When I take a photo on my iphone I invariably process it through the same apps, either hipstamatic as in the picture above, camera+ or dramatic black and white. When I look through the flickr pool or instagram I realise that I really need to get out of my comfort zone and start experimenting but I don’t know about you, it all seems terribly daunting to me and I have no idea how to begin. Since February here on mortal muses is all about collaborations I thought I would ask three of my favourite and very different iphone photographers to share their processing and they were very happy to oblige.
I started by asking Veronica Mo – her work is truly amazing and she has been included in the new mobile masters ebook on itunes. I asked her about her photograph entitled “the embrace”
Veronica said “This photo was taken with the slow shutter app. The shutter was set at 4 and the sensitivity set at two. This setting I think is a good basic setting to allow definition yet create a mysterious blur. I used blur fx with the motion blur setting set at maximum to smooth out the background. I used blender to add the flower textures. You can purchase stock photos, there are still some free stock photography sites such as Lost and Taken and free stock photography on Deviant Art, I choose mostly to use my own photos for layered textured photos. I used icolorama to add some odd definitions to the dress and background. Icolorama is a great app if you think you might enjoy using brushes and colors. I used lens light to add more glow to the ball, which is actually a round light I own. I love using lens light because the possibilities are endless. The App Whisperer posts weekly apps that are free most everyday and usually will offer insight on the quality of the app.” More of Veronica’s amazing work can be found on flickr, instagram, or on iphoneart.com
I am also fascinated by the minimalist approach to iphone photography processing so I then asked the very talented and inspirational Frosso about her shot “morning cup”
Frosso said “This one actually has a pretty simple processing because the day it was taken the light was pretty good and it was essentially a minimalistic shot! One of the applications that I often use for processing my iphone shots is VSCO CAM. In this one I have increased the exposure +1 and also the contrast +1 then cropped it and was ready to be posted.” You can find more of Frosso’s fantastic work on flickr or on instagram
My final questions about processing was to another hugely talented iphone photographer Michelle Robinson who shared her actions on this prodigious shot entitled “phase 2: justice of the Peace”
Michelle said “These are the apps I use in this order – procamera on self timer, superimpose: masking and cloning, Photofx Ultra: filters and paint, Flowpaper, Image Blender, 100Camerasin1, Modern Grunge, Pixrl-o-matic. I use Photofx Ultra in between each stage fairly often and I use Image Blender quite a bit after each filter – I don’t tend to stack filtered results per se – I usually blend them in Image Blender. I also use Snapseed to actually look at the final result – and there is always a slight adjustment in “anbience” or “contrast”.” Michelle’s amazing work can be found on flickr, her blog, or on instagram
A huge thank you to these wonderful ladies for sharing their secrets, I now feel inspired to try something new having heard what these brilliant and awesome photographers have to say, how about you? show us your processing and let us know your favourite apps too.
Until next time
Justine
My goodness, what absolutely brilliant tips! I haven’t heard of some of these apps, so will definitely have to go and check out these ladies and the apps too! Thank you all.
Fantastic post today Justine. Thanks to Veronica, Michelle and Frosso for joining us…
Justine this is a great article that gives direction on some basic apps. Each one of us has very different styles and approaches on how we create our art. I personally jumped in and started playing with some basic apps, and I believe exploring until you find your style is very useful advice. Thank you for asking me to contribute for your post today!
Excellent post here Justine! Great examples and information. These images are wonderful. For those of you that might not know where to start, just trying all the film and lenses in Hipstamatic is a lot of fun and to make it easier as to how to decide what goes with what, use the “shake option”. Yes, inside your Hipstamatic settings you can have the shake on or off and all you do is shake your phone before you take a shot. The results can be so amazing!
I love sneak peeks into how others do what they do. Thanks for sharing!
What great information Justine. I don’t even have an iphone and I loved it☺
Love learning all these cool tips! Thanks ladies!
such an informative and inspirational post!
thank you for the feature:)
These are incredible images. Thank you for sharing your processing. This is something I always want to know from photographers. Much appreciated.
I am hugely honoured. In truth, it took me a long, long time to post in the Flickr group. Urban Muser, whilst it’s only been recent that I actually was ‘vocal’ about your work, ie “liking” it on social media, I has been following your work for some months before. It is how I learn because I really love the creative outlet it gives me – and it has also shown me that I might perhaps dabble in digital art in my second phase in Life. I say this because I used to be such a purist about photograpy. I look at my images and can see the personal distinction that I make between photography and art – and this applies to the mobile as well.
Thank you Justine, and most of all for your patience. I had tried to click on the blog when I first got your message and couldn’t find it. I had no idea that there is such a wonderful sentiment of sharing on this blog. I am all for sharing – not so much the images but the tips and the methods. It stems from days following AMPt, and now being an active member in AMPt Community.
A small plug: I coordinate the challenges on EyeEm every fortnight. And then on Instagram, the community features are back. Just follow @AMPt for anyone who is interested. I hope this is ok. If it isn’t, please let me know and I will edit my comment.
Thank you Urban Muser. For someone who started off taking food and coffee porn, and then being blown away by the talent, and admiring lots of people, this is a huge honour personally. It’s like getting a big nod. 🙂
Have a great day to everyone!
Mich
Michelle, thank you so much for your kind words about my photos. I’m still scared to put it out there too! Your work is equally inspiring and I thank you for sharing with us here this week. Also, love the comment about Ampt–totally appropriate here as we are all about sharing and community. The more the merrier!
xo -Christy
I love these tips and use many of those apps myself. I love Veronicas work and Frossos as well. Thanks for recommending Michelle. Awesome work!
Veronica, I would love to work with you!! 🙂