6 Great Photo Editing Apps To Use Before Instagram

6 Great Photo Editing Apps To Use Before Instagram

As the Instagram + iPhone super-fan I am, I have tested quite a few photo editing apps. Some apps are great, some to advanced for my taste and some are…well, not so good.

For me a great app is one that is intelligent in the way it´s set up. I want to be able to edit my iPhone photos fast and on the go. If I can create a look I like in just a few seconds I´m happy.

Today I’ll share with you my 6 favorite editing apps:

1. PicFX

I love PicFX! Maybe the app I use the most. It´s regularly updated with fresh new filters and overlays. PicFX has many options like film filters, retro filters, vintage style filters as well as light leak overlays.

Most importantly I find it easy and logical to navigate in. What makes me go back to PicFX again and again is that I can control how much or how little of the filter effect I want to add. That´s really great!

2. MagicHour

MagicHour is mostly for fun and play. As soon as you´ve uploaded a picture you can scroll through many pre-views of filters. It makes it easy to see how your image will look in the end.

I like the filters faded memory, snap shot and sx-70 8 (polaroid). I try to avoid the filters that take to much focus away from the image itself.

3. Wood Camera

Just like PicFX, Wood Camera let´s you control how much filter effect you want on your photo. That´s an important function in my opinion because when you apply a filter it´s very extreme, so often I choose to lower the effect.

If you´re into textures Wood Camera offers great quality textures, which you also can control via sliders.

4. Snapseed

What I like the most about Snapseed is the tilt-shift function which is excellent. You can add filters, grunge textures and frames one at a time, so it´s possible to make your own style.

Controlling the filters are a little bit more advanced in Snapseed because you get to control several options within each filter. Snapseed stores your photos in the app itself so even if you delete your photo from the camera roll it will still be available in the app.

5. KitCam

It was my son Marco who recommend KitCam to me. He is into videography and Kitcam is a super video app – even in low light situations. What´s fantastic about this app is that you get to set your settings before you take the photo or record a video.

What I love about kitcam is that I can easily set the white balance + it has exposure-control, so you can add more light to your photos in low light or lower it in bright sunlight. Very clever app.

6. VSCOcam

VSCO is a wonderful editing app with a great camera. I love the VSCO app mainly for it´s filters. They are subtle and don’t distract much from the image itself.

The filters are few but have a great variety. I´m especially a fan of their fade effect, which I use to create a matte effect in my photos.

What about you, do you have a favorite photo editing app you recommend? Then feel free to share in the comments area.

Have a wonderful day

Talk soon,

 

About Christina Greve

Christina Greve is a Lifestyle photographer, educator, and mindfulness therapist with a deep passion for inspiring women to slow down, embrace self-compassion, and connect with their intuition and creativity. Through her work, she encourages women to live with intention, foster self-acceptance, and tap into their inner wisdom. Known for her elegant, story-driven photography, Christina draws inspiration from the Nordic countryside, her travels, and the simple beauty of food and still life. Her stunning work has been featured in numerous high-end magazines, blogs, and books worldwide. After a decade in psychology, Christina’s passion for photography evolved into a full-time business, seamlessly blending her expertise in mindfulness with her love for creative expression and lifestyle photography. Today, she offers tools, education, and inspiration for multi-passionate women, artists, and creatives to find direction, overcome self-doubt, and pursue a life doing what they love. Christina has coached thousands of women from over 40 countries. Through her popular podcast, The Empowered Creative, and her sold-out workshops, she has become a trusted mentor for creatives seeking genuine support, heartfelt encouragement, and a sense of community.

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