While Instagram remains the old standby for smartphone photo editing, I definitely get sick of using “Valencia” day after day to enhance all of my photos (and I can’t be the only one). The preset filters and borders eventually seem stale and I need a change. If you’re desperate to break out of your filter funk and shed your Instagram skin, try my favorite alternatives below!
1. A Beautiful Mess (Free):
Before I begin I must admit that I am more than a little biased towards this app. It hails from one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess, run by the cutest sisters to ever grace the Internet. Not only does the app have a clean and simple interface (which makes or breaks an app for me), but it also has features unique to the blog itself. Along with six filters, the app includes custom elements (text, doodles, borders, and phrases) from the blog’s creators in their own enviable handwriting. I wholeheartedly recommend the in-app downloads as well for more borders and phrases…they’re far too adorable to resist. Number of filters: 6
2. SwankoLab ($1.99):
Though not exactly ideal for fast photo fixes, SwankoLab is great for fine-tuning photos for Facebook or just as a time killer. The app imitates a darkroom and allows the user to experiment with different chemical formulas to create new effects during each use. I’m definitely no photography buff, but I still really enjoyed mixing up various concoctions and eagerly anticipating the results. Number of filters: ??
3. Typic (Free):
I know at first glance this may seem a little Picnik-esque (does anyone else remember that website?), but stick with me. This text app takes the sketchy captions of our early high school years and replaces them with dozens of beautifully designed fonts. I must say that even though the app’s filters aren’t vastly different from Instagram’s, the fonts and frames are well worth the free download. Number of filters: 5
4. Analog ($1.99):
True story: Since downloading Analog, I never use my iPhone’s standard camera app. It’s faster, easier to use, and in all honesty, prettier than what Apple offers. It’s the three camera modes that make the difference as well as the overall simplicity of the app. Plus, if old habits die hard, you can still send your photos to Instagram. Number of filters: 8
5. Hipstamatic ($1.99):
Similar to SwankoLab, Hipstamatic’s customizable experience is what makes it so fun (and addictive). By switching film, lens, and flash options the possibilities for each photo are endless. The app’s expansion packs can get a little pricey if you aren’t careful, but it’s nothing that old iTunes gift cards can’t cover. Number of filters: ??
RepImage (includes logos from Instagram, A Beautiful Mess, SwankoLab, Typic, Analog, and Hipstamatic)