Seven Top Photo Editing Apps

Juliet Weller

Sep 10, 20222 min read

While we're on the topic of phone apps for the traveler (think back...it wasn't that long ago), let's go one step further and figure out how to deal with all those fabulous photos you took on your vacation. You're proud of them and of the trip you took, and will want to show the photos off, not just because they're great photos, but for what they represent: bragging rights, celebration, 'wish you'd been there', and 'look what I did/saw/visited'. Now you can add to that list, this: "Observe, friends, how meticulously archived/enhanced/edited my precious photo memories are. Don't you wish yours were?" I'm kidding. (Not).

I should have mentioned that I receive no benefit from telling you about these; just your ever-lovin' gratitude and my own satisfaction. Well, a little satisfaction, since some of these aren't even available for my own phone's platform.

This will be short and sweet.

Adobe’s Lightroom preserves more fine details through its DNG format (an uncompressed image file versus a JPEG’s compressed format), among other cool features, such as an exposure compensation slider to easily lighten or darken scenes.
Average Camera Pro snaps as many as 128 images in a batch at customizable intervals, from 1 to 30 seconds. Try to “average” the shots together for time-lapse images, such as a trail of traffic taillights or water rushing in a stream. This app operates on the iOS platform, only
Cortex Camera takes as many as 99 shots very quickly for a super HDR effect, then fuses them together in one balanced, ultra-richly colored photo.
Faded is a beginner-friendly app that capitalizes on the Instagram craze by letting photographers choose from over 66 existing filters or create their own custom-made ones. Tweak photos with overlays, tools, and effects to release your inner artist, then upload the result to multiple different social media platforms. Another app built for the iOS platform, only.
VSCO is a fan favorite in the photo-editing app world. Already know about VSCO? Keep an eye out for their new extension, VSCO X, a subscription that costs $20 a year and comes with brand-new innovative tools and over 100 different presets.
Afterlight stays ahead of the game by offering over 70 textures and over 100 frames, in addition to 75 fun filters to keep it simple for photographers on the go. This app is also Instagram-friendly for social media lovers. $1, iOS and Android.
Enlight meshes photo-editing necessities with straight photo manipulation. The app (from the creators of Facetune), includes features that can reshape your photo, change the color of a single object, mix two filters, change photo perspective, and create an Instagram friendly backdrop without distorting the original image. And yes, it's for iOS, only.