I thought I’d post briefly about what apps I’ve been using and/or exploring. I’ve written this post now three times. This latest iteration comes after upgrading to the iPhone 4 (and iOS4) (last update: Dec. 2010). My selection of apps is eclectic and reveal a few working assumptions:
1) The number of apps designed for actual shooting reflect my emphasis on both simplicity and on the experience of shooting with the iPhone. I primarily use the built-in camera in iPhone 4, Lately I’ve been exploring more heavily Pro Camera. From time to time I use Hipstamatic, RetroCamera, ToyCamera, etc., but only when I’m looking for a particular effect.
2) I am quite disposed to process — to photography as practice of mindfulness, and as exploration of what I see everyday. My images, apps, and post-processing choices reveal those dispositions. Yours will no doubt vary.
3) I like using various apps to post-process, but I also believe in moderation. Too much of a good thing can still make you feel bad right? Too much manipulation of the image might just harm it. Besides, your artistry does not reside in how much you make an image scream by App-i-fying it.
For a while I spent too much time trying to decide which app I wanted to use as primary camera. That was a waste of time (and continuous to be). I use Apple’s built-in camera quite often because I like its simplicity and ease of use. Features I’d like to see added are burst mode, sound activation, and interval shooting. I’m exploring Pro Camera, but The last thing I need is an overbloated app that gets in the way of vision or shooting.
Processing apps that I keep and use: Lo-Mob, Polarize, PictureShow, Iris Photo Suite, FilterStorm, Film Lab, Vintage Scene HD, Photoforge, Photogene, BlurFX, CameraTan, Monophix HD, TiltShiftGen, Photo FX Ultra, PS Mobile, Pure Carbon, Perfectly Clear, AutoStitch, Diptic, Effects Lab, Mill Colour, Juxtaposer, FaceFinish, Backgroundz, Pic Grunger, and FocalLab. I have many others deactivated which I might turn on from time to time depending on what I’d like to accomplish.
All these apps make shooting fun in different ways, and all bring to the process a playful feeling — the carefree exploration of photography with a simple device like the iPhone. Although I prefer to work on processing rather than only applying canned effects or presets, I might start with some filter apps, and then modify according to vision and image.
I am still looking for a wonderful BW conversion app, especially one that provides control over as many processing options as possible and that has a full iPad version. I have Monophix HD, and expect to test Monotone HD. For BW conversions I use Pure Carbon, Film Lab, and sometimes will shoot with Vint BW. Effects Lab, Mill Colour, and Photo FX Ultra can be used quite nicely for conversions. One feature I’d like to see added to Monotone HD, or Monophix HD is separate burn and dodge effects, preferably applied through layers.
On my iPad I have a few of the ones listed above, and a few other ones like Masque, TouchUp, FilsterStorm, etc. I also look for apps that will let me use a stylus (see the Pogo capacitative touch pen) for editing. Using the Pogo stick on the iPad on apps like BlurFX, Masque, and Photoforge makes for more precise processing and fun. As sophisticated as the apps can get iPhoneography ought to be fun, experimental, and compelling as artistic self-expression. Focus on that vision and self-expression as primary components of photography and you might find you keep coming back to a few simple apps.
There you have it. An updated glimpse at what I keep in my iPhoneography camera bag. It is no longer “packed to the gills.” Nowadays the main virtue I look for in apps is full-resolution saving, although having an HD version is a close second (I want to increasingly process on my iPad). Much of my interest lies in exploring iPhoneography as technographic endeavor however, so I spend enough time checking out new apps, and looking for those that will give me as much control over the editing as possible. Unlike with my other photography, I don’t have multiple bags, lenses, filters, and/or other thingamajigs to carry around with the iPhone. Good thing too. I’ve become quite enamored of going light with camera gear.
What’s in your iPhone camera bag?