Photo-editing for Instagram

Taking the perfect shot is only half the work! From removing a gigantic zit on your forehead to adding just a subtle glow of light for a vintage vibe, editing can go a long way when it comes to enhancing your photos. Want the spotlight on you? Use a brighter filter. Want a memory trip to the good ol' polaroid days? Try vintage photo apps. The options are endless and here's how not to get lost navigating.  

INSTAGRAM'S VERY OWN

For starters, Instagram itself has around forty filters for you to choose from. Filters such as Lark or Rise can instantly brighten up your photo, while Clarendon adds a cyan tint to the highlighted areas during the brightening process. For portraits, try Ludwig and use Nashville to edit candids from your favourite aesthetic restaurants. Whether it is to add a bit of drama or a pop of colour to an otherwise dull photo, Instagram filters are ideal for any occasion. However, Instagram only has two black and white filters. So, if that's your genre, try using a separate app to edit the photo first. Other than their filters, Instagram also has separate apps such as Boomerang and Layout. Boomerang can be ideal to capture fun moments, while Layout allows you a fast and simple way to make a collage of your photos before posting them.

TAKE A MINIMALIST APPROACH

For the busy ones who just want a bit of touching-up before posting photos, minimalist apps are a lifesaver. You don't have to bother with a trillion features and functions! These apps have just the right amount of filters so that you don't get too confused or to suit your niche taste. Since these apps provide only specific functions, make sure you download the right one! For example, if you love retro filters, try 1967 or Peachy of the Roll. If you don't need cropping, both Analog Palette and No Crop are good options with a basic range of aesthetic filters. For those with a love for black and white, try Hypocam or Black (for IOS only), which provides a perfect range of only black and white filters.

FOR AN ALL-IN-ONE EDITOR

These are the go-to apps for photography enthusiasts or even professional photographers. With a wide range of tools, these are ideal for manual edits, thus giving you more control of your photos. With an easy-to-use interface, Snapseed consists of a wide range of filters for quick fixes, as well as tools to edit specific aspects and areas of your photos. From adjusting colours to retouching exposure, Snapseed is the perfect place to start your journey as a semi-professional photographer. You could also try VSCO, which lets you share your creations with a whole community of creative photographers, who can provide you with feedback, tips and encouragement. If you are willing to take on something more challenging, opt for Polarr. The app even lets you enhance your facial features and can be ideal for model photography. Alternatively, you could also try Afterlight, which consists of light leaks, grainy effects and various frames for a fun yet professional look!

FOR A FUN CAREFREE VIBE

Instagram shots don't always need to seem sombre and professional! How about those fun girls' slumber parties or a hilarious meme? For such occasions, try Text on Photo. With stickers that remind you of Snapchat filters and quirky fonts to go with it, this app makes editing fun and easy. If goofy collages are your thing, try PicStitch (only for IOS users). Alternatively, why not try Prisma and find out how Van Gogh or Picasso would paint that exact scene in your photo? Editing doesn't always have to be exhausting. With these apps, you're bound to have a good time sharing your unique creations with your friends.