iPhonography: Apps, Tips, Tricks, and Lenses for iPhone photography

flowerinstagram 199x300 iPhonography: iPhone Photography Apps, Tips, Tricks, and Lenses

Taken with Instagram app on iPhone 4S

In the mobile world, few devices can match the iPhone in terms of photographic capabilities. The default lens is undoubtedly one of the best on the market. The iPhone’s stock camera app is likewise extremely competent. However, one can get even more out of their handset with some third-party apps and a little additional hardware. Below you’ll find a few handy iTunes apps, lenses, accessories and tips to help you take the best pictures possible.

iPhone Photography Apps

When it comes to photography apps, there’s no shortage of options available from iTunes.

One of the most popular programs is Instagram, an app that tweaks the raw data of your photos so that they appear to have come from an analog camera.
Another iPhone photography app similar to Instagram is Hipstamatic, which allows users to apply a filter to their photos and achieve different effects in post-production.
Finally, there’s Camera+, an iOS app that’s geared towards producing high-definition shots without any additional equipment.

Lenses & Equipment

In addition to mobile apps, the functionality of the iPhone’s stock camera can be extended through the use of add-on filters and optics.

Camera accessory maker Photojojo has a number of additional lens models including Macro, Fisheye, Telephoto and Wide Angle that are specifically designed to work with Apple phones.
In addition, a stabilizing tripod is always a good idea. Joby makes a versatile line of adjustable camera tripods and stands called GorillaMobile that help users to stabilize shots in real world scenarios.

Tips and Tricks

Advanced hardware and software won’t do you a lot of good if you don’t have a firm grasp on the basic fundamentals of mobile phone photography.

For starters, use the digital zoom as little as possible. You’ll lose a lot of clarity and focus in your shots if you rely on it too heavily.
In addition, make sure that your preferred camera app is using the highest resolution settings possible. If you want to take solid pictures, you’ll have to contend with reduced battery life.
Finally, don’t ditch snapshots just because they’re not amazing right off the bat. A little bit of post-processing in Photoshop can go a long way.

With a little photographic knowhow, some capable apps and an external lens or two, anyone can take amazing photos with their phones. Whether you’re shooting pictures of your family, special events or the great outdoors, a mobile phone makes the process far more convenient and enjoyable. You’ll probably still want to keep a DSLR handy if you need to take professional-quality pictures on the go. However, the apps, optics and tips I’ve mentioned above should help you make the most of your phone’s already stellar capabilities.

What are your favorite iPhone photography apps?
Share your favorite iPhone photography apps, lenses, and accessories in the comments please.

Happy picture-taking!

Alicia Hagan

Alicia is the founder of GadgetGoddess.com, TheMommyInsider.com, and AtlantaMoms.com.
Alicia started her first website, AtlantaMoms.com, in 2001 and hasn’t stopped since. Atlanta resident and mother of two, Alicia loves to learn about the latest and greatest gadgets and technology products as they pertain to parenting. Alicia loves to travel, knit, and be outdoors with her family in her spare time.