How to take Better iPhone Photos- My Favorite Apps

April 14, 2013

My most frequently asked questions via Instagram are
1. “Where is your rug from?” and 2. “What App did you use on this photo??
(ps. rug from rugsusa.com)

I love taking photos with my iPhone..it’s an easy way to capture moments with my kids!
I also love editing photos.. but with how busy life is, I’m really loving some apps that make it quick and easy to make your photos the best they can be.
I’m sure plenty of people have their own favorite apps or photo tips..but here are mine!
Happy to share my phone-photo-taking-tips
AND what I do to my photos before posting to Instagram. :)
Phone Photo Taking Tips: (pretty much the same as regular camera tips)
–Like with your regular camera…the sun is your friend!
We end up all in my bed snuggling or playing a lot..and the lighting is always perfect in there.
Find a spot in your house that is bright and cheery and snap away!

–I snap multiple photos of the same shot. My kids move a lot.

— STRETCH. You might feel awkward..but stretch that arm out to get you in the photo. You can always crop out an awkward arm. :)

–FOCUS. tap someone’s face to focus on or wait for your phone to find the faces.
I’m not patient enough for that. ;) (tapping on the faces also helps with the lighting.. I usually tap the darkest area and let it adjust the light. if it’s too bright, tap another area.

–Be Silly. Silly faces and silly voices get the best faces. So make a fool of yourself.
Yay! favorite app time!!
I use my phone’s camera to take the pictures.
I then open in After Glow (Now called AfterLight and no longer free)
I love the Captain Filter. I always, brighten, sharpen
and then lower contrast a little to make it more natural.
Lately I’ve been opening my photos first in Snapseed and doing the drama effect..But not always.
I also use a great app called moreBeaute2 to add a glow. watch out how much you use or else it’ll be too blurry! Just a touch does wonders and can make a photo extra dreamy.
I use PicFrame to collage all my photos..except I use AfterLight for the circle frame.
If you have any questions leave a comment! :) 
These editing tools are great for food and home shots too!
Hope this was helpful and have fun!
If you do anything to your photos…brighten them in afterlight!

  • Emily Maldonado
    April 14, 2013 at 2:11 am

    Great post!! I wanted to pin this but it won’t let me! I will have to try and remember it is here when I’m ready to test these tips out! Thanks for posting

  • Jen M.
    April 14, 2013 at 8:37 am

    I rarely edit my iPhone photos because I’m sooooo impatient, I want to post them immediately. But I do love me some Afterlight! Amazing app. Just downloading more beaute2. Hadn’t heard of that one, but am thrilled with have an app that handles luminosity. Great post!

  • Bec Z
    April 14, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Cute kiddies you have and you look amazing for having three so young!

  • Cassie
    April 14, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Love all the tips! Can you tell me how to get more followers on Instagram? I’m just starting out , I can be found at #clickincassiew. I working on starting a blog but trying to figure out where to start:) thank fir any advice u can give!
    Cassie

  • Jessica Michelle♥♡
    April 15, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Your babies are perious and you are just beautiful !!!

    I just switch to the iphone 5 and im so happy that recommanded these apps and cant wait to try them out for my beauty blog !!

    thanks !!
    Jessica Michelle
    jmichellexobeauty.blogspot.com

  • Laura @ The Everyday Joys
    April 15, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    Some of my favorite apps, too! And who doesn’t love some great natural light? :)

    I’m a newer follower here – looking forward to more from you!

  • Laura@Cowboy Boots
    April 16, 2013 at 8:42 am

    HAHAHA I LOVED THE PHOTO OF M AND THE BABY DOLL!

  • Janene Krajci Christine Hutchinson
    April 16, 2013 at 10:10 am

    I have been admiring your photos! Thanks for sharing your secrets! Can’t wait to put them to use!

  • Lisa @ MMT
    April 17, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    Love the afterlight app! It’s one of my favorites! Your instagram photos are always amazing, so glad you shared this post :)

  • Beth Reiss
    April 24, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    I stole/borrowed all of your iPhone app suggestions. I love them all! Just made my first photo collage and love it! Thanks so much for sharing your secrets!

  • Nicole @ The Style Hatch
    April 27, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    We have HORRIBLE lighting the our current house! I can’t wait to move to a place that has better lighting for so many reasons… but especially for better pictures! :)