I have a variety of photo editing apps on my phone. While I don’t edit every photo, when the mood strikes, I enjoy adding a touch of flair. And you know what? There’s no shame in wanting to look good in pictures! Everyone has their own interpretation of what that means, but we all appreciate seeing a photo of ourselves and thinking, “I like this one.”
I’m not out here trying to drastically change how I look, but I do enjoy applying filters to selfies, removing blemishes, adjusting lighting on my kids’ photos, adding captions, or simply enhancing a snapshot to make it a bit more appealing. During the height of lockdown last April, I made good use of these apps to capture milestone moments for my three-month-old at home. Though they don’t rival professional shots, they hold their own, largely thanks to some editing magic.
Playing around with different effects can be quite enjoyable! Here’s a look at some of our top picks along with a few suggestions from our readers that we’re eager to explore.
Instagram and Snapchat
While technically two apps, both Instagram and Snapchat offer built-in filters that can spruce up your photos before posting. Snapchat has fun and whimsical filters, plus some that can make you look almost flawless. Don’t hesitate to use these tools for a little extra polish!
FaceTune 2
FaceTune 2 is designed to enhance your appearance, allowing you to slim your face, enlarge your eyes, plump your lips, and whiten your teeth. Although I don’t usually go for such changes, it’s fun to play around with. I especially love how effortlessly it can erase a blemish.
PicsArt
PicsArt has a social media aspect where you can share your edits with others, but I primarily use it for its editing tools. The free version is packed with filters, retouching options, and stickers, while the premium version offers even more. Even casual users can easily adjust a photo or add a subtle filter.
Lightroom
Lightroom by Adobe is often recommended for more serious photographers. While it may not be the easiest app for casual users, it offers professional presets that you can purchase to simplify the editing process. With a bit of patience, anyone can achieve stunning results.
Diptic
Diptic specializes in collages, making it perfect for side-by-sides or before-and-after comparisons. It’s user-friendly and quick, making it a staple on my phone for years.
Word Swag
If you want to add a charming caption or text to your photos, Word Swag is fantastic. It offers a wide selection of beautiful fonts and layouts, making it easy to create eye-catching designs.
BabyPics
This app is perfect for parents wanting to create adorable milestone photos. It features a large library of cute stickers to document your child’s growth, from pregnancy to their first day of school, along with simple filters.
Snapseed
Recommended by nature photographer Jamie Carter, Snapseed has a plethora of options as a free app. It’s intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to fine-tune their images and share directly to other platforms like Instagram or Canva.
Afterlight
Creative entrepreneur Mia Harper loves Afterlight for its prebuilt filters and manual blurring options. You can also create and save your own filters, making it versatile for any editing style.
PicTapGo
Photographer Sarah Miles enjoys PicTapGo for its adjustable filters and sleek interface. While it doesn’t touch up appearances, it effectively alters color and light.
It’s important to remember that editing isn’t a necessity. We don’t need filters to feel beautiful, and there’s value in capturing genuine moments without alterations. Each line and spot tells our story. I have plenty of unedited photos I cherish because they capture authentic connections. However, I also enjoy using these apps to enhance my favorites, especially when my kids have a smudge of chocolate on their faces.
For those interested in more information on home insemination, check out this insightful post from one of our other blogs here. Additionally, if you’re seeking expert advice on pregnancy, you can find an excellent resource here. For more on charities related to this topic, visit this authority site.
Here are a few search queries you might find helpful:
– Best photo editing apps for beginners
– How to edit photos like a pro
– Top apps for enhancing selfies
– Photo editing tips for parents
– Creative ways to use photo editing apps
In summary, photo editing can be a fun way to enhance your images, whether you’re a casual user or a serious photographer. With a variety of apps available, you can easily find one that suits your needs, allowing you to capture and share beautiful moments.