in 'Toy Camera,' feature! The 'Toy Camera,' effects allow you to turn anything modern into that analog classiness. Personally, I think what makes 'PhotoForge2' stand out from the crowd are all the jam packed artistic freedom with levels and textures―the possibilities are truly endless!

Instagram:
Not so sure about all this fast paced photographic technology? I have a secret for you! Instagram is your solution. So you probably like the fact "Instant" is suggested in the name, but you still don't know what it does. Let's ask this question first: how do you share your current photos? Through the process of texts and e-mail? What about having to send more than one text or e-mail because of that pesky file-size limit? I have stumbled across a simplified way of sharing your captured moments! Instagram is a FREE photo sharing and editing service where you can import existing photos from your camera roll. You may choose from 16 vintage filters: '1977,' 'Poprocket,' and 'Earlybird' are some of my personal favorites! With one tap of the reload button you are able to browse other photographers; even without signing up! On another note, once you have signed up you are taken to a screen where you can choose to follow any photo stream that sparks your interest! I like to refer to this as photo blogging and everyone is doing it! If they aren't . . . well heck! Let's invite them over to join all the fun and get their creative juices flowing with a FREE download of Instagram!

WordFoto:
Considering all the incredible and stunning effects with photo manipulation available today, 'WordFoto' definitely takes the cake! This app exemplifies the saying,"A picture is worth a thousand words." So you've just imported the photo you want to manipulate from your camera roll, where do you even begin? 'WordFoto' makes creative customization simpler than ever! With 8 preset styles and over 20 preset sayings to choose from, for example: "Happy Holidays," "I Love You," and "Carpe Diem," or―as far as styles go, "Romance," "Comic," and "Blocky" are my personal favorites! Although, you may find yourself saying, "That sounds neat, but what if I don't want to use a preset?" Guess what, you are still in control! You can add and save your own word sets or custom styles! If that wasn't enough "icing" for this "cake" of an app, here's some more sugar for ya―sure to send you right to the dentist with a cavity! For those perfectionists out there the 'Finetuning' feature is right up your alley! Having the option to control 'Threshold,' 'Edge,' and 'Color Tolerance,' give you more creative freedom! 'WordFoto' is a surefire way to impress your friends, family and co-workers!

Camera+:
When I find myself overwhelmed, I feel a bit anxious. Who wants to feel that way when creating art? With that being said, Camera+ is a good choice when you desire an all-in-one photography app. So what does all-in-one mean to you? You can shoot fresh or you can import existing photos from your camera roll. Once the app is launched it goes straight to 'Normal' mode, however, three more modes are included for your convenience! Your hands may not be your most reliable photography companion which is where the 'Stabilizer' mode comes into play. If you become a bit shaky while framing your photo―for whatever reason―this mode is the perfect fit! Or perhaps you've already placed your camera phone on something stable and you need some time to get ready for a shoot. This is where 'Self Timer' is your best friend! Rather self explanatory, you can choose from 5, 15, or 30 seconds before the shutter goes off. Good for those last minute touches before capturing the final moment! What about watching your kids or pets play in the yard? Maybe you've got a son or daughter in sports and you're rushing to get out there on the field but forgot your DSLR camera at home . . . Well you're in luck with this app because it has a built in 'Burst' feature! You can get those once in a lifetime action shots you've been craving like never before! Not to mention, Camera+ includes a 'Grid' and an 'Autofocus' feature―that never leave you guessing. This app is what you need for all those different styles of shots!

Hipstamatic:
You may have heard of it and you may have had the question, "What is so neat about this 'Hipstamatic'?" cross your mind. Well where do I begin . . . When you first launch the app it shows a front camera body with a display of "Wiping off lens." In my opinion, it is a fun detail that really adds to the feel of a real camera. Next, you can either chose to continue to see the front of the camera body or go straight to the viewfinder. If you choose to keep the front as default view, you are able to see the graphic representation of a lens. Each lens has distinct features. The lenses and film give each photograph a great border, in addition to the border―also depending on which lens or film you choose―you will see the result of vintage marks and scratches on your finished photograph. When you choose a film, the graphic interface actually resembles real film, just like the lens! Each film will give you a different effect. For example, 'Washed Out,' 'Black and White,' 'High Contrast,' 'Warm Feel,' just to name a few―there is even a film imported from Japan! Of course, can't forget you iPhone 4 users out there. 'Hipstamatic' features extras like packages with included 'Flash Gels' or 'Flashes' that give you that extra "pop"! Unfortunately, you can't import existing photos with this app. Considering 'Hipstamatic' has included flash effects, all the lens, film combinations, plus ease of use―you'll love it regardless!

Super 8:
Recently, a movie by J.J. Abrams―"a homage to the work of Steven Spielberg"―was released called "Super 8." What does this have to do with an iPhone app? Is it a mere coincidence? Actually, no! Perhaps, you have heard about 35mm film, especially back in the 60's and 70's. Around that same time 'Super 8' became the popular motion picture film format! With that being said, the 8 represents the 8 millimeter width of the film reel! What about the word "Super?" Where does that come into play and why? You see, regular 8mm film width was all the rage during previous decades. Eastman Kodak―the company who brought this film into light―set out to make improvements, thus, giving birth to 'Super 8.' Collaborations between Bad Robot, (coincidentally owned by J.J. Abrams) and QMx invented a "super" cool app which allows you to transform into your very own analog "videographer"―as if you were using real 8mm film! When you first launch the app you are taken directly to live preview. There is a red button located near the bottom center so it's fairly easy to record! Above the 'Record Button' is a 'Timer' so you know exactly how long your vintage film will be. Above that―on the opposite side, there are two buttons for extra added effects! You also have the option with a 'Frame Jitter' button located on the left hand side of the 'Record Button' section. Now when you tap on the 'Case' button feature located on the top left side of the app you will be shown all the goodies this app has to offer! Hmmm . . . goodies, don't you just love that word! Some of the goodies include: the 'Super 8' camera itself, buying the actual movie ticket, your 'Developed Films,' and the best part, an 'Instruction Manual!' To some this may be tricky technology, however, the creators of 'Super 8' made it as easy as reading a brief illustrated 9 page manual! I must give this app recognition on how they made it extremely convenient. Once you're in 'Record Mode,' by sliding your finger to the left you are able to 'Eject' your finished project. Additionally, if you slide your finger again you have the flexibility of changing lenses―that actually resemble real old-school lenses!  Ranging from 'Color,' 'Chromatic,' 'Black and White,' 'Sepia,' 'X-Ray,' 'Negative,' and last but not least, 'Infared.' When I was introduced to this 'Super 8' app, I can tell you right now that it blows other "videography" apps out of the water!

ColorSplash:
Just as the name suggests, this app is intended to add that perfect "splash" of color! 'Colorsplash' allows you to work in sessions with the option to create a new project or process an existing image from your camera roll. 'Colorsplash' is intended for those who like to convert already-in-color photos to black and white―while keeping some of that modern day flair! Perfect for those who are a fan of that classic Hollywood look, yet like to show off the color of their eyes, or maybe that spicy red dress! So let's get to the bottom of this, how does 'Colorsplash' exactly work? Whichever colors are in the original photo are the colors you will "paint" in with either a soft brush or a hardened edge brush―for the more precise "post-processor." The best way to "paint" in color is to use the "Pan & Zoom" feature. With your touch screen phone your fingers control how the zoom is applied or where you move in your photo. You may feel a little nostalgic because this app is just like when you tried to color as a kid, staying inside the lines! What if you want to keep most of your photo colored and have some black and white details? Once you've colored in the areas that appeal to you, 'Colorsplash' has an invert option! So now you can either go all-the-way gray with that extra hint of color, or all color with that extra hint of classic Hollywood. The choice is up to you!

PS Express:
You are not dreaming! Photoshop does, in fact, make a mobile app for those who are a fan of anything Adobe! If you are a regular Photoshop user, you will find that this is a MUST for your app collection. As it may be, you've recently jumped on the band wagon and you want something simple, user friendly, and you've heard the word 'Photoshop' buzzing about. This app would be a great way to familiarize yourself! When first launching the app, you will be taken to a screen with 'Camera' or 'Select Photo.' You can either shoot fresh or import from your existing camera roll to process. 'PS Express' features the basics―which includes, but not limited to―'Crop,' 'Straighten,' 'Rotate,' or 'Flip.' Say you want to fancy up your photo some more, you're also given the freedom to control the 'Exposure', 'Contrast', and 'Saturation.' What about those annoying "grainy looking" photos you may come across every once in a while? In the photography world, it's called 'noise' . . . well, PS Express includes one of my favorite features―'Reduce Noise!' On the other hand, you are also able to 'Sharpen' those not-so-clear photos as well! That's not all, just to accommodate your expressive taste and style, PS Express includes a 'Sketch' feature, 'Borders' and 'Effects!' You can get your Andy Warhol on with one of my favorites, the 'Pop Art' effect!

360Panorama:
Say you're at a shindig and you've been asked to capture the moment through a photograph. You're probably asking yourself all sorts of questions like―"How will I frame all my friends plus the party at once?" So what happens when there are 5+ people and you still want to capture the moment in an up close manner? If you are new to panoramas, panoramas are a photography technique which combine multiple photos to create a wider view. Certainly, what the photography doctor ordered! Not only does your photographic eye gain greater creative freedom as you move your camera phone from left to right or right to left, whichever your preference. '360 Panorama' will scan the area and show you an immediate preview! With other apps, you must take each shot individually then import to stitch the photos together, as if sewing. Sounds a bit tedious for someone who's in a rush to get back to the fun, now doesn't it? Appropriately, this app stands out than any other panoramic creator because it has a real time preview as you frame your panoramic photograph! However, '360Panorama' still has the flexibility of importing from your existing camera roll! With this app, you are able to enjoy the scenery and those special people in your life with one '360' snap shot!