Instagram; How to make your photos stand out

In part one I talked about using camera+ to take your photos. The three benefits of using that app, and a demo of what it could do. If you simply want to 'jazz up' a photo, camera+ and instagram are enough for you.

If you want to make your photos stand out

then the rest of this series is for you!

Open the saved Camera+ image in Snapseed

I heart Photoshop. I love using Photoshop Elements on my PC. For the purpose of Instagram, I suggest skipping the PS Touch (photoshop) app at $9.99. Head straight to Snapseed at $5.49. Snapseed does a lot. The only things missing are layers and text.

No iPad? Snapseed is available for desktop Mac and Windows at $9.99. I own both, but you're not really surprised by that are you?

Snapseed; Perfect for photos destined for Instagram/Facebook



Benefit 1
You can see a before/after comparison of each change BEFORE you apply them. You'll be surprised what a little tweaking can do. If you decide you're unhappy with the changes you made, there is a revert option. Press that and start over.


Benefit 2
There are some kick ass editing options!

When I first starting using this app I gave it 2 minutes of my attention. It wasn't until I was bored one day that I discovered how powerful it was. When you hold your finger on the image and move it up or down, different options become available. Clever once you realise how it works.

Tune Image: I always start with 'Tune Image'. I like to change the white balance first up. From here, the brightness, ambiance, contrast, and saturation.

'Selective Adjust': This will edit just a small portion of the photo. Perfect for areas that need a little more light or extra colour.

To use, click the + symbol and tap the area of the photo you want to work on. Use two fingers to squeeze the circle bigger or smaller. Chances are first up, it will show a 'B' for brightness. Scroll your finger from left to right to adjust the brightness of the area you selected. Next scroll your finger up and down. Contrast and saturation become available.

Other editing options: 
- straighten and rotate
- crop
- sharpen
- black and white
- drama filters
- grunge filters
- center focus
- organic frames

Have fun with Snapseed. It really is a little gem!


How to Make Your Photos Stand Out Series:
* read part one: Camera+ app.
* you are reading part two.
* part 3 & 4 to come.