My Top 5 Photos Apps for Instagram

Are you an Instagram addict like me? Well then this is the post for you.... 

Instagram has added a whole new dimension to my photography and so I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite iPhone apps, apart from the Instagram app itself of course which we all know is freaking awesome!

Now I know Instagram was intended for capturing little moments with a bunch of basic filters, not all out edit-within-an-inch-of-it's-life photography. However, there are no rules and editing is fun, especially with the plethora of crazy photo apps out there (34 on my iPhone at last count - how many do you have?). I say do what you want! Always!

As for me, I take all my photos in normal camera mode then upload to Instagram, rather than taking photos within Instagram. This way I still have the photo if I decide I don't want to make it public and I have the option of posting later - there's nothing worse than not being allowed to start your coffee til it's been Instagrammed! Mostly I just use the Instagram filters to edit my photos, but sometimes I like to experiment a little. In these creatively inspired moments, these are my top 5 go-to apps!

1. Picture Show - $1.99

This has long been my favourite editing app. It's simple, fast and easy to use, has some great features without complicating things overly. Basically, for quick, on the go editing, this is the shizz!

2. Snapseed - $4.99

This is my go to editing tool when I want to do a bit more work and have a bit more control. This does just about everything you could ever want to do and is pretty easy to get the hang of. I know there are plenty of free apps for editing but I've had this one pretty much since I switched to an iPhone and it's still the best I have tried.

3. Pixlr-o-matic - Free

Another editing one, Pixlr-o-matic is really fun for hitting the random button and seeing what happens! This basically randomly adds filters, frames and light effects to your photo. If you find a combo you like you can run with it, or adjust each one as you go. Lots of fun.

4. Instaframe - Free

This is my favourite collage app, great for showing multiple pictures of an event, a recipe or a piece of artwork. It has more features and flexibility than other apps I have tried for this purpose but it doesn't do too much weird stuff - personally, I like my photos to look like photos, not a scrapbooking page. But that's just me - there's some great scrapbooking-type apps out there for those who are into that!

5. Phonto - Free

I don't put words on my photos much but when I do, this app is brilliant! It's easy to use and has a good selection of fonts that you can add to if you wish! 

Now I am no great photographer but I do love taking photos and love that I can do so much with just an iPhone. These are all tried and true for me but there are so many more fun photo apps out there and more seem to be created everyday! 

What's your favourite? Tell which apps you love in the comments as I'd love to try out some new ones! 

By the way, I'm @redparka. Who are you on Instagram? Let's be Instabuddies!

Jen x