Get Edgy with XnSketch

XnSketch, normally $0.99

At first glance XnSketch may appear to be one of the tawdry fillers in the App Store.  Those that offer entertainment without any substance.

But with the few extras, and ignoring the promo pics, you might just sketch your way to picture perfect.

Get Sketchy

There are 19 presets for now.  Most are variations of color but there are others as well such as Black & White, Neon & Photocopy.

Tapping one of the presets will generate a ‘sketch’ of your photo.  Then you’ll be able to tweak it by adjusting brightness, contrast and saturation.

Strength of the effect can also be manipulated.  And for most selections, you’ll have control over opacity which really adds that extra layer to give your photos a punch.

Get Inspired

But what intrigues me are the possibilities.  The extra control for effect settings does allow for some unique results if you take the time to massage it.

Whether it be an original blended with a sketch (above) or two sketched images blended together (below).  Adding elements, removing others or taking the blended image into yet another app.

The key is to not limit yourself.  Sometimes creating a simple image, in this case a sketch, and then combining that with other photos, textures and effects can transform your shot.  Go soft and dreamy.  Go daring and bold.  Go mysterious and surreal.

For the shot below, I imported my XnSketch edit into XnRetro.  I really like the blotchy grit feel of this image.

Get Artsy

This sketch makes me feel like I’m browsing watercolors at an Art Fair.  I’m looking forward to using it with another app, or two or three, to see what kind of dark and eerie edge I can create.

But for now, I’m thinking of using it as a postcard.  The alluring, and fleeting, beauties of the all-too-short Texas spring - Bluebonnets.  In muted glory with a bit of whimsy.

Get Edgy

XnSketch is a simple app that quickly morphs your photos into sketches.  Basic with a few frills plus sharing options.

It certainly won’t appeal to everyone.  But it provides a nice balance.

If your style is simple and minimal it can give you some extra options when editing.  And if you like loud and layered, it can offer a way to add twists and depth to your process.

XnSketch, normally $0.99

Have a sketch to share?  Tag us on Instagram using #photocruncher or connect via Facebook.

Violen, is a beautiful story written by Joe Montoya and illustrated with wonderful mobile photography images by Albert Montes.  This e-book, is a first for Joe….and I hope not his last.  The mobile photography work that graces the pages of Violen, are all taken with the Hipstamatic app and all edits are processed with the iPhone.

Violen is a 20 page story about a talented young boy named Lenny and his Uncle Tim.  He has a passion to play the violin, which as you can imagine, doesn’t make him the most popular boy at school.  It is a heartwarming story of talent, passion, friendship, and family.  Not only a great book for parents to read with their children, but also a wonderful addition to the classroom setting.  I highly recommend for teachers to share Violen with their students, as everyone has been Lenny at one time or another.  The reflection and conversation this book will spark with children is one that we can’t seem to have enough of these days.

Here is a sample page for you to get a little taste of the story.

Joe is a father, teacher, children’s pastor, mobile photographer, and writer. He shoots with an iPhone5 and is a Hipstamatic lover.  Great with stories, you can also find Joe rattling off some super tales over at Backspaces.

Purchase Now:  Violen eBook (iBook for iPad) for only $1.99 or as a hard copy for $15.99 through Blurb

If you love mobile photography, then the chances are pretty high that you have dabbled with a macro lens to get up close and person with your subject.  Now, you can get up close to things that are still far away.   Add some zoom to your iPhone photography with the Telephoto lens from the Photojojo store!  This little lens will give your iPhone big telephoto powers…we’re talking 8-12x!  Personally, I’d love to use this lens for capturing photos of my kids during sporting events at the beach.  I can also see nature lovers really enjoying the lens for capturing moments that you could not think about getting with your iPhone.

The above photo from the Photojojo store shows the iPhone 5 lens on the left and the iPhone 4/4S lens on the right.

The photo pictured below shows the tripod in use for extra stability.

Features

• The telephoto lens can zoom up to 8x for the iPhone 4/4S and 12x for the iPhone 5
• Each lens comes with a hard case, mini tripod and cleaning cloth
• The lens is a fixed telephoto lens, meaning that you can not zoom in and out
• The tripod can twist to shoot at any angle
• You can use the lens without using the tripod
• You may experience some vignetting your iPhotos due to stretching the focal length of your lens (this can be cropped out in your editing process)
• The lens kit will cost $35 and shipping is $2.50

 Here are some examples of the Telephoto lens in action.  These photos are credited to the Photoojo store.

Buy the iPhone Telephoto Lens  at the Photojojo Store!

Enlighten Your Shots with Mystic*

Mystic*, normally $0.99

I’ve been in an app rut lately.  Same ‘ole stuff.  Blah, yawn, sigh.  Nothing that inspired, nothing that caught my eye.  Nothing that truly sparkled.

And then I found Mystic*.  Or perhaps it found me.

The icon first caught my attention.  It had a hippie vibe with a bit of free-spirited fun.  So, I checked out the description and found this: “We are two, full-time Artists who fell in love, shared a Dream, and dared to follow it.”

Yeah I was hooked.  So I did something rare and frivolous.  I purchased it.

I didn’t put it in my AppShopper wishlist.  I didn’t read reviews or check out the website link.  I just toed off my shoes and dived in fully clothed.

When I broke the surface, I was gasping in delight at my good fortune.

The Dive

Start by taking a photo or choose a shot from the library.  You won’t be limited to just your camera roll although the app defaults to this.  Just tap ‘albums’ in the top right corner to access your albums list.

Mystic* does insist on square crop, however.  So I’d like to see other aspect ratios supported in future versions.

Once you have your pic, you can begin applying filters, light effects, textures, frames, words or enhancements such as sharpening, contrast and color tone.

The filters/effects/overlays are fully adjustable.  So much so that I’ll have to do a few laps to fully encompass their power.

The Laps

The filters/effects/overlay basics:

• Filters – 31 such as Circus Daze, Oracle and Faded Silver
• Frames – 25 including single line, dots and circle
• Words – Over 100 spanning categories from Quotes to Organic, Adventure to Lovers
• Textures – 26 with unique colors, scratches and wear
• Light Leaks – 26 ranging from subtle to delicious
• Shapes – 38 symbols, embellishments and other hand-drawn shapes

With each of these, you have the ability to adjust several ways that include brightening, contrast and strength.  As you apply these, your results can be tweaked to perfection.

Check out the example below.  I’ve applied the same texture to the same photo but in different ways.  The first is the basic texture added.  The second is the same texture but with the brightness option.  The third is the same texture with the contrast option turned on.  I could have also combined brightness and contrast.  And I could have used any combo of those while also changing the strength of the texture.

As you can see, just these simple options lead to a plethora of possibilities.

Now let’s add a twist.  Most of these can be rotated and/or flipped (all except filters).  You can do this by choosing your texture, light leak, etc. and tapping the screen.  Arrows will appear as shown in the screenshot below.

So here is another example, this time using light leaks.  The first is the basic light leak but rotated so that most of the leak is at the top of the frame.  The second photo is the light leak with the bright option (notice that most of the leak is on the right).  And the third is the basic again rotated so most of the leak is on the left.

Add in that you are stacking them – filter with light leak with texture and frame…the heart flutters!

While you’re already feeling a bit dizzy from all the luscious potential, let’s make another splash.  You have the ability to change the size of the overlay for frames, words and shapes too.

The Waves

A Mystic album will be created by default unless you turn this off in Settings.  You can also turn on high resolution in Settings.  I recommend doing both before you start editing.

You will not get the ability to create your own text with Mystic*.  And there are no color options other than the bright/contrast/opacity adjustments.

The rotate/size adjustments aren’t very intuitive.  You’ll have to tap, tap, tap the arrows.  Which can be a little tricky and take a lot of time when pinch/zoom or drag would work so much better.  This is number one on my wish list.

Lastly, with frames, you cannot ‘place’ them as you can with text.  The frame shrinks/enlarges in preset increments.  A shame since you could use the adjusted frame to highlight a portion of the shot.  So I’d like to see this feature soon.

The Score

Even though I’d like to see intuitive adjustments, I’ve completely fallen for Mystic*.  The filters, the overlays, the general feel of the app is fresh.

There is so much variety packed into each corner.  You can feel the laughter.  And the love.

Give it a try.  The free spirit and funky vibes are sure to permeate.  Enlightening your shots.  And unleashing your creativity.

Mystic*, normally $0.99

Share your Mystic* vibes with us on Instagram using #photocruncher or connect via Facebook.

Developed by Conifer Productions, HipStyles app is marketed as the ultimate companion app for Hipstamatic lovers.  Why would you want it and what does it do?  I’m here to explain it because it seems that many mobile photography enthusiasts don’t understand the app.  And well, if you are going to spend 2 bucks on the app store, you need to know what you are buying.

Here’s the basic run down on how you can utilize HipStyles.  For starters, are you a Hipstamatic lover?  If so, then this app might be for you.  If not, I’m thinking you can save yourself the time and move on.  If you answered yes to my first question then listen and read on.  You might find that this app helps you find other awesome Hipstamatic photos as well as manage your own library.

Initially, the app is going to ask you to connect to your Instagram account.  This allows it to access the photos so it can match your search requirements.  Search requirements?  What am I taking about?  HipStyles app works by allowing you to select a lens and film category.  After doing so, it will search the Instagram database and bring up any photos that match your selections. You can then view these photos, save them as a favorite, and share them with others.  Additionally, saving your own Hipstamatic photos as favorites allows you to have easy access to your own library.  Thus, taking away the burden of sifting through hundreds or thousands of images on your camera roll.

Get it?  If you want to find the photo that you took using the Lucifer VI lens and the Dylan film (see image below), you would simply select that combination and then tap on the photos tab to see what is generated.  Your photo should be there along with any other image made with that combination.  Save yours as a favorite and any others you love.

Here’s an example of how I used HipStyles. I entered in the John S lens and the Blanko film, with no flash.  If you want the app to randomly select a combination for you, then select “shuffle lens and film” as seen in the center of your screen.  I then tapped on the Photos tab on the bottom left.

The following screen will display your search results with the photos matching your selection.  HipStyles founds 8 photos with this combination.  The HipstaPrints tab should actually be dimmed if there are not a HipstaPrints album in your iPhone.

I decided to try another combination by using the Shuffle option.  It came up with the Americana film and Claunch 72 lens where it found one photo which had been posted 11 hours earlier.

I selected on the photo to get a better view. I like how it displays all the details of the photo along with the photographer’s IG handle (@trossnagel).

You can then add the photo to your favorites, tweet it, or post to Facebook.  It also allows you to give some Instagram love right there by tapping on the heart in the upper right corner.

This lovely photo was taken by Instagram and Hipstamatic user Todd Rossnagel, @trossnagel, so if you like his image, be sure to give him some love by stopping by his photo stream.

HipStyles Features

• Select a combination of Hipstamatic lenses, films and flashes, including wildcards for lens and film.
• You can also select a random lens/film combination for searches.
• Find matching photos from the HipstaPrints album on your phone.
• Add your best photos to Favorites for quick and easy access
• Share photos with Hipstamatic gear tags via Facebook or Twitter
• Browse photos taken with Hipstamatic and shared on Instagram, matching your selected combination of lens, film and flash.
• Like photos posted to Instagram directly from inside HipStyles.

The downfall that I found to the app was that it was a bit slow to generate some of the search results.   Probably just some growing pains that will resolve as the app continues to grow and develop.  I spoke with Jere at HipStyles and he noted, “We’re actually planning an overhaul of the matching engine. It would index all the user’s photos at once by combos, and thereafter all matches should be a lot faster because the combo match database would be updated gradually.”  Good to know!

Lastly, I would recommend this app for Hipstamatic users who want to easily search and view other Hipstamtic photos.  Secondly, if you want to have easy access to your favorite Hisptamatic  photos, then this app is spot on for you.

Download Now:  HipStyles App is $1.99

Book Your Photos with Shutterfly

Photos document our lives.  They show our point of view.  Make us laugh.  Roll our eyes.  Jump start our brain.  They are a living journal.  And lost in our digital backdrop.

Sure you can print photos (and Shutterfly provides that service for a variety of sizes including poster-sized 20×30).  And these days can have them printed on just about anything.  Shutterfly offers everything from travel mugs and puzzles to playing cards and plates.

But there’s something about a book.  Creating a story.  Running your finger over the cover.  Turning the pages.  It’s pure magic.  And you’ll get addicted to the rush.

The Simple Path

If you’ve never made a photo book before, fear not!  It’s amazingly simple.  And if you have but haven’t tried Shutterfly then you’re missing out.

When photo books were first offered, the layouts were pretty basic and the backgrounds were single colors.  Then came some fresh layouts and a few themed background designs.  Then more layouts, text options and embellishments.  Today it’s only limited by your imagination.  And of course, the luxury of time.

Think you’re just too busy?  Try ‘simple path’ which is basically a magic button.  Choose your photos and select from over 20 ‘styles’ such as Summer Fun, Joy Ride or Patterns and Textures.  Shutterfly transforms them into pre-designed layouts which you can then tweak by adding captions or editing the photos.

 The Custom Path

You’ve probably already guessed I like to forge my own path.  Even a simple B&W photo ‘look-book’ has to be hand-crafted. For us controlling types, Shutterfly offers Custom Path.

Customize everything.  Sacrifice nothing. 

Dozens of styles, thousands of embellishments, hundreds of backgrounds.  And the layouts range from unique to the fanciful.  Text only, text with one or multiple photos. Choose, change your mind, rearrange.  Add a page, flip the layout, drag out a photo or three more in.

Stuck?  Still think you ‘aren’t creative’?  Try the page templates for a springboard.  A tiny bit like the Simple Path option but these have more depth and allow for greater flexibility.  A surefire way to kick start those creative juices.

Book Deals

–Example Only from 03/26/13–

Maybe the obstacle to turning your photos into tangible memories isn’t time.  Sign up with Shutterfly and you not only get free prints but you’ll get the scoop on discounts (up to 50% off photo books, buy one/get one & more) as well as freebies (not including shipping & tax).  These change frequently so there is sure to be something you’re looking for on sale.

With soft cover books starting at $12.99 for 20 pages and hard covers at $29.99, turning those shots into treasures is affordable and fun.  Especially if you’re proactive.

How so?  Check out this scorching tip: Upload photos often into albums (see below for upload options) and start one or more photo books (be sure to save!).  Add to them as you have time, tweaking here and embellishing there.  Once you have a book ready, keep an eye out for the sale.  Then pounce!

Judge A Book By Its Cover

There are some shoddy photo book sellers out there.  The pages are thin.  The photos lackluster.  And the covers are appalling.  Definitely not so with Shutterfly.

Soft photo covers in four sizes.  Hard photo covers in three sizes with hard cover (glossy or matte finish), padded photo cover, cloth with photo window and  leather with or without window.  The premium leather even offers layflat pages.

Thick pages.  Brilliant color.  Quality.  You can definitely judge these books by their covers.

The Tidbits

• Photos can be uploaded from your computer, Facebook, Instagram and through their apps (of course).  All are quick but the apps make it effortless for those iDevice photos.

Note:  You can order prints and some photo gifts through the apps but you cannot use them to create a photo book.

• If you order your book, you can easily post to Facebook or share via Twitter (or embed the code on your site).  Those you share with can view your book and even order a copy.
• Don’t be limited by the thousands of embellishments.  I turn trees and flowers upside down and drag partially out of the frame to create borders, add lots of layers and mix textures.
• They also have something they call Share Sites which allows you to share your albums with others.  I’ve found this a fantastic way to let the overseas in-laws get a glimpse of our life.  And yes, there’s an app for that too.
• Oh, and they even offer a self-adhesive pocket for some of the albums so you can store all those extra tidbits.

Tell Your Story

You might have noticed I’m pretty passionate about these books.  They inspire me.  They spoil me.  They turn my pictures into something more than words.  They become the story of me.

My latest photo book, with the power of Shutterfly’s alchemy, morphed into a digital photo journal that I’m eagerly awaiting to arrive in page-sniffing, finger-rubbing glory.  Some of my favorite shots.  And thoughts inspired by them.  All wrapped up in a spectacular package.  See for yourself.

Shutterfly on the web, for iPhone and for iPad

Ready to transform your photos into beautiful photo books?  Share them with us on Facebook.

MasterFX is the newest app in an impressive line of editing marvels from Dropico Mobile.  By utilizing a massive amount of in-house designed stock photos, users will be able to mesh their own photography with an extensive array of graphic materials.

I’ve been beta testing this app myself for a while now, and I’ve been addicted to re-vamping my older photographs.  My favorite thing to do is add some serious clouds to the background of my photographs.  I have also greatly enjoyed watching extreme iPhotography editors create some wicked cool images with the MasterFX templates and filters.

MasterFX allows the editor to create a photo using your own image as a base or by completely starting from scratch.  You are only limited by your own imagination and creativity.  MasterFX is free, however there are numerous (32 at last count) in-app purchases at $.99 each to get the full monty.  Right away this will turn some users off.  Others will purchase a few packages and be hooked.  A few of my favorites are Skies, Buildings and SciFi.

I will show you a few different edits that I created using MasterFX.  I used my own photographs taken with my iPhone as the background each time.  I simply layered some of the effects to enhance my image and give it a new direction.

Features

• Real Time Rendering
• 1,000 photo effects
• Move, Scale, Rotate and Distort
• Built-In Advanced Text Editor – 50 fonts and 100 textures
• Frames and Text labels
• Opacity, Mirror, Layers, Mask
• export in HD resolution
• iPhone5 support

Categories and Effects

• Characters: 3D animals, 3D people, Fantasy, Dragons, Warriors, Heroes, Creatures, Robots
• Design Tools: Abstract, Color Splashes, Light FX, Decoration, Music, Text Labels, Tribals, Frames
• Scenery: Jungle, Bridges, Buildings, Mountains, Roads, Skies, Rivers, Travel, Fields, Water
• Surreal: Destruction, Horror, Science Fiction

Sample Edits

In the first sample, I used a photo that I took of a surfer. I layered three sets of the same cloud templates that can be found in the Skies filter effects.  I then added the lightening which is found in Destruction.  Lastly, I changed the hue of the entire image by selecting a filter at the very end.

The same surfer image was used in this next edit.  I wanted to show you how the same photograph can take on an entirely new direction with the filter effects available.  MasterFX gives the user Photoshop capabilities in this app.  Allowing one to add effects, layer, mask and adjust opacity.  Your options seem limitless.

Once again, I tapped into my favorite filters with Skies for the moon and stars and Sci Fi for the planet.

Next, I used one of my sailboat photographs. I loved the reflection in this photograph as it was taken on a crystal clear day without a cloud in the sky.  I altered this image by adding some dramatic clouds from the Skies effects.

This next photo is of a lovely beach scene.  Once again I tapped into the Skies filters to add some drama and color.  This actually was taken during the day, but I wanted a sunset feel.  Next, I used the Bridges filter package to add the long and vanishing bridge to my photo.

Lastly, I used a photo of my son riding his little motorcycle down the street.  No, not the busy highway shown in the image below!  I added that in by selecting it from the “Roads” category in the app.  By using the masking tool, I was able to keep the road in the background of the image and my son in the foreground.

I don’t consider myself an extreme editor.  Generally, I always use my own photographs as the template.  I think that many iPhotographers will also enjoy MasterFX for the same reasons I do (as shown above).

Moreover, I think that extreme editors, those who enjoy creating edits completely from stock images, are going to really love this app.  Why? Because so many of your tools are right here in one app.  All of your templates and filters are right here at your fingertips.

Not an avid  iPhotographer or extreme editor? No worries.  MasterFX has the uncanny ability to make their apps simple enough that they will appeal to the regular Joe Schmo.  The next thing you know, you’ll be utilizing their single step tools for adding layers, masking, and stacking filters till the cows come home.

Back to You

We’d love to see your edits, so add them to the growing #MasterFX tag on Instagram so we can see and possibly feature your creation!

Get inspired by these feature photos from the tag:

MasterFX is designed for both iPhone and iPad.  Personally, I used an iPad for all my edits.

Download Now:  Master FX HD for iPad and iPhone

Add Dimension with Deco Sketch

Deco Sketch, normally $2.99

You might think a geometrical drawing app would just be for sketching or creating designs on blank canvas.  Which you can do with Deco Sketch.

But why limit yourself?  Take those great shots and add some flavor.  Even the ‘oops’ and discarded ones can be amped up for some delicious visuals.

Basic Geometry

Deco Sketch offers 10 different geometrical brush types.  Within each of those types are variations that equate to 130 presets.  Everything from the simple (circles and triangles) to the complex (radials and fractals).

Okay maybe that’s not the technical terminology.  I have no idea how the algorithm works or what most of the unique effects would be called.  Visual thumbnails help you to navigate and half the fun is in the discovery.

But that’s not the total sum.

You’ll also need to factor in that each of the 130 options has up to 15 variable settings.  Talk about staggering possibilities!

Control things such as brush angle, fill, opacity, width.  Allow draw speed to affect size, width and opacity of the intricate designs you can create.

Advanced Arithmetic

Manipulating pattern may be the spice but you need color to really get your pictures sizzling.  Choose from:

• 20 preset color palettes
• Choose your own colors (up to 5)
• Color cycling so colors change with each stroke (up to 5)
• Color sampling of the photo as you draw
• Color picker in order to match a portion of your photo

Some of these options can be limited so you can utilize just a few of the colors you’ve chosen.  So if you’re working with 5 colors but in a certain area you’d only like three to cycle, you can adjust quickly.

Using the earlier mentioned control of draw speed or brush fill can lead to some stunning results.

And don’t forget to toss in the eraser.  It’s not just for mistakes.  Try using it, combined with a brush style, to remove part of a pattern for a novel spin on the already unconventional.

Master Equation

Deco Sketch is more than just simple stamps or standard brushes.  It amplifies and adds flavor.  It stretches your mind to visually change composition.  Or completely destroy it.

Try a basic enhancement.  Go full-tilt and annihilate.  Finesse the rough edges by remodeling.  Or exaggerate them.

It’s all a calculated risk that can transport your photos to another dimension.

Here are a few of my teleportations:

Deco Sketch, normally $2.99

Are you taking your photos to another dimension?  Share them with us on Instagram using #photocruncher or connect via Facebook.

In a time where everyone is a photographer, it is important to know some of the basics about taking a picture. Noel Chenier is a photojournalist and photography instructor who has developed a photography app to help guide you in taking better photographs.  Specifically speaking, iPhotography Assignment Generator for iPhone.  This app will be most useful to those who don’t have any prior photography knowledge.  For $.99 on the App Store, this app will guide you with tips and tutorials for the budding iPhoneographer, as well as inspiration.

As I previewed Noel’s app, I thought about my own photography skills and areas that I would like to approve upon when shooting.  Do you think about the rule of thirds or changing your perspective when photographing a subject.  I know that I try to do this; but I also know that I view hundreds of photographs each day by others who don’t.  Not saying that this makes their photograph bad…but could it be better if they knew more?  If they had a few tips up their sleeve?  Some added inspiration or creative ideas?  That being said, rules are made to be broken, right?  Certainly, I break these rules, too.   Simply stated, I use them as a guide, not as a steadfast rule.

Here are a few poignant quotes by photographer Ansel Adams that I often think about when I am shooting.  Even if I am simply taking random and carefree photographs of my children playing….

• You don’t take a photograph, you make it. {Ansel Adams}
• A good photograph is knowing where to stand. {Ansel Adams}
• There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. {Ansel Adams}
• There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept. {Ansel Adams}

Features

• Over 75 individual assignments {topics such as landscape photography, lighting, composition, photographing people}
• Daily reminders {great if you are committed to a 365 day challenge}
• Camera Tips for Camera+ users {which, by the way, is my go to iPhotography app}
• Instagram Tutorial
• Flickr group for sharing your work

Next, I am going to show you some screenshots of the app so you have a general idea of what you get.  When you open the app, you will be given a choice to choose from a list of categories or have one selected randomly for you, by choosing let me pick one for you. You can also set up a daily reminder.

For this article, I selected choose from list which will then bring you to the next screen, displaying a list of assignment categories.  There are 9 categories from which to choose.   I will continue by selecting Composition.

Once I selected Composition, a list of sub-categories appears on the screen.  This allows you to select a more specific area of compostion that you would like to learn about.

You will see that there are 9 very helpful sub-categories.  I will choose Point Of View.  The next screen shot will who a detailed description of the topic.

As you can see, there is a description as well as sample photographs which convey with the topic.  When you select on a sample image, there is a brief explanation to go along with the photo.

Each category and subcategory follows this same pattern of information.  The reader is provided with an explanation and several sample photos.  I loved that the sample photos were diverse enough to give a nice range of explanation.  For example, with the Point Of View images, Noel discussed laying on the ground and looking up to get a photo, as well as looking down as if he was on top of his subject.

Download Now:  iPhotography Assignment Generator is $.99

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.

Splice Your Pics with Split Lens

Split Lens is free and offers in-app purchase

Wide Split Lens, currently $0.99

There are a lot of clone and split picture apps out there and Nicky just reviewed one here.  I’ve yet to really delve into the art of cloning and will not do so here.

The twist that Split Lens offers is allowing imports.  Do other apps have this feature?  Perhaps.  But Split Lens caught my attention and I’ve already upgraded to the full version.

Split Personality

Even the promo pics for this app are solely of cloning shots.  But I wanted to explore the collage aspect.  The merging and manipulating of two or more images whether it be a tame fade or surreal punch.

Particularly with the slant of images I already have.  Whether they be edited or originals.  Beloved photos.  Disregarded tests.  Possibilities.

Split Level

The free version gives you limited resolution, access to 15 filters and only 16 layouts.  And this comes with the price tag of ads.  But you still get to adjust your frame splits and choose your split blur option (only one aspect ratio is available).

The paid version grants you 42 layouts, 11 aspect ratios, over 100 effects (filters, textures, bokeh, etc.).  But note that the effects can only be applied singularly (they cannot be combined or layered).

Split Decision

Split Lens (free version with in-app purchase) or Wide Split Lens (paid version) will start your mind churning.  Looking for ideas, discovering methods and manipulating results is quite satisfying.

But there’s many things I wish for, including, in no particular order:

• Individual blur control of layout frames when there’s more than one split
• An undo button
• Ability to lock a frame once you position your photo so that you can move it freely without having to readjust
• Applying filters to individual frames
• More layout options
• The ability to delete frames from layouts if not used/wanted
• Effect layering
• Ability to change photo after selection
• Effect strength

Without some of the control aspects of effect strength, frame editing and even a simple undo button, this app loses traction.  You’ll find yourself wishing you could do this or snorting over not being able to do that.

By the same token, your brain will also start to invent ways to circumvent obstacles.

Give Split Lens a try.  It’s free.  It’s interesting.  And it could definitely splice up your life.

Split Lens is free and offers in-app purchase

Wide Split Lens, currently $0.99

Ready to Split?  Share your splices with us on Instagram using our #photocruncher tag or connect via Facebook.