1. Snapseed

Best For: Everyday photo editing

• Huge range of editing tools, yet very easy to use
• Exposure, color, and sharpening adjustments
• Crop, rotate, straighten, and perspective correction
• Selective adjustments and healing tool
• Black & white, vintage, and texture filters
• Portrait enhancement, lens blur, and vignette
• Double exposure, frames, and text
• Price: FREE

Snapseed is one of the most popular iPhone photo editing apps.

Why?

Because it’s easy to use, even though it offers a powerful collection of editing tools. It’s also completely free to download and use!

This photo editor app is suitable for both beginners and experienced iPhone photographers.

With Snapseed, you can easily improve exposure, color, and sharpness. And you can crop, rotate and straighten images.

Selective tools and brushes allow you to edit just certain parts of your image. And the healing tool is great for removing objects from your photos.

The Portrait tool is perfect for creating flawless portrait photos with smooth skin and sparkling eyes.

Snapseed also has preset filters for creating different moods in your photos.

Filters make it easy to convert your photos to black and white or create a vintage look with textures.

If you’re new to iPhone photography, Snapseed should be the first photo editor app you download. With this app, you’ll be able to create stunning edits that will dramatically improve your images.

Snapseed is available for FREE from the App Store. Unlike many other photo editing apps, there are no extra in-app purchases to pay for.

Learn how to use this amazing app in our Snapseed photo editing tutorial.

2. VSCO

Best For: Creating beautiful edits with elegant filters

• Elegant one-tap presets and effects that create the look of classic film
• Adjustable filter strength
• 200+ filters to create different looks in your photos
• Editing tools for tweaking exposure, color, and sharpness
• Filters and editing tools can be used to edit videos
• Price: FREE (subscription fee for the full collection of filters and editing tools)

VSCO (pronounced visco) is another fantastic photo editing app. In fact, it’s one of the best photo filter apps for iPhone.

The vast collection of presets and effects allow you to create the look of classic film in your iPhone photos. They’re perfect for adding a vintage feel to your images.

Unlike other apps where the filters can be overpowering, VSCO filters are subtle. Many of them have a soft, faded look for beautifully understated edits.

You can adjust the strength of the filters to suit your taste. And you can fine-tune color and exposure using the editing tools.

You can also use the same filters and editing tools to edit videos on your iPhone.

VSCO is FREE to download from the App Store. It comes with 10 free filters and a set of photo editing tools.

You can access the full range of over 200 filters, as well as additional editing tools, by paying for the VSCO X membership.

Learn how to use VSCO with our in-depth tutorials:
VSCO App Tutorial: How To Shoot & Edit Beautiful iPhone Photos
How To Use VSCO Filters To Create Beautiful iPhone Photos

3. TouchRetouch

Best For: Removing unwanted objects from your photos

• Quickly remove unwanted objects for a cleaner composition
• Remove dust spots, wires, people, and other objects
• Remove blemishes and smooth out wrinkles in portrait photos
• Duplicate objects using the clone tool
• Price: $3.99

Many photoshop apps have tools for removing objects from a photo. But this is the sole purpose of TouchRetouch. And it’s still one of the easiest and most effective apps for removing unwanted elements from your photos.

Simply use your finger to highlight the object you want to remove… then watch the object disappear! The app automatically replaces the selected object with pixels from the surrounding area.

The Blemish Remover tool is perfect for creating flawless portrait photos.

And the Line Removal tool makes it easy to remove electricity cables from your image.

It might take a few attempts to remove complex elements. But TouchRetouch makes it easy to start over if you’re not happy with the results.

TouchRetouch is available for $3.99 on the App Store.

Click here for the ultimate guide to removing objects from your photos with TouchRetouch.

Or click here to discover more of the best photo retouch apps!

4. Carbon

Best For: Creating stunning black & white photos

• 58 one-tap black & white filters
• Adjustable filter strength
• Textures for creating vintage-style photos
• Light leaks and bokeh effects
• Subtle and artistic color effects
• Editing tools for adjusting light and color
• Price: FREE (in-app purchases for additional filters and tools)

Do you want to create beautiful black and white iPhone photos? Then Carbon is the perfect app for you.

With a single tap, you can turn a color photo into a stunning black and white image.

Carbon has 58 preset filters with different black and white effects. So you can always find a style to suit your photo.

The app has filters for creating unique vintage effects, such as grungy textures, grain, light leaks, and bokeh. You can also add different colors to your image – from subtle sepia tones to vibrant color effects.

In addition to the one-tap presets, Carbon has a set of editing tools for fine-tuning color and exposure. You can even create a painterly effect with the “Kuwahara” tool.

If you want to create gorgeous black and white photos, you can’t go wrong with Carbon. The tools are easy to use, and the results always look great.

Carbon is FREE to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to pay to access the full range of filters and effects.

5. Adobe Lightroom

Best For: Precise fine-tuning of color and exposure

• Powerful set of editing tools within a simple user interface
• One-tap presets for quick edits
• Selective adjustment tools for advanced editing
• Healing tool for removing unwanted objects
• Price: FREE (subscription fee for premium features)

Adobe Lightroom gives you a powerful, yet simple solution for editing your photos. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

The one-tap filter presets offer a quick and easy way to enhance your images. And the simple adjustment sliders let you tweak exposure, color, and detail.

But Lightroom offers much more than this. The advanced editing tools, including selective adjustments, give you ultimate control over your edits.

If you’re familiar with editing your photos on a computer using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, you’ll feel right at home with this app.

Adobe Lightroom is FREE to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to pay to access the premium features, such as selective adjustments, perspective correction, and the healing tool.

6. Afterlight

Best For: All-purpose photo editing with additional creative options

• Exposure, color, and sharpening adjustments
• Advanced tools such as curves, selective color, gradients, and blend modes
• Dust and light leak overlays
• Preset filters by well-known mobile photographers
• Double-exposure tool for blending images
• Layers tool for adding text and artwork
• Price: FREE (subscription fee for premium features)

Afterlight is easy to use despite its comprehensive set of editing tools.

The app offers typical editing tools such as color, exposure, sharpness, and crop tools.

But it also has advanced tools, such as curves and selective color. These allow you to fine-tune the colors and tones in your photos to get the very best out of your images.

The filters and overlays in Afterlight are great for enhancing or changing the mood in your photos. The app has over 130 filters created by well-known mobile photographers.

The customizable text and artwork offer a fun way to add graphics to your images. And the double-exposure tool lets you create unique combinations of blended images.

If you want to get more creative with photo editing, Afterlight is an excellent place to start.

Afterlight is FREE to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to access the full range of editing tools and filters.

Click here to learn how to create unique iPhone photo edits with Afterlight.

7. Mextures

Best For: Adding vintage textures and light leaks to photos

• Grit, grain, grunge, and vintage film textures
• Analog light leaks and beautiful gradients
• Stack and blend effects using layers
• Fine-tune images with editing tools and filters
• Use and create preset “formulas”
• Price: $1.99 (in-app purchases for additional effects)

Mextures is a fantastic app for applying textures to your iPhone photos. It also has a range of other effects including grain, light leaks, and gradients.

You can add wonderful mood and visual interest to your iPhone photos in Mextures. It’s easy to create unique edits by combining and blending different effects.

The app also has filters and editing tools for fine-tuning your image.

If you’re new to Mextures, you can start by using the wide range of preset “formulas” created by other photographers. You can even create and share your own formulas.

Mextures is available for $1.99 on the App Store. It comes with a wide range of effects, but you can purchase even more for a small fee.

Learn how to use Mextures to add wonderful textures to your iPhone photos.

8. Lens Distortions

Best For: Adding sunlight, lens flares, rain, snow, and fog effects

• Add beauty and drama to your shots with natural sunlight and lens flares
• Create atmosphere and drama with rain, snow, or fog
• Frame your subject or blur the edges with elegant glass textures
• Layer several different overlays for unique effects
• Adjust opacity, brightness, and color of each overlay
• Price: FREE (in-app purchases for additional effects)

There are many apps that add light and weather effects to your photos. But Lens Distortions is one of the best.

Its high-quality overlays include sunlight, lens flares, rain, snow, and fog. There are also shimmer effects and glass elements to add sparkle or blur to your image.

For a unique look, you can layer up different effects on your image.

Sliders let you adjust the opacity, brightness, contrast, and color of each overlay. You can make the elements stand out for a bold look, or tone them down so they blend in.

Lens Distortions is available for FREE from the App Store. The app comes with a basic collection of overlays. More effects are available as in-app purchases… and they’re definitely worth it!

9. Superimpose X

Best For: Creating unique digital art by combining and blending images

• Combine two or more photos to create a composite image
• Replace the background of a photo
• Create stunning double-exposure and fantasy-style images
• Blend textures onto an image for an arty look
• Add filters, blur, shadows, and other creative effects
• Variety of masking tools for selecting parts of an image
• Price: $4.99

Superimpose X is the perfect app for combining several photos into a single composite image.

It has a good choice of masking tools for selecting different kinds of subject. You just use your finger to select the area you want to remove.

You can adjust the blend mode and opacity of each layer to control how the images blend together.

Superimpose X has a wide range of tools for editing each layer. You can use filters, shadows, gradients, light effects, and more.

With Superimpose X, the creative possibilities are endless. Your imagination is the only limit!

Superimpose X is available for $4.99 on the App Store.

Click here to discover how to use Superimpose X to blend multiple iPhone photos.

10. Instagram

Best For: Enhancing your images right before you share them

• Good selection of color and black & white filters
• Exposure, color, and sharpening adjustments
• Crop, rotate, straighten, and perspective correction
• Vignette and tilt-shift effects
• Give your photos a final polish before sharing them on Instagram
• Price: FREE

Do you share your photos on Instagram? If so, you definitely shouldn’t overlook the editing tools in this app.

Instagram doesn’t have the same range of editing tools as apps like Snapseed. But if you only want to make basic adjustments, it may be all you need.

It has a good range of color and black and white filters for changing the look and feel of your image.

There’s also a handy set of editing tools. You can adjust exposure, color, and sharpness. There are options to crop, rotate, straighten, and correct perspective. And you can add a vignette or tilt-shift effect.

If you prefer to edit your photos in a different app, you can still apply an Instagram filter just before sharing.

Instagram is available for FREE from the App Store.

Check out our in-depth tutorial on Instagram Photo Editing.

Best Photo Editing Apps: How To Choose The Right Apps For You

You’ve discovered the 10 best photo editing apps… but how do you choose the right apps for you?

Read on and let us help you decide…

If you’re new to photo editing, the best photo editor app is Snapseed. That said, it has a wide range of editing tools, so it’s suitable for more advanced users too.

If you like the idea of using one-tap filters to create classic, understated edits, VSCO is a great choice.

And Carbon is perfect for creating beautiful black and white photos.

For more advanced editing tools, such as selective color and exposure adjustments, try Adobe Lightroom or Afterlight.

TouchRetouch is a great app to have in your collection. Use it whenever you want to remove unwanted objects from your iPhone photos.

Lens Distortions is fantastic for adding realistic sunlight, lens flares, rain, snow, and fog. These effects are great for adding beauty and drama to your landscape photos.

Do you enjoy getting creative with your edits? If so, Afterlight has a good selection of creative tools.

And Mextures is the best photo editing app for adding textures and light leaks.

If you want to create truly unique artwork, including fantasy-style images and double-exposures, try Superimpose X.

Do you share your photos on Instagram? Then why not use its filters and editing tools to give your images a final polish before sharing.

The post The 10 Best Photo Editing Apps For iPhone (2022 Edition) appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

1. iCloud Photos (Settings App)

Best For: Automatically transferring entire iPhone photo library to your other devices

• Automatically copies all your iPhone photos to your other devices
• Access all your images on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows PC
• Store full-resolution images in iCloud to free up space on your phone
• Easy to export iCloud Photos to computer hard drive for additional backup
• iCloud Photos comes as standard on iPhone (no need for third-party photo transfer app)
• 5GB free iCloud storage (more storage from $0.99 a month)

Did you know your iPhone has built-in software for automatically transferring photos to your iPad or computer?

It’s called iCloud Photos.

iCloud Photos lets you store your images in Apple’s secure online iCloud storage. Once your photos are in iCloud, you can easily access them from your other devices.

iCloud Photos is built right into the Settings app on your iPhone. Just go to Settings > Photos, then switch on iCloud Photos.

You can even use the Optimize iPhone Storage option to free up space on your phone.

Once you’ve switched on iCloud Photos, you’ll never have to think about transferring your iPhone photos again!

Your images will be synced across all your iCloud devices… including iPad, Mac, and even Windows PC.

Every time you take a new picture with your iPhone, it gets uploaded to iCloud Photos (as long as you’re on Wi-Fi).

All your iPhone photos will automatically appear in the Photos app on your iPad or Mac.

And they’ll be organized in exactly the same way as they are on your iPhone.

Any changes you make on one device will be reflected on your other devices. So if you delete a photo, it gets deleted from all your devices.

For this reason, you should make a regular backup of your iCloud photos. On a Mac computer, you can easily download photos from iCloud to a folder on the hard drive.

If you have a Windows PC, install iCloud For Windows. Your iPhone photos will then appear in the iCloud folder on your computer.

When you sign up for iCloud, Apple gives you 5GB of free cloud storage.

If you need more space for your photos, you can buy extra iCloud storage. Prices start at $0.99 a month for 50GB.

iCloud Photos doesn’t allow you to control which iPhone photos get transferred. And you should still make an additional photo backup on your computer.

But it’s definitely a great feature to use if you want to access your iPhone photos on your other devices.

2. AirDrop (Photos App)

Best For: Wirelessly transferring iPhone photos to nearby Apple devices

• Wirelessly transfer photos between nearby iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers
• Transfer photos directly from the iPhone’s built-in Photos app
• Quickly download iPhone photos to your Mac’s hard drive
• Copy photos from your Mac to iPhone or iPad
• Easily share your iPhone photos to other people’s Apple devices
• AirDrop comes as standard in the built-in iPhone Photos app

Do you want to transfer a few photos between your iPhone and Mac computer?

Perhaps you want to share your images with someone else who has an iPhone or other Apple device.

In these situations, Apple’s AirDrop feature offers a great photo transfer solution.

AirDrop lets you wirelessly transfer pictures between nearby Apple devices.

That includes iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers – belonging to yourself or other people.

The AirDrop feature comes as standard in the Photos app on your iPhone. So you don’t have to download a dedicated iPhone photo transfer app.

Just ensure you have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched on. Then go to the Photos app and select the images you want to transfer.

When you tap the Share icon at the bottom left, you’ll see any nearby Apple devices in the AirDrop section.

From here, you simply tap the device you want to transfer your photos to.

You can even AirDrop photos from your Mac to other Apple devices.

This makes it easy to transfer photos from your Mac to your iPhone or iPad… or to someone else’s Apple device.

AirDrop offers a quick and easy way to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac – or vice versa.

It’s also a great way to share your photos to other people’s Apple devices (as long as they’re nearby).

3. Simple Transfer App

Best For: Manually backing up your iPhone photos to computer via Wi-Fi

• Wirelessly transfer photos between iPhone, iPad, and computer (Mac or Windows)
• Easy to backup entire iPhone photo library to computer
• Option to automatically delete photos after transfer to free up space on your iPhone
• App is free to download (but only allows transfer of top 50 images in an album)
• Upgrade to Premium version ($9.99) for unlimited transfer of images and additional features

Simple Transfer is a third-party photo transfer app for iPhone, iPad, and computer.

It doesn’t sync your photos automatically between devices like iCloud Photos does. Instead, it gives you manual control over which images get transferred.

And unlike iCloud Photos, images get transferred directly to your computer’s hard drive… rather than into Apple’s cloud storage.

You can choose to back up your entire iPhone photo library to your computer. Or you can import just a selection of images from your iPhone.

You can also use Simple Transfer to copy photos from your computer to your iPhone.

And you can transfer images between iOS devices (iPhone and iPad.)

The Simple Transfer app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows computers.

On your computer, you can install the Simple Transfer desktop app. Or you can use a web browser to access the transfer options.

The Simple Transfer app (or web browser) on your computer lets you select the images you want to download.

You can then choose which folder you want them imported to. And you have the option to delete the photos from your iPhone after downloading.

The Simple Transfer app is free to download. But the free version only lets you transfer the top 50 photos in an album. And it doesn’t support the transfer of Live Photos.

For unlimited photo transfers (including Live Photos), you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium version of the app.

Simple Transfer Premium costs $9.99. This is a one-off payment, and there are no additional fees or subscription charges.

4. Photo Transfer App

Best For: Transferring images to your computer directly from the iPhone Photos app

• Wirelessly transfer photos from iPhone to computer (and vice versa)
• Transfer images directly from the Photos app on your iPhone
• Quickly copy images between iPhone and iPad
• Back up all your iPhone photos to computer using the desktop app
• App is free to download (but only allows limited transfers at medium-resolution)
• Upgrade to Pro version ($6.99) for unlimited transfer of full-resolution images

Photo Transfer App is similar to the Simple Transfer app… but with one major difference:

You can transfer images to your computer directly from the Photos app on your iPhone.

So you don’t have to use the desktop app on your computer to select images for transfer. Instead, you can do it directly from your iPhone.

You still have to use your computer to choose where you want to save the photos. But using your iPhone to select and share the images makes the process more intuitive.

It’s a bit like using AirDrop to transfer images straight from the Photos app on your iPhone.

But unlike AirDrop, the Photo Transfer App isn’t limited to Apple devices. It’s also compatible with Windows computers. So you can transfer photos from iPhone to PC.

You can also copy photos between your iPhone and iPad. And you can easily send your photos to anyone around the world.

Backing up your entire iPhone photo library to your computer is easy with the desktop Photo Transfer App.

The desktop app also lets you transfer photos from computer to iPhone.

One feature missing from this app is support for transferring Live Photos. When a Live Photo downloads to the computer, it gets converted to a still JPEG image.

If you want your Live Photos to appear as video after transferring them, use the Simple Transfer app instead. Or convert your Live Photos to video before you transfer them.

Photo Transfer App is free to download from the App Store.

However, the free version only lets you transfer 10 images. And they’ll be downloaded at a lower resolution (smaller image size).

You’ll also have limited functionality within the desktop Photo Transfer App on your computer.

For unlimited image transfers at full resolution, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version of the app. This also gives you access to the full range of download and backup tools in the desktop app.

Upgrading to the Pro version of Photo Transfer App costs $6.99 (one-off payment).

Pick The Best iPhone Photo Transfer App For You

You’ve discovered 4 easy ways to transfer photos between your iPhone and other devices.

But which is the best photo transfer app for your needs?

Let us help you decide!

iCloud Photos: Automatically Transfer Photos To Your Other Devices

Do you want your iPhone to automatically transfer your entire photo library to your computer or iPad?

If so, switch on iCloud Photos in the Settings app… and you’ll never have to think about transferring your photos again!

You get 5GB of iCloud storage for free. And you can upgrade to more storage for as little a $0.99 a month.

AirDrop: Transfer Photos To Other Apple Devices

Do you want to transfer photos to a nearby Apple device, such as your Mac or a friend’s iPhone?

The simplest option is to use AirDrop in the iPhone’s built-in Photos app.

AirDrop comes as standard in the Photos app on your iPhone. And it’s completely free to use!

Simple Transfer App: Back Up Photos To Your Computer’s Hard Drive

Do you want to back up your iPhone photos directly to your computer’s hard drive?

If so, the Simple Transfer app is a good option.

It’s compatible with Mac and Windows PC. And the desktop app makes it easy to transfer iPhone photos to your computer.

Simple Transfer is free to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium app ($9.99 one-off payment) to get unlimited transfers (including Live Photos).

Photo Transfer App: Transfer Images To Computer From The iPhone Photos App

Photo Transfer App is similar to the Simple Transfer App. But you can also transfer photos directly from the iPhone Photos app.

This functionality is similar to AirDrop. But you get to choose which folder the photos get downloaded to. And you can use it on a Windows PC as well as Apple devices.

You can download Photo Transfer App for free. But you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version ($6.99 one-off payment) to transfer images at full resolution.

The post Discover The Best Photo Transfer App For Transferring iPhone Photos appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

Hitcase iPhone Lenses

Hitcase offers three add-on iPhone camera lenses:

• Macro lens for close-up photography
• Wide lens for wide-angle shots
• SuperWide lens for an ultra-wide fisheye view

The Hitcase lenses feel solid and well-made. The lens body is made from anodized aluminum. And the lens itself is glass – unlike some lower-quality plastic lenses.

Lens elements are anti-reflective and have anti-scratch coatings.

All Hitcase lenses are completely waterproof, dust-proof, and snow-proof.

Each Hitcase iPhone camera lens comes with a front and back lens cap. So when you’re not using your lenses, pop the lens caps on to protect them from damage.

With each iPhone lens, you get a cloth case with integrated lens cloth for cleaning.

There’s also the option to buy a padded case for carrying all three lenses.

Each Hitcase lens cost $39.99. Or you can buy all three lenses with the padded case for $99.99.

How To Attach Hitcase Lenses To Your iPhone

So, how do you attach a Hitcase camera lens to your iPhone?

You can only mount Hitcase lenses onto a Hitcase iPhone case.

There are several case designs – from slimline leather to sturdy waterproof cases.

Each Hitcase iPhone lens has both a built-in magnet as well as a screwthread.

Most of the Hitcase phone cases let you attach the lenses magnetically.

The magnetic mounting system definitely has some benefits. It’s very easy to attach and detach the lenses. And it’s quick to switch between different lenses as you’re shooting.

But the magnetic mount isn’t as secure as the screwthread mount. So you have to be careful not to knock the lens as you’re shooting.

It’s quite easy to dislodge the lens if you knock it. And this can result in it moving to the wrong position or even falling off completely.

For this reason, I’d recommend using the Hitcase PRO case ($99.99). This case has a screwthread lens mount, allowing you to attach your lens very securely.

The PRO case is waterproof, so you can take amazing underwater photos too!

Now, let’s take a look at each of the Hitcase iPhone lenses in more detail…

Macro Lens For Incredible Close-Up Photography

Do you want to take stunning close-up macro photos of flowers, insects, and other small objects?

Then you’ll need the Hitcase Macro lens!

This 3x magnification macro lens lets you focus at very close distances (12-22mm). So you can capture tiny close-up details that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Some iPhone macro lenses suffer from heavy blurring around the edges of the image. But the Hitcase macro lens for iPhone has edge-to-edge clarity. And this results in fantastic image quality.

As with all macro lenses, the depth of field is very shallow. So keep in mind that only a small part of the scene will be in focus from front to back.

I found it easy to achieve sharp focus with the Hitcase macro iPhone lens. And it captured the tiny details and textures of my subjects.

Macro photography opens up a whole new world of creativity.

And the Hitcase macro lens is definitely one of the best lenses for iPhone macro photography. It produces clear and sharp images with fantastic detail.

Wide Lens For Getting More Into The Frame

Do you often struggle to fit everything into your photo?

This can be especially difficult when shooting landscapes, wide-open spaces, or architecture.

If you want to capture a wider field of view with your iPhone camera, the Hitcase Wide lens is perfect.

This wide-angle lens for iPhone allows you to fit twice as much into the frame.

It’s perfect for landscape and travel photography as you can fit more scenery into your photo.

I shot the photo above with the Hitcase Wide lens. For comparison, I took the photo below with the built-in iPhone lens.

As you can see, you can get a lot more into the frame with the add-on Wide lens from Hitcase.

The Wide lens is also ideal for architecture photography as you can get more of the building into the frame.

In the photo above, the Hitcase Wide lens allowed me to get the entire church into my photo.

For comparison, the photo below was shot from the same position without the add-on Wide lens.

Some wide-angle iPhone lenses produce images with very blurry edges. But the Hitcase Wide lens has great clarity.

On some photos, I could see some very slight blurring in the corners. But it’s barely noticeable.

One thing you’ll notice with a wide lens is that straight lines can appear curved.

In the photo below, notice how the sides of the house are curved rather than straight.

This kind of “barrel distortion” is normal when shooting with a wide-angle lens though. The wider the angle, the more distortion you’ll get.

Overall, I was impressed with the Hitcase Wide lens. And I’ll definitely use it whenever I want to get more scenery into my shot.

SuperWide Lens For An Ultra-Wide Field Of View

The Hitcase SuperWide lens allows you to capture an extremely wide field of view.

With this lens, you can fit a huge amount of the scene into your photo.

Ultra-wide lenses produce a “fisheye” effect. This is where the photo appears to bulge out from the middle.

With the Hitcase SuperWide lens, the curving of straight lines is very apparent.

You wouldn’t want this effect for all your shots. But it can definitely produce some interesting and creative results.

While much of the image has excellent clarity, you’ll definitely see a bit of blurring in the corners.

But this is typical of ultra-wide iPhone lenses. And the clarity is much better than other fisheye lenses that I’ve tried in the past.

One problem that you get with a lot of iPhone fisheye lenses is dark vignetting around the edge of the image. But you get hardly any vignette with the Hitcase SuperWide lens.

As you can see from the image above, I got a tiny amount of darkness in the top corners. But you could remove this using either the Crop or Healing tool in an editing app like Snapseed.

You could use the SuperWide lens for landscapes, cityscapes, or building interiors.

It’s also great for team photos and sports photography.

The Hitcase SuperWide lens offers an extremely close minimum focusing distance (16mm). And this allows you to take ultra-wide close-up photos.

You’re unlikely to want this SuperWide lens for everyday photography. But it’s certainly great fun to experiment with!

Hitcase iPhone Camera Lenses: Review Summary

If you’re looking for high-quality, affordable iPhone lenses, Hitcase is a great choice.

Each lens (Macro, Wide, and SuperWide) costs $39.99. Or you can buy the Hitcase Lens Kit containing all three lenses for $99.99.

The Hitcase Macro lens for iPhone is perfect for photographing flowers, insects, and other small subjects. It produces clear and sharp photos at very close distances.

The Hitcase Wide lens allows you to capture more of the scene in a wider-angle shot. It produces great quality photos with little or no blurring around the edges.

The Hitcase SuperWide lens lets you capture an even wider field of view. It does produce some blurring around the edges. But you get barely any of the dark vignetting that’s so common with this type of fisheye lens.

Hitcase are definitely amongst the best lenses for iPhone. And they offer a great range of cases for mounting your lenses onto.

From the slimline CRIO case ($19.99) to the waterproof PRO case ($99.99), you can choose one to suit your needs.

The only downside I could find with the Hitcase lens system was the magnetic mountings.

While it provides an easy way to attach and detatch the lenses, they don’t stay on securely when you’re on the move.

Maybe they’ll offer screwthread mountings on all their cases at some point. But for now, I’d recommend using the PRO case which lets you securely attach the lens with a screwthread.

With this setup, you can even experiment with amazing underwater photography!

The post Review Of Hitcase iPhone Lenses For Macro & Wide-Angle Photography appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

1. Shutterfly

Best iPhone Photo Printing App For Unlimited Free Prints

• Unlimited free 4×4 and 4×6 inch prints
• Free 6×6 inch photo book every month
• Unique photo gifts and greetings cards
• Personalized wedding and baby stationery
• Custom photo products for kids and pets
• Unlimited free photo storage to back up your images
• Daily deals and exclusive in-app offers
• Price: App is FREE to download

Shutterfly is a popular iPhone photo printing app that offers unlimited free prints!

Free prints are available in 4×4 and 6×6 inch sizes. You’ll also get a free 6×6 inch photo book every month. You just pay the shipping costs.

Shutterfly also has larger prints and photo books that you can purchase.

Prints can be as large as 20×30 inches. And there’s a wide range of wall art available. These include poster collages, canvases, and framed prints.

In addition to prints and photo books, Shutterfly offers a selection of personalized print products.

These include photo magnets, greetings cards, calendars, and iPhone cases.

There’s also a great choice of gift options. Check out the personalized mugs, mousemats, bags, pillows, candles, and keepsake boxes.

Simply choose a product, then add your photos and text.

You can also create personalized wedding stationery, birth announcements, and thank you cards. And there’s a huge collection of custom photo products for kids and pets.

Orders are processed in the US, but international shipping is available.

If you’re in the US, you can use the 1-hour pickup service for 4×6 prints. Simply place your order and collect from your local Target, Walgreens, or CVS Pharmacy.

Shutterfly has daily deals and exclusive in-app offers. So there’s always a bargain to be had!

In addition to print products, Shutterfly offers unlimited free photo storage. You can upload photos from your iPhone, ready to access them for your next print project.

This also serves as a good photo backup option as the app promises never to delete your photos.

Download the Shutterfly app from the App Store and order your free prints today!

2. Print Studio

Best iPhone Photo Printing App For Beautiful, High-Quality Prints

• Classic prints in a range of sizes
• Photo books and calendars
• Wood, metal, and framed prints
• Canvas prints and posters
• Greetings cards and postcards
• Magnets and metal ornaments
• Price: App is FREE to download

The Print Studio app offers a beautiful collection of high-quality print products.

The products are less “gimmicky” than many other photo printing apps.

You won’t find printed mugs and keyrings here. Instead, you’ll find classic prints, gorgeous photo books, and stunning wall art.

Prints are available in a range of sizes and finishes.

There are standard-sized prints, photostrips, and poster collages. You can even print wide panoramas and professional large format prints.

Photo books come in a range of sizes with hard or soft covers.

The book designs are classic and understated, placing maximum emphasis on your photos.

If you want to hang your photos around your home, Print Studio has a range of wall art options.

These include wood prints, metal prints, canvas prints, and framed prints.

Printed stationery includes calendars, greetings cards, and postcards.

And you’ll find a number of smaller print items. These include magnets, metal ornaments, fun stickers, and buttons.

If you’re looking for beautiful, high-quality prints, download Print Studio from the App Store.

3. Printastic

Best iPhone Photo Printing App For Creating Customized Photo Books

• Customizable photo books
• 20-200 pages with up to 1800 photos per book
• Classic and retro-style prints
• Framed prints and canvases
• Calendars and magnets
• User-friendly app
• Price: App is FREE to download

The Printastic app is best known for its customizable photo books.

Photo books are a great way to print a collection of your favorite pictures.

They’re perfect for documenting a special occasion. And they make wonderful gifts.

The Printastic app is very easy to use. You can quickly create a beautiful photo book of your favorite iPhone photos.

Printastic offers plenty of options for customizing your photo book.

There are different sizes to choose from, including A4, square, and a giant book measuring 11.8×11.8 inches.

Covers can be hard or soft. And you have a range of cover designs to choose from.

Books can be between 20 and 200 pages – with up to 1800 photos per book.

The layout of each page can be easily customized. You can display photos full-page or have multiple images in a variety of layouts.

Pages can be further customized with text captions, background colors, and stickers.

Printastic also offers a range of other print products.

You can order small prints in either a classic or retro style. And there are larger framed prints and canvases available.

You can also add your photos to calendars and magnets. These can make great Christmas gifts for friends and family.

The Printastic app makes it easy to print pictures from iPhone.

But if you’re unsure how to use a particular feature, there’s a great help facility and video tutorial.

If you want an easy way to preserve your memories in print, download the Printastic app.

4. Snapfish

Best iPhone Photo Printing App For Budget Prints & Gifts

• Competitive prices
• 100 free prints every month
• Prints from as little as $0.09 each
• Posters, canvases, and panoramic prints
• Personalized photo gifts and cards
• Customizable photo books
• Tabletop framed prints and photo blocks
• Price: App is FREE to download

If you want to keep your photo printing costs down, Snapfish is a good option.

The print quality might not be as high as some other print services. But Snapfish prices are very competitive.

And if you sign up now, you’ll get 100 free 6×4 prints every month. You’ll also get some great offers and deals, such as 50% off.

Prints are available in a range of sizes with a glossy or matte finish. Prices start from as little as $0.09 each.

If you want to display your photos in your home, there are several options to choose from.

You can order wide panoramic prints, posters, or canvases. Or choose a tabletop framed print or photo block.

Photo books are available in a range of sizes with hard or soft covers.

And you can customize them with a variety of page layouts and designs.

Snapfish also offers a range of personalized gifts and cards.

Get your photos printed on mugs, coasters, mousemats, keyrings, magnets, or iPhone cases.

You can even create custom cushions and blankets with photos of your choice.

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s definitely worth downloading the Snapfish app. You get a great choice of products, and it won’t break the bank!

5. Walgreens

Best iPhone Photo Printing App For Same Day Pick-Up Of Prints (US Only)

• Same day pickup for a wide range of print products
• Prints available in a variety of sizes
• Photo cards and collages
• Customizable photo books
• Canvases, posters, and framed prints
• Calendars and photo cubes
• Price: App is FREE to download

Would you rather collect your prints instead of waiting for them to arrive in the mail?

If you’re in the US, Walgreens pharmacy offers a speedy same day pick-up service.

Simply download the free Walgreens app and order your prints. Then pick them up on the same day from your local Walgreens store.

Walgreens offers a range of customizable print products.

You can easily print a collection of pictures in a custom photo book or collage layout.

You can create personalized cards using your photos.

And there’s a good selection of wall art options, including canvases, posters, and framed prints.

You can also create calendars and photo cubes featuring your favorite images.

If you’re in the US, this app offers a great way to get your prints as quickly as possible.

Aside from the same day pick-up service, you can also order a range of print products for home delivery. These will typically take 1-5 days to reach you.

Either way, you can download the Walgreens app for free from the App Store.

iPhone Photo Printing Apps: How To Choose The Best App For You

You’ve discovered 5 great iPhone photo printing apps.

But which photo printing app is best for you?

Do you like the idea of unlimited free prints and a free photo book each month?

If so, Shutterfly is the app for you!

For beautiful high-quality prints, try the Print Studio app.

You can create standard prints, wall prints, photo books, calendars, greetings cards, and more.

Do you want an easy way to create a customized photo book?

Download the Printastic app and create a beautiful printed book of your favorite iPhone photos.

Do you want to know how to print photos from iPhone when you’re on a tight budget?

The Snapfish app offers a range of prints and personalized gifts at low prices. You’ll even get 100 free prints every month.

Do you want to get your prints on the same day that you order them?

If you live in the US, you can use the Walgreens app to order prints and collect from the store that day. No more waiting for your prints to arrive in the mail!

The post Discover The 5 Best iPhone Photo Printing Apps appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

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The post The 100 Best iPhone Photos Of 2018 appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

1. Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod: Flexible & Versatile

Best For: Uneven surfaces and wrapping around objects

• Flexible legs bend and wrap around objects
• Compact and lightweight tripod for iPhone
• iPhone can rotate horizontally or vertically
• Universal foldable tripod mount fits any iPhone
• Tripod height: 2.8 – 6 inches
• Weight: 0.15lb (71g)
• $27.08

Review Of Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod

Shooting sharp, shake-free photos is easy with the Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod.

Its bendable legs offer incredible versatility, making it perfect for uneven surfaces. You can even wrap the legs around poles, branches, and railings.

The plastic ball head lets you adjust the angle of your iPhone. You can rotate the ball head 360 degrees, as well as up and down. It’s quite stiff to adjust, but this means your phone won’t wobble around.

You can shoot with your iPhone in horizontal or vertical orientation. But your phone does have to dangle over one side when vertical. As a result, the tripod can topple over if you’re not careful. Adjusting the legs will help to balance it.

The GorillaPod comes with the Joby GripTight ONE universal tripod mount. The mount allows you to attach your phone to the tripod.

The GripTight ONE mount is spring-loaded, allowing you to get your iPhone in and out quickly. It’s compatible with all models of iPhone, including the iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

The mount has rubber pads to protect your phone and keep it in place – even when it’s hanging upside down from a branch! While the grip is quite secure, I find my phone does move slightly if I knock it.

You can remove the mount from the Gorillapod. The mount folds completely flat as shown below.

If you shoot video, push the legs of the Gorillapod together to use them as a hand-held grip. This helps you shoot steadier footage on the move.

The Gorillapod is lightweight but feels very durable. And it’s compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket or small bag when folded down.

There’s actually a range of different Joby Gorillapod tripods available. But if you want a compact iPhone tripod with ultimate flexibility, the GripTight ONE GorillaPod is an excellent choice!

The Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod costs $27.08.

2. UBeesize Smartphone Tripod: Incredible Value For Money

Best For: Photographers on a budget who want a sturdy, flexible tripod

• Flexible legs similar to the Joby GorillaPod
• Easily adjust iPhone from horizontal to vertical orientation
• Universal spring-loaded mount grips any iPhone tightly
• Wireless remote for triggering the camera’s shutter from a distance
• Adapters for mounting digital cameras to the tripod
• Tripod height: 3.1 – 9.8 inches
• Weight: 0.4lb (181g)
• $13.98

Review Of UBeesize Smartphone Tripod

Are you’re looking for a low-priced tripod that offers excellent value for money?

You can’t go wrong with the UBeesize Smartphone Tripod!

Its flexible legs can bend and wrap around objects. The legs have a foam coating, so they may not be as durable as the GorillaPod. But they’re definitely strong and sturdy.

The UBeesize is 4 inches taller than the Gorillapod, giving your camera some extra height when shooting. To shoot from a lower angle, bend the legs to reduce the height of the tripod.

The ball head allows for 360-degree rotation and switching between horizontal and vertical orientation.

This tripod comes with a sturdy spring-loaded universal mount. It grips my iPhone very securely, with no chance of it falling out.

The UBeesize also includes some extra iPhone photography accessories. You get a Bluetooth remote shutter which lets you take pictures without having to touch your phone.

This is perfect for capturing self-portraits or group shots where you want to appear in the photo. It also means you won’t introduce camera shake as you don’t have to touch the phone.

You also get a couple of screw-thread adapters for attaching digital cameras to the tripod. The UBeesize is unlikely to hold the weight of a large DSLR, but it’s strong enough to take a compact camera.

For less than $14, the UBeesize offers incredible value for money. And it doesn’t look or feel like a cheap product.

I really can’t fault this tripod!

It’s functional, sturdy, and flexible. And the remote shutter is an added bonus that most other tripods don’t offer.

If you’re looking for a great iPhone tripod at a budget price, the UBeesize is the best option out there.

You can buy the UBeesize Smartphone Tripod with remote shutter for $13.98.

3. Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand: Ultra-Compact & Lightweight

Best For: Portability and shooting from low angles

• Ultra-compact tripod for iPhone
• Portable design folds flat to easily fit in your pocket
• Aluminum ball head for precise angle control
• Universal foldable mount fits any iPhone
• Tripod height: 1 inch
• Weight: 0.1lb (46g)
• $19.99

Review Of Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand

Does the idea of carrying a tripod put you off using one? If so, the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand is for you!

This super-compact, pocket-sized tripod is extremely small – especially when folded down.

Despite its tiny size, the Joby Micro Stand is very stable.

It works best on a tabletop or other flat surface. But its rubber feet allow it to grip quite well to uneven surfaces, such as the rock in the example below. You can adjust the position of the legs for increased stability.

Due to its super-low profile, the GripTight Micro Stand is excellent for capturing low angle shots from ground level.

The aluminum ball head lets you precisely control the angle of your phone. You can easily rotate the ball head 360 degrees, as well as tilt it up or down. Just be careful not to tilt your phone too far down as it might topple over – especially if you have one of the larger iPhones.

Because of its small size, you can only mount your iPhone horizontally.

The Micro Stand comes with the same universal foldable mount that you get with the Joby Gorillapod.

The mount and tripod fold down completely flat when not in use. You can keep the mount attached to the stand when folded, or separate them into two parts.

If you want an ultra-compact tripod, you can’t get better than the Joby Micro Stand. You can carry it in your pocket, safe in the knowledge that you’ll always have a tripod when you need one!

You can buy the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand for $19.99.

4. Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod: Strong & Sturdy

Best For: Keeping your iPhone camera rock-steady

• Mini tripod with strong, sturdy legs
• Strong enough to hold an iPhone, compact camera, or DSLR
• Ball head automatically locks to keep your camera in position
• Universal spring-loaded tripod mount grips iPhone tightly
• Tripod height: 5.3 inches
• Weight: 0.4lb (190g)
• $34.99

Review Of Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod

Manfrotto has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality tripods. And the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod is no exception.

Its sturdy legs are strong enough to hold an entry-level DSLR (up to 2.2lb/1kg). Yet its compact size makes it perfect for mobile photography.

It’s heavier than many other iPhone tripods, but that’s to be expected with a solid piece of kit like this.

The ball head allows for 360-degree rotation, as well as tilting your iPhone up or down. Unfortunately, it doesn’t tilt enough to position your phone vertically.

The push-button mechanism lets you easily position and lock the ball head. Once you’ve set the angle, the ball head locks into place to prevent it from moving.

The legs on this tripod only extend to one position, giving it a height of 5.3 inches. It works best on flat surfaces, as you can’t adjust the height of the legs individually.

When the tripod legs are closed, you can use the PIXI as a grip for shooting smoother video footage.

You can buy the Manfrotto PIXI with or without a tripod mount. If you already own a tripod mount, you can just purchase the tripod on its own.

The Manfrotto mount is spring-loaded and fits all models of iPhone.

The mount feels more secure than the Joby GripTight mount. I’d highly recommend the Manfrotto iPhone tripod mount. It has excellent grip, keeping your iPhone safe and secure when shooting hands-free.

If you want a high-quality, sturdy mini tripod for iPhone, the Manfrotto PIXI is a great choice.

You can buy the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod with universal smartphone mount for $34.99.

If you already have an iPhone tripod mount, you can buy the Manfrotto PIXI tripod on its own for $17.24.

5. Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod: Lightweight Full-Size Tripod

Best For: Ultimate choice over shooting height and angle

• Full-size tripod with extendable legs
• Compact, lightweight, and portable
• Adjustable ball head allows for horizontal and vertical iPhone position
• Padded shoulder bag for comfortable carrying
• Suitable for use with iPhone or digital camera
• Tripod height: 15.7 – 51.6 inches
• Weight: 1.75lb (800g)
• $59.54

Review Of Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod

Mini iPhone tripods are perfect for carrying around. But their small size limits your shooting options. You have to shoot from a low angle or find somewhere high up to position the tripod.

If you want to shoot from standing height, you’ll need a full-size tripod.

A full-size tripod is bulkier to carry around. But the Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod is one of the lightest full-size tripods available. And it comes with a padded shoulder bag for comfortable carrying.

The legs extend from 15.7 to 51.6 inches. It’s quick and easy to adjust the legs. And it feels very stable at all heights.

The ball head action is smooth, allowing for 360-degree rotation and tilting up or down. You can quickly switch your iPhone from horizontal to vertical without the tripod toppling over.

Do you also own a compact camera or entry-level DSLR? This tripod holds a maximum weight of 3.3lb (1.5kg). So it’s perfect for these cameras too.

The Manfrotto Compact Light is available with or without an iPhone tripod mount.

If you’d prefer to buy a different mount, check out our review of the best iPhone tripod mounts.

Even if you own a mini tripod, a full-size tripod can be a great addition to your photography toolkit.

It gives you more choice over shooting height and angle. And your tripod will remain perfectly stable when you tilt your iPhone.

This full-size tripod will help you capture stunning shake-free shots in any situation.

Use it for long exposure photography, or when you want to shoot at night or in low light. It’s also perfect for landscape photography, still life photography, macro photography, and portrait photography.

You can buy the Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod for $59.54.

If you want the tripod with Manfrotto mount included, the cost is $59.99.

How To Pick The Best iPhone Tripod For You

You’ve discovered five fantastic tripods.

But which is the best iPhone tripod for you?

Read on, and let us help you pick the best iPhone tripod for your needs.

Best Flexible iPhone Tripod: Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod

Price: $27.08

Do you often shoot in locations where there isn’t a flat surface to place a tripod?

Do you want a flexible tripod that you can set up anywhere?

The Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod is a great solution. It has flexible legs that are perfect for uneven surfaces and wrapping around objects.

Click here to buy the Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod for $27.08.

Best Budget iPhone Tripod: UBeesize Smartphone Tripod

Price: $13.98

Are you on a tight budget?

The UBeesize Smartphone Tripod offers incredible value for money.

Despite its low price, this is a sturdy and flexible tripod. It has bendable legs like the Joby GorillaPod. But it’s 4 inches taller which gives you some extra shooting height.

The mount grips your iPhone tightly, and it’s easy to switch from horizontal to portrait orientation. The remote shutter release is an amazing added bonus!

Click here to buy the UBeesize Smartphone Tripod for $13.98.

Best Compact iPhone Tripod: Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand

Price: $19.99

Are you looking for a super-compact and portable tripod that easily fits in your pocket?

You won’t get smaller and sleeker than the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand!

You can fold it completely flat when not in use. And at just 1 inch tall, you can capture ultra-low angle shots with your iPhone.

Click here to buy the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand for $19.99.

Best Sturdy iPhone Tripod: Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod

Price: $34.99

Is strong and sturdy your priority?

The Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod has wide legs and great build quality, providing a stable base for your iPhone. It’s even suitable for larger digital cameras.

The PIXI lacks the flexibility of the GorillaPod and UBeesize, but it keeps your iPhone rock-steady. The Manfrotto mount has excellent grip, ensuring your phone is safe and secure.

Click here to buy the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod and iPhone Mount for $34.99.

Or click here to purchase the Manfrotto PIXI without the mount for $17.24

Best Full-Size iPhone Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod

Price: $59.54

Would you prefer a full-size tripod for ultimate choice over shooting height?

The Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod has extendable legs, with a maximum height of 51.6 inches.

While it’s heavier than mini iPhone tripods, it offers a more professional approach to tripod photography.

Compared to other full-size tripods, this one is lightweight and portable. When folded down it measures just 15.7 inches, so it’s easy to carry around.

Click here to buy the Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod for $59.54.

Or click here to buy the Manfrotto Compact Light with additional iPhone tripod mount for $59.99.

The post Discover The Best iPhone Tripod For You & Your Photography appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

1. FaceTune 2

Best For: Quickly blurring the background in photos of people

• A portrait editing app with a simple background blur tool
• Blurs background with the tap of a button
• Option to manually select or deselect your subject
• Blur slider for changing blur strength
• Price: FREE (with an in-app subscription)

Do you want to quickly blur the background of your portrait photos? If so, then you should check out FaceTune 2.

FaceTune is a general purpose portrait editing app. And it includes amazingly powerful tools—including the Defocus tool for blurring backgrounds.

With a single tap, the Defocus tool will blur the background of your photo. But your portrait subject will remain tack sharp.

If you’re not happy with the background blur, that’s okay. You can always use the app’s more precise blur tool to erase parts of the blur. Or you can use your finger to add blur directly to the photo.

This is great for photos with complex edges—like the hair in the portrait below.

Do you want to know one last great feature of the FaceTune app? You can change the strength of the blur. That way, you create the most natural looking blur possible.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to blur the background of your portrait photos, then get FaceTune 2.

FaceTune 2 is available for FREE (with an in-app subscription option) from the App Store.

2. FabFocus

Best For: Blurring the background in headshot portrait photos

• Dedicated blurring app for portraits
• Facial recognition technology accurately detects faces and blurs backgrounds
• Manual selection tool lets you fine-tune blur
• In-app camera for taking headshot photos before blurring
• Price: $3.99

FabFocus is a dedicated background blur app. It’s designed to create a beautiful background blur on headshots, and it does exactly that.

As soon as you upload a headshot, FabFocus will recognize the subject—and spit out a quality photo. Notice the subtle background blur in the photo below.

The FabFocus app also provides a set of tools for fine-tuning the blur effect. For instance, you can use the blur tool to carefully blur around your subject. And you can use the eraser tool to remove any unwanted blur.

You can also adjust the intensity of the blur. Feel free to play around with this. FabFocus allows you to undo your last adjustment if you make a mistake.

FabFocus is a great app for creating professional-looking headshots.

You can get FabFocus from the App Store for $3.99.

3. AfterFocus

Best For: Blurring the background behind subjects with complex edges

• Precise photo blur app
• Includes both smart and manual selection tools for custom blurring
• Creates a gradual, realistic blur with foreground, midground, and background selection
• Modify strength of the blur
• Multiple effects for creative blurring
• Price: $0.99

So far, we’ve discussed apps that blur simple portrait subjects. But what if you want to blur other subjects? And what if they have more complex edges?

There’s no need to worry. Because AfterFocus is a dedicated blur app—and it allows you to blur any type of subject.

The app offers powerful tools with impressive effects. You can easily create a realistic background blur in your photos.

For an example, look at the beautiful blur in the photo below.

How does AfterFocus do this?

AfterFocus allows you to select a foreground, midground, and background. It then takes these features into account when blurring behind your subject.

Why is this useful?

When you select a foreground, midground, and background, AfterFocus is able to apply a more gradual blur. That is, AfterFocus creates a blur that increases as you go farther behind the subject. This makes for a more natural effect.

In fact, AfterFocus creates the type of blur you’d get from a high-end camera.

Do you want to blur subjects with complex edges? Do you want a high-quality effect? Then get AfterFocus.

AfterFocus is available from the App Store for just $0.99.

4. Tadaa SLR

Best For: Creating precise, DSLR-like background blur

• Selective, customizable blurring
• Edge-detection technology for improved blur accuracy
• Customizable blur effects
• Tools for creating artistic tilt-shift effects
• Price: $3.99

You want to create beautiful background blur. Why should you choose Tadaa SLR?

Tadaa’s background blur is artistic, realistic, and high-quality. This little app packs a lot of punch.

Tadaa offers background blur for any subject. Blurring is done by painting on the subject with your finger. You can later modify the strength and quality of the blur.

For example, I’ve begun to paint the subject in the photo below. Everything outside the paint will be blurred.

Additionally, Tadaa’s edge detection technology works very well. It successfully deals with difficult edges.

And you can zoom in for extremely precise blurring.

Tadaa also offers several creative blur options. For instance, you can use the linear blur effect to create stunning tilt-shift photos. This creates a single line of focus that runs through the photo.

I’ve applied a linear blur to the photo below.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to Tadaa.

The app is complex.

The interface isn’t intuitive and the tools aren’t easy to use. It takes a bit of patient fiddling before you start to see results.

For those looking for a quick edit, look elsewhere. But for those looking for a precise blur effect, Tadaa may be the answer.

Tadaa SLR is available from the App Store for $3.99.

5. Snapseed

Best For: Applying a creative background blur to any type of photo

• Full-fledged photo editing app with fantastic Lens Blur tool
• Radial and linear blurring for all photos
• Adjust blur size
• Add creative tilt-shift effects
• Price: FREE

You’ve probably heard of Snapseed. It’s a popular, general-purpose photo editing app.

But did you know that Snapseed offers an amazing background blur tool?

It’s called Lens Blur. It can be accessed via the Tools menu. And as soon as you start to use it, you’ll know you’ve found something special.

First of all, the Lens Blur tool is extremely intuitive. You can change the blur shape and size by pinching your fingers. You can change the blur placement by dragging along the screen.

And unlike most other apps on the list, Snapseed offers more than a basic blur. You can get creative with the Lens Blur tool. For instance, you can create stunning tilt-shift effects.

You can also create a blurred vignette. A blurred vignette is a circular blur around the subject. It ensures that the main part of the scene is sharp, and the edges of your photo are blurred.

Do you want to know the one drawback to the Snapseed Lens Blur tool?

It’s not selective. You can’t carefully blur the background of an image.

Notice how the hair in the photo below is slightly blurred.

While it’s possible to create a selective blur with Masking effects, this requires a more intensive editing process.

On the other hand, you can use Snapseed’s Lens Blur for some powerful creative edits.

If you’re looking for a blur tool that combines simplicity and creativity, look no further than Snapseed.

Snapseed can be downloaded for FREE from the App Store.

6. iPhone Camera Portrait Mode

Best For: Blurring backgrounds at the time of shooting

• Conveniently blurs the background when a photo is taken
• Powerful, consistent background blur
• Newer iPhones allow you to change blur strength
• A mode in the native Camera app
• No apps or purchases required
• Works on iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
• Price: FREE

Do you want to blur the background of your iPhone photos…without ever having to purchase a dedicated background blur app?

Portrait mode will let you do exactly that.

You can use Portrait mode to blur your iPhone photos—when you take a picture!

Then, when you view the image in your photo library, you’ll see the final, high-quality product. Portrait mode works best on people portraits.

Notice how precisely the background is blurred in the photo below.

It’s important to note that Portrait mode only works on the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. If you don’t have one of these iPhones, then you’ll need to use a blur background app.

However, if you do have one of these iPhones, you’re in for a treat.

Why is this?

Portrait mode is accurate.

Portrait mode is powerful.

And Portrait mode doesn’t stop with high-quality background blur.

Do you have the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max? If so, you have access to Apple’s new Depth Control feature. This allows you to change the amount of background blur applied to your photo.

With Depth Control, you can take stunning, jaw-dropping photos—photos that pop off the screen.

To sum up: Portrait mode is great for getting quick, professional-looking background blur. It’s all done at the time of shooting. No editing is required!

Portrait mode is available for FREE on the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max.

7. How To Choose The Best Blur Background App For You

You’ve discovered the six best background blur apps. All provide powerful blurring effects.

But which should you choose?

If you’re looking to blur portrait backgrounds while shooting, and you have the iPhone 7 Plus, 8 Plus, or newer, use Portrait mode. The blur is high-quality. And you don’t ever have to leave the Camera app.

What if you want to blur a portrait you’ve already taken? Download FaceTune 2 and get the beautiful background blur you’re looking for.

On the other hand, FabFocus is another solid app to blur background. It’s a good choice for quickly adding background blur to portrait headshots.

Do you have a more complex photo? Do you have a photo where you must control the fore, middle, and background?

AfterFocus will give you the control you’re looking for.

Do you need extremely precise background blur? Tadaa SLR has a wonderful blur tool for careful blurring.

Finally, are you looking to apply a more creative blur? Use Snapseed’s tools to add an artistic look to your photo.

The post Discover The Best Blur Background App For Blurring Your iPhone Photos appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

Table Of Contents: iPhone XS Vs iPhone XS Max Camera

Click any title link below to go straight to that section of the article:

iPhone XS, XS Max & XR Camera Features
Single vs Dual-Lens
Advanced Portrait Mode With Depth Control
Smart HDR
Front-Facing Camera With Depth Control
Improved Video Quality
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max Camera: Pick The Best iPhone Camera For You
iPhone XS Camera
iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max Camera
iPhone XS vs iPhone XR Camera
iPhone XS vs iPhone X Camera
Is It Worth Upgrading From Your Current iPhone?

iPhone XS, XS Max & XR Camera Features

The three new iPhone models launched in September 2018 are: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. “X” is the Roman numeral, pronounced “ten.”

iPhone XS: 5.8-inch display. Dual-lens 12MP camera with optical image stabilization.

iPhone XS Max: 6.5-inch display. Dual-lens 12MP camera with optical image stabilization.

iPhone XR: 6.1-inch display. Single-lens 12MP camera with optical image stabilization.

The iPhone XS and XS Max have identical dual-lens cameras (shown below). And there are some great new features to discover in the Camera app.

The XR camera (shown below) only has a single wide angle lens. But it offers a similar amount of creative control to the iPhone XS and XS Max.

One of the most exciting new iPhone camera features is the advanced Portrait mode. This updated feature now lets you adjust the depth of field in your photos. This means you can control how blurred the background appears.

Another new feature is Smart HDR. This allows you to capture stunning HDR photos of moving subjects.

Neither of these options have been available on previous iPhones. But these features come as standard on the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.

All three iPhones feature an edge-to-edge display. This provides maximum screen space for your photos. And they all continue to offer fantastic camera features such as Live Photos, Pano Mode, Time Lapse, Slo-Mo and Burst Mode.

It’s also worth mentioning that all three iPhones are water resistant for up to 30 minutes. So you can shoot out in the rain, capture stunning puddle reflections, and take beautiful photos of water, without worrying that your phone will be damaged if it gets wet.

To compare the full specifications of the iPhone XS vs iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max camera, click here to visit the Apple website.

Now, let’s take a detailed look at the camera features on the new 2018 iPhones… and how they can help you take amazing iPhone photos.

Single vs Dual-Lens

The iPhone XR camera has a single rear-facing wide angle lens. But the iPhone XS and XS Max have two rear-facing lenses – just like the iPhone 8 Plus camera, iPhone X, and iPhone 7 Plus. This dual-lens system consists of a wide angle lens and a 2x telephoto lens.

The wide angle lens is perfect for landscape photography, cityscapes, and architecture.

The telephoto lens lets you take high quality zoomed in photos without using digital zoom. Digital zoom isn’t recommended as it reduces the quality of your image.

A telephoto lens is also perfect for portrait photography. It avoids the unflattering distortion created by a wide angle lens.

On the iPhone XS and XS Max, the wide angle and telephoto lenses work together to create a depth effect. The camera uses software to analyze the image and create a shallow depth of field. The result is a picture with a sharp subject against a beautiful blurred background.

In the past, iPhones with a single wide angle lens didn’t have this depth effect feature. But with the new iPhone XR, you can create a shallow depth of field – even with its single lens.

The depth effect results will be similar on the iPhone XR and XS models. But the quality of the bokeh (background blur) is likely to be superior on the XS iPhones.

All new iPhone models have optical image stabilization on their rear-facing lenses. This minimizes blurring caused by unsteady hands. And it helps you capture better quality photos in low light.

Advanced Portrait Mode With Depth Control

All dual-lens iPhones, including the iPhone X, 8 Plus and 7 Plus, have a Portrait shooting mode in the Camera app.

Portrait mode lets you create beautiful blurred backgrounds in your iPhone photos. It’s perfect for shooting professional-looking portrait photos with a shallow depth of field.

Portrait mode is now available on all three 2018 iPhones – including the single lens iPhone XR. And it has some new advanced features that offer amazing control over depth of field.

Apple has been working on improving the quality of the background blur in Portrait mode. But the most exciting advancement with these new iPhones is that you can adjust the depth of field. This means you can control how blurry the background appears.

This is a major breakthrough that gives you DSLR-like control over your iPhone camera. And the best thing about it is that you can change the depth of field after taking your photo.

When you’ve taken a picture using Portrait mode, open it in the Photos app, and tap Edit. The Depth slider lets you adjust the depth of field, from f/1.4 to f/16.

The f/numbers relate to the aperture value which controls depth of field in a photo. f/1.4 creates a very blurred background, while f/16 has more of the background in focus.

The Portrait Lighting feature available on the iPhone X camera and iPhone 8 Plus camera, is available on all three new iPhones. Portrait Lighting lets you apply different light effects to your photos. Options include natural, studio and stage light.

The great thing about Portrait mode is that it’s non-destructive. If you don’t like the shallow depth of field effect, you can remove or adjust it after you’ve taken the photo. You can also change or remove the Portrait Lighting effects at any time.

Smart HDR

HDR (High Dynamic Range) has been available in the iPhone Camera app for several years. It allows you to create more balanced exposures with detail in both shadows and highlights.

HDR works by capturing three images at different exposures. It then combines them into a single well lit photo.

The HDR feature generally works well, but it struggles to deal with moving subjects. Any movement in the scene results in a “ghosting” effect. This is because the position of the subject doesn’t match up when the three images are merged.

But the Smart HDR feature on the iPhone XS and XR models takes HDR photography to a whole new level.

Smart HDR allows you to capture stunning HDR photos of moving subjects. The subject will appear sharp, with no ghosting effect. And the image will be well lit throughout, with detail and color in the shadows and highlights.

This new feature works by taking many photos at different exposures. The camera’s software analyzes the images and creates a seamlessly blended HDR photo.

Front-Facing Camera With Depth Control

All three iPhones have a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera. You can use Portrait mode with the front-facing camera to create a shallow depth field.

So you can shoot self-portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds and different lighting effects. The advanced Depth Control feature lets you adjust the depth of field after you’ve taken a photo.

The front-facing camera is capable of facial recognition. Since the Home button has been removed to make way for the edge-to-edge screens, Face ID now replaces Touch ID.

Improved Video Quality

The new faster image sensor allows you to shoot better quality videos on the iPhone XS and XR models. You can capture amazing color and detail, even in low light.

And the iPhone XS models have four microphones, allowing you to record stereo sound.

iPhone XR vs iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max Camera: Pick The Best iPhone Camera For You

So, you’ve discovered the features of the iPhone XR camera, iPhone XS camera, and iPhone XS Max camera. But perhaps you’re still not sure which iPhone is best for you.

Let’s recap the main iPhone camera features of each new model, so you can make the right decision based on your photography needs.

iPhone XS Camera

The iPhone XS has a 12-megapixel dual-lens camera. This consists of a wide angle lens and 2x telephoto lens. Both lenses have optical image stabilization. This makes it easier to capture shake-free photos in low light.

The wide angle lens is perfect for shooting landscapes and other wide open scenes. The telephoto lens lets you take high quality zoomed in photos. And it’s great for portrait photography as it avoids the wide angle lens distortion.

The dual-lens on the iPhone XS allows the camera to create stunning bokeh (background blur). The new Depth Control lets you adjust depth of field after taking a photo in Portrait mode. You’ll also have access to a range of Portrait Lighting effects.

The TrueDepth front-facing camera also has depth effect capability. This allows you to control the depth of field for self-portrait photos.

The new Smart HDR feature allows you to create stunning HDR photos of moving subjects. Use it to capture more color and detail in both the shadows and highlights, while freezing the movement of your subject.

The iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge display. This is the smallest of the new iPhones, so it’s perfect if you like a compact device.

Compared to the iPhone X, this phone offers up to 30 minutes more battery life each day.

iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max Camera

The iPhone XS Max camera is identical to the iPhone XS camera. The only difference between these two iPhones is their size.

So if you prefer a larger screen, go for the iPhone XS Max. Its 6.5-inch edge-to-edge screen is incredible for shooting and viewing photos!

The iPhone XS Max has the biggest screen of any iPhone ever produced. Yet its body is smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus. This is because of the edge-to-edge screen, making the most of the available space.

Compared to the iPhone X, the XS Max offers up to 1.5 hours more battery life each day.

iPhone XS vs iPhone XR Camera

The iPhone XR has a single-lens camera, rather than the dual-lens found on the XS models. It has the same 12-megapixel wide angle lens with optical image stabilization. But it doesn’t have the telephoto lens for zooming in on your subject.

Previous single-lens iPhones don’t have Portrait mode in the Camera app. But the iPhone XR is different. The XR uses software to create a depth effect. This means you can use Portrait mode to blur the background in your photos.

You can use Portrait mode on both the rear and front-facing cameras. And just like the iPhone XS models, you can adjust depth of field after taking a photo. You also have access to Portrait Lighting settings.

This is an incredible advancement in single-lens iPhone cameras. But keep in mind that the background blur isn’t likely to be of the same quality as you get on the XS models.

The new Smart HDR feature is also available in the Camera app of the iPhone XR.

The iPhone XR has a 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display. It’s larger than the iPhone XS, but smaller than the XS Max.

Compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, the iPhone XR offers up to 1.5 hours more battery life each day.

So, to ask the big question: iPhone XS vs iPhone XR camera. Which is the winner?

The iPhone XR is more affordable than the XS models. So if you’re on a budget, and you’re not bothered about having the telephoto lens, this iPhone is a perfectly good option.

You’ll be able to take stunning photos with great detail, and you’ll have the option to control depth of field.

However, if you enjoy portrait photography or creating blurry backgrounds in your photos, the iPhone XS or XS Max would be a better option.

iPhone XS vs iPhone X Camera

The iPhone X has Portrait mode and a telephoto lens. However, it doesn’t have Smart HDR. It doesn’t have advanced Portrait mode with Depth Control. In both of these ways, the iPhone X just can’t compare to the iPhone XS.

Also, Apple announced the discontinuation of the iPhone X. This means that the iPhone X will no longer be sold by Apple. While you can still purchase it from other retailers, why not go for one of the new iPhones instead?

Is It Worth Upgrading From Your Current iPhone?

All of these new iPhones have incredible cameras. But is it really worth upgrading from your current device? Well that depends which iPhone you currently own.

If you have the iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, or earlier, you’ll be blown away by all three of the new iPhones.

The ability to control depth of field will take your iPhone photography to a whole new level. And the Smart HDR feature makes it much easier to capture perfectly exposed action shots. And if you upgrade to one of the XS iPhones, you’ll be able to zoom in on your subject with the telephoto lens.

If you have the iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone 7 Plus, you’ll already have dual-lens functionality and Portrait mode. So is it worth upgrading?

You probably wouldn’t want to upgrade to the iPhone XR from these phones, as you’ll lose your telephoto lens. But if you shoot a lot in Portrait mode, the Depth Control feature definitely makes it worth upgrading to the iPhone XS or XS Max.

And if you enjoy taking action shots, the Smart HDR feature can help you capture better photos with more detail.

When comparing the iPhone XS vs iPhone X camera, the iPhone XS wins out.

The post Compare The New Features Of iPhone XS Vs iPhone XS Max Camera appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

Would you like to compare the cameras on new 2019 iPhones? Click here to discover the amazing new iPhone 11 camera features.

Or click here to see a comparison of 2018 iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max cameras.

Single vs Dual Lens

All three iPhones have a 12MP camera behind each of their rear-facing lenses.

The iPhone 8 camera has a single wide angle lens. But, like the iPhone 7 Plus, the iPhone 8 Plus camera and the iPhone X camera have two rear-facing lenses. One lens is the standard wide angle lens. The other is a 2X telephoto lens which allows you to capture high-quality zoomed-in images without resorting to digital zoom.

The 2X telephoto lens on the iPhone X has a slightly larger aperture than the same lens on the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus. A larger aperture lets in more light allowing the camera to capture better quality images in low light conditions.

The front-facing “selfie” camera on all three models is 7MP with Retina Flash (the iPhone’s screen is used to illuminate the subject). The iPhone X has a better “TrueDepth” front camera which offers the Portrait Lighting effect and makes facial recognition possible.

Optical Image Stabilization

For photographers, the biggest difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X in terms of its dual lenses is that the iPhone X has Optical Image Stabilization on both rear-facing lenses – whereas the iPhone 8 Plus only has it on the wide-angle lens.

Optical Image Stabilization minimizes blurring caused by unsteady hands – and helps you get better shots in low light.

This is especially important for the 2X telephoto lens on the iPhone X. This is because any shaking or movement of the iPhone is exaggerated – potentially making the blurring twice as bad!

Portrait Mode

Since the launch of the iPhone 7, all dual lens iPhones have provided a powerful Portrait Mode which simulates the beautiful, shallow depth of field effect more commonly produced by expensive digital SLR cameras. This mode allows you to create beautiful blurred backgrounds in your iPhone photos.

When you switch to Portrait mode you’ll notice the subject suddenly becomes larger on the iPhone’s screen. That’s because the camera has automatically switched to the 2X telephoto lens. This happens for two reasons. Firstly, a telephoto lens creates a more flattering portrait with none of the undesirable distortion you often get with the wide-angle lens. Secondly, the wide-angle lens has to capture all the depth information about the scene.

The camera’s Image Signal Process (ISP) uses this depth information to apply a blur effect to everything that shouldn’t be in focus, in proportion to its distance from the camera, creating stunning photos with a shallow depth of field.

Portrait Mode is a bit fussy – it doesn’t work well with all types of subject, or in very low light and it insists that you are far enough away from your subject – i.e. at least 19 inches.

Another amazing feature of Portrait Mode is that it is non-destructive. If you don’t like the effect you can remove or change it after you’ve taken the photo.

Portrait Lighting Effects

The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X provide a brand new feature – Portrait Lighting. This feature artificially adjusts how much light falls on different parts of the portrait.

The lighting effects offered are:

• Natural Light – no additional lighting effect added
• Studio Light – the face is made slightly brighter
• Contour Light – shadows are cast on the face to create more contrast
• Stage Light – drastically darkens the background
• Stage Light Mono – same as Stage Light but black and white

You may or may not find the lighting effects a little too strong for your tastes – especially the two Stage Light effects. It’s a shame Apple didn’t make the effect adjustable so you could dial-in the effect strength you want – as without this ability it feels like a bit of a gimmick. Hopefully it’ll develop into something even more remarkable.

As with the Portrait Mode’s shallow depth of field effect, the Portrait Lighting effects are also non-destructive. This means you can remove or change the effect after you’ve taken the photo.

TrueDepth “Selfie” Camera

Unique to the iPhone X, the front “selfie” camera simulates the rear lens’ shallow depth of field effect. Amazingly it achieves this with just the one lens. The Portrait Lighting effects are available too. The results aren’t quite as good as those of the rear dual lenses, but they’re not bad!

Slow Sync Flash

In most situations using a camera’s flash is usually a bad idea. When used on close-up subjects you can get harsh shadows, shiny faces, and even startled subjects! And because the camera flash tends to be too weak to reach very far, the background is usually pitch black – giving no context to your subject.

Apple has introduced a tried-and-tested solution to this problem that the pros have been using for decades. It’s called Slow Sync Flash and it’s commonly found on regular cameras.

It works by using a slower shutter speed – leaving the shutter open for longer than the flash is putting out light. This lets the camera capture your subject illuminated by the flash light, but also allows time for the camera to capture more light from the scene, making the background more visible.

Slow Sync Flash doesn’t put out as much light as usual, which is less startling for your subject, and less likely to create a harsh light on your subject’s face.

Annoyingly, in the native camera app you can’t choose when it will use Slow Synch Flash – it does it automatically. Third-party camera apps may offer the ability to toggle Slow Sync Flash in the near future.

It’s not perfect – your subject needs to remain fairly still to avoid blurring due to the slower shutter speed – but it’s a huge improvement.

Body Size & Weight

The iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus are ever so slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, but you’d be hard pushed to tell them apart.

The iPhone X sits in between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in terms of size and weight – but is slightly thicker than both.

All three iPhones are rated IP67 – “splash, dust, and water resistant” – under IEC standard 60529. The “IP” in IP67 means “Ingress Protection”. The “6” in IP67 relates to dust and the “7” relates to liquids. Theoretically, the IP67 rating means all three iPhones should be able to survive being submerged in water up to 3’ 3” deep for up to 30 minutes. However, I’ve not found that claim being made on Apple’s own website.

Where recent iPhones had an aluminum body material the three new models have a glass back. This is primarily to allow wireless charging, but another benefit is that it makes the iPhone much less slippery in the hand. On the downside, the glass makes the iPhone a little heavier.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are available in Gold, Silver, or Space Gray. The iPhone X is only available in Space Gray or Silver.

Screen Size

On an iPhone, your screen is your camera’s viewfinder, as well as where you check to see if you’re happy with your photos. So, any improvements to the already excellent iPhone screen will always be welcomed by the photographer.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus displays seem to be identical to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus respectively. However, the iPhone X, despite having a smaller body than either the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus, gets the largest screen – at 5.8” (diagonally). This is due to the near edge-to-edge design which means much more of the iPhone X’s surface is used as the display.

In use, the larger screen looks and feels amazing. It’s not so apparent in the camera app itself, but when reviewing your photos or watching videos the results speak for themselves.

Faster Processor

All three iPhone models share the same “brains”: the A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture, M11 motion coprocessor. Suffice to say, this is the latest and greatest from Apple.

Home Button

Are you sitting down? The iPhone X doesn’t have a Home button! Don’t panic – there’s a good reason for dropping the Home button. It’s one less entry point for water and dust – which helps the iPhone X achieve its IP67 Ingress Protection rating. Also, it means more of the iPhone X’s surface area is devoted to displaying your photos!

Luckily, all the other buttons are still there – volume up and down, mute switch and the on/off button.

Headphone Socket

Are you still sitting down? If you’re upgrading from an iPhone prior to the iPhone 7 you may not know that Apple has indeed removed the headphone socket from all iPhones since the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. For us photographers that might seem like a bit of a blow because so many of us like to use the volume control on our headphones to trigger the camera shutter.

Thankfully, the iPhone still ships with a pair of headphones – but these have a Lightning connector (compatible with the iPhone’s charging port) rather than the 3.5mm connector – and the volume control can still be used to trigger the camera shutter.

If you have other headphones you’d prefer to use, that’s ok because the iPhone also ships with a 3.5mm to Lightning adaptor.

Storage

Unlike the previous iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus the three new iPhones are only available in two memory capacities – 64GB and 256GB. Apple has dropped the middle option of 128GB. It makes sense: people either use iCloud or they don’t. Those that don’t might want more storage on their iPhone. Those that do might prefer to rely more on the cloud storage and save a few hundred dollars.

Battery Life

For photographers, it’s important to know that your iPhone isn’t going to run out of charge. The iPhone doesn’t have the best reputation for a long battery life – mainly due to its power-consuming features – and unfortunately the new iPhone 8 and 8 Plus have a battery life this is not much better than the equivalent iPhone 7. Fortunately, despite increased performance, the iPhone X lasts up to 2 hours longer than the iPhone 7. This is partly down to efficiencies which come from the new and improved screen.

Wireless Charging

All three models allow wireless charging in addition to conventional wired charging. Unfortunately, to perform wireless charging you’ll need to purchase a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad or dock, as these aren’t provided as standard.

If you’re not already familiar with wireless charging it’s worth noting that it can take twice as long to charge wirelessly compared to wired charging.

Touch ID vs Face ID Security

Unlocking the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus can be done using the same Touch ID feature found on previous models. When you set the iPhone up (or at any time after that) you can teach the iPhone to recognize your finger or thumbprints. Then, unlocking the iPhone is simply a matter of resting your finger or thumb gently on the Home button until the phone unlocks. You can still unlock your phone using a passcode, as with previous models.

On the iPhone X – which has no Home button – there’s no Touch ID. Instead, the improved “Selfie” camera doubles as a facial recognition device, called Face ID, which scans your face, and only unlocks the phone if it recognizes you. There’s a short one-time setup process to activate this feature. You may be glad to know that if it doesn’t recognize you, or if you decide not to activate Face ID, you can still unlock the phone using a passcode.

As with previous models, photographers can quickly access the native camera app without unlocking the phone.

iPhone Features Compared

For many photographers, a quick glance at a list of specifications is enough to help you make a decision. So, here’s a comparison table showing the most important “numbers” for each model.

Prices

iPhone 8
64GB – $699 / 256GB – $849

iPhone 8 Plus
64GB – $799 / 256GB – $949

iPhone X
64GB – $999 / 256GB – $1,149

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus can be purchased direct from Apple.

The iPhone X can be purchased direct from Apple.

iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone 8 vs iPhone X Camera: Pick The Best iPhone For You

So, you’ve learned about the differences between the iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8. But perhaps you’re still not sure which to go for? Let’s recap the main features of each of the new iPhone models and point you in the right direction for your photography needs.

iPhone X

Brand new design with edge-to-edge screen, image stabilization on both rear-facing lenses, powerful Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting effects, slow sync flash and wireless charging.

iPhone 8 Plus

Incremental design from the iPhone 7 Plus with improved processor, Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting effects, slow sync flash, faster wired charging and wireless charging.

iPhone 8

Incremental design from the iPhone 7 with improved processor, slow sync flash, faster wired charging and wireless charging.

So, which iPhone is best for you?

• Is money tight? Check the prices listed above. The iPhone 8 is the cheapest option, followed by the iPhone 8 Plus, then the iPhone X.
• Upgrading from the iPhone 6s or earlier? Then you’ll be blown away by all three iPhones.
• Upgrading from the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus? You may feel slightly underwhelmed as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus don’t look or feel much different to the earlier models. That said, there are notable improvements, especially when it comes to image quality due to an improved sensor, better Portrait Mode results, and the addition of Portrait Lighting to the iPhone 8 Plus.
• Primarily shoot portraits? Then you should go for the iPhone X, or if the budget won’t stretch that far, the iPhone 8 Plus.
• Do you often shoot in low light? You’ll appreciate the iPhone X’s wider f/2.4 aperture on its 2X telephoto lens.
• Got small hands and don’t like your smartphones too big and bulky, go for the iPhone X or iPhone 8.

Finally, all three iPhone models are incredible and represent the very best in smartphone design, functionality and usability to date. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a fantastic smartphone with photographic capabilities which rival dedicated cameras.

The post iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone 8 vs iPhone X Camera: Which Is Best For You? appeared first on iPhone Photography School.

The 4 Best iPhone Tripod Mounts

An iPhone tripod mount clamps around your phone so that you can attach it to an iPhone tripod. They come in a range of different designs and sizes, each with their own unique features.

So which mounts are the best? And which one should you buy? To make the decision process easy, I’ll be reviewing the four best tripod mounts for iPhone.

Below you’ll discover the main features of each mount, and how they perform while shooting.

At the end of this article, you’ll find an easy guide to help you choose the best iPhone tripod mount for your needs and budget.

1. Vastar Universal Tripod Mount

The Vastar Universal Tripod Mount ($7.99) gives you the most value for your money.

The adjustable clamp holds any iPhone model with or without a case. The non-slip grip keeps your iPhone secure without damaging the phone’s exterior.

To mount your iPhone into the Vastar, unscrew the top knob until the grip is wide enough to insert your phone. Then tighten the knob to clamp in your iPhone.

The mount unit is small and portable, weighing less than an ounce. Due to its shape, it won’t easily fit in your pocket, but it’s portable enough to fit in any bag.

The Vastar mount allows for 360 degree rotation. So you can easily switch from landscape (horizontal) to portrait (vertical) orientation while shooting. This versatility is great when you need to take a variety of different shots in quick succession.

If you’re looking for a budget tripod mount, the Vastar offers incredible value at only $7.99.

2. Joby GripTight ONE Mount

If you want ultimate portability, the Joby GripTight ONE Mount ($18.49) is perfect for you.

From the same company as the GorillaPod flexible tripod, the GripTight is lightweight and compact. Its foldable design makes it easy to fit in your pocket. You can also attach it to a keyring or bag.

The Joby GripTight ONE is a universal mount, so it’s compatible with any iPhone model, with or without a case.

This mount has a spring-loaded grip, allowing for quick in and out access. To attach your iPhone, flip up the stands, then fit your phone into the grip using the springs. The rubber pads hold your iPhone in place without damaging it.

As an added bonus, this mount is sturdy enough to stand on its own. So you can use it as a small standalone tripod if you don’t have any other tripod available.

Due to its compact design, you can only mount your iPhone in horizontal orientation. If you want to take vertical pictures, you’ll need a tripod with a flexible head.

The Joby GripTight ONE mount costs $18.49. This is more expensive than the Vastar mount, but its compact design is worth the extra price tag.

3. Glif Quick Release Tripod Mount

The Glif Quick Release Tripod Mount ($27.99) is a great option if you value convenience and versatility.

The quick release lever allows you to quickly and easily mount your iPhone on a tripod. Simply flick the lever up to fit your phone into the spring-loaded space. Then flick the switch back down to lock your iPhone securely in place.

The versatility of the Glif mount stands out while you’re using it. It has three different screw thread mounts – one in the middle and one at either end.

This allows for ultimate flexibility when mounting your iPhone on a tripod. Whether you want to shoot in landscape or portrait orientation, you’ll always be able to get the shot you want.

These extra screw thread mounts also mean you can attach add-on accessories, such as a microphone or LED light unit.

The Glif mount is only slightly bigger than the Joby GripTight, so it’s easy to carry around with you. It’s not wide enough to stand up on its own, but it easily screws into any tripod.

Like the other mounts in this article, the Glif is compatible with all models of iPhone.

With a price tag of $27.99, the Glif iPhone tripod mount is a bit pricier than the others listed so far. But it’s a quality product that offers more flexibility than many other mounts on the market.

4. Shoulderpod Professional Smartphone Rig

The Shoulderpod Professional Smartphone Rig ($29.90) is an amazing all-in-one tripod mount and stabilizer solution.

Not only does it function as a tripod mount, but it also works as a handheld filmmaker/camera grip and standalone tripod/traveler stand.

The Shoulderpod has superb build quality. Engineered for durability and portability, it’s designed for long-term professional use.

Its universal fit means that it will hold any model of iPhone, with or without a case. The Shoulderpod is a little bulkier than the Vastar mount. But it makes up for this with its excellent functionality and versatility.

To mount your iPhone in the Shoulderpod, turn the thumbscrew until your phone fits into the grip. The soft rubber pads hold your phone safely and securely.

You can then attach the Shoulderpod mount to your tripod. You can also mount it on a shoulder rig or slider for smooth video footage.

To use the Shoulderpod as a handheld grip, attach the aluminum extension handle and wrist strap. You can now hold your iPhone steady with one hand while you use your thumb to tap the screen.

This filmmaker grip is great for shooting smooth, steady video footage. But you can also use it for taking photos one-handed.

The Shoulderpod mount also functions as a standalone traveler stand. This allows you to take steady, shake-free shots without the use of a tripod. The mount stands on its own in both landscape and portrait orientation.

In traveler stand mode, you can use the Shoulderpod to shoot long exposure photos or iPhone time lapse videos without a large tripod. You can also use it a desk stand for your iPhone when editing your photos.

At $29.90, the Shoulderpod is the most expensive mount covered in this article. But it’s definitely worth the money if you want a high quality, versatile tripod mount.

How To Pick The Best iPhone Tripod Mount For You

Now that you’ve seen the top iPhone tripod mounts on the market, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. It’s important to buy a tripod mount that works well for your photography needs and your budget.

Below is a helpful guide to help you pick the best iPhone tripod mount for you.

Best Budget Mount: Vastar Universal Tripod Mount

Price: $7.99

Are you on a tight budget? If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to mount your iPhone on a tripod, the Vastar mount is a perfect option.

Despite its low price, it has the ability to rotate 360 degrees. So you can easily change the orientation of your iPhone while shooting with your tripod.

Click here to purchase the Vastar Universal Tripod Mount for $7.99 on Amazon.

Best Compact Mount: Joby GripTight ONE Mount

Price: $18.49

Are you looking for a super-compact and portable tripod mount? If you want a mount that you can carry around in your pocket, you won’t get smaller and sleeker than the Joby GripTight ONE.

Small and mighty, the GripTight’s foldable design means you can fold it completely flat when not in use. It can also stand on its own, so you can shoot hands-free without the need for a tripod.

Click here to buy the Joby GripTight ONE Mount for $18.49 on Amazon.

Best Versatile Mount: Glif Quick Release Mount

Price: $27.99

Are you searching for ultimate flexibility and versatility when mounting your iPhone on a tripod? If so, the Glif Quick Release Mount is a great option.

This mount has three different screw thread positions. So you can easily mount your phone on a tripod in landscape or portrait orientation. You can also attach add-on accessories such as lights or a microphone.

The Glif is compact, yet very stable. And the quick release lever means you can mount your iPhone on a tripod with ease.

Click here to purchase the Glif Quick Release Mount for $27.99 on Amazon.

Best Professional Mount: Shoulderpod Smartphone Rig

Price: $29.90

Are you looking for a high quality, all-in-one tripod mount and stabilizer solution? If so, you can’t beat the Shoulderpod Professional Smartphone Rig.

The Shoulderpod is durable, portable and versatile. You can use it as an iPhone tripod mount, a handheld filmmaker grip, or a standalone tripod/traveler stand.

It’s great for shooting both photos and videos. And you can even shoot one-handed using the filmmaker grip.

Click here to buy the Shoulderpod Professional Smartphone Rig for $29.90 on Amazon.

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