The recent years have seen a dramatic improvement in the quality of iPhone photos, making it a capable device on its own for capturing stunning photos and videos without the need for additional equipment. However, photo apps can add value and enjoyment to the photography experience. From apps that clean up cluttered photos to professional photo editing tools, these are the ten best photography apps for iOS users both on iPhone and iPad.
If you are an Android user, be sure to check out our list of best photography apps for Android devices too!
Camera +2
The first app on our list of best photography apps among iOS users is Camera +2. This app offers exceptional manual control over the camera settings, allowing adjustments to ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
The app provides a variety of preset options tailored to different photography styles, enabling users to excel in portrait, macro, and other types of photography.
Camera +2 supports RAW format shooting, allowing for greater flexibility in photo editing. While the in-app editing options are solid, they may be considered somewhat basic. Overall, the app prioritizes its camera functionalities over extensive photo editing features.
Bacon Camera
Despite its unique name, Bacon Camera is indeed one of the best photography apps available for iOS devices and expert photographers.
The app offers users outstanding control over their photography, akin to using a DSLR, allowing adjustments to settings such as ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation.
It supports shooting in JPEG format, but Bacon Camera also provides RAW file support for those seeking post-processing capabilities.
Android users can enjoy the full benefits of this app, but iPhone users will need to explore further options.
VSCO
Consider trying out VSCO if you wish to enhance your photos using exquisite, professionally crafted filters effortlessly. With over 200 filters available, catering to various photography styles like landscapes and portraits, VSCO provides a broad selection.
You can easily save your preferred VSCO presets for future use or mix them to produce distinct, personalized styles. As one of Instagram’s most favored photo editing tools, VSCO guarantees impressive results that will undoubtedly captivate your audience.
Moment Pro Camera
Pro Camera is a top contender for iPhone users seeking a camera app with comprehensive manual controls for top-notch mobile photography.
With Pro Camera, you can effortlessly manage exposure elements such as ISO and shutter speed, offering DSLR-like functionality within a user-friendly smartphone interface.
The app’s versatility is evident in its burst mode, time-lapse, and cinematic video modes, catering to a wide range of photographers. Additionally, the support for RAW files is a noteworthy feature that will undoubtedly appeal to photography enthusiasts.
While not free, Pro Camera stands as one of the finest camera apps currently accessible for iPhone users.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile
For photo editing on your mobile phone, Adobe Lightroom Mobile is unmatched and a top choice among professional photographers. It shares the reputation of its computer counterpart, Lightroom, as a leading program in the industry.
Lightroom Mobile offers a more simplified version of the desktop program, but it doesn’t compromise on quality. The app comes with a variety of presets that can quickly enhance your photos and provide a consistent and polished look.
Beyond the preset options, Lightroom Mobile boasts sophisticated curve modes, enabling advanced photo editing with precise adjustments to contrast, midtones, and color. iOS and Android users can download Adobe Lightroom Mobile for free; additional features are available through in-app purchases at reasonable prices. This makes it an accessible and powerful tool for all types of mobile photographers.
Gemini Photos
Gemini Photos app offers a solution for keeping your photo library clutter-free, especially when your iPhone has ample storage. With this app, you can actively manage photo clutter in smaller increments. Gemini Photos begins by assisting you in locating duplicate photos and then proceeds to identify and remove blurry shots.
Additionally, it helps you select the best shots among similar ones, allowing you to delete the less favorable ones. Regularly using the Gemini Photos app on a weekly basis is an effective approach to maintaining a minimal level of photo clutter.
NightCap Camera
NightCap Camera is a fantastic app for low-light photography enthusiasts. It enables users to capture long-exposure photos, time-lapse sequences, and star trails using an array of user-friendly settings.
In NightCap’s Long Exposure mode, you can achieve stunning motion blur effects in low-light conditions. Additionally, the app offers an ISO Boost feature, allowing for a 4-times higher ISO setting compared to other apps, resulting in bright photos even in very low-light situations.
For more advanced photographers eager to experiment with new techniques and settings, NightCap is a delightful and fun choice. You can download the app from the App Store for $3.49.
Airbrush
Airbrush is an excellent all-around photo editor, but its true strength lies in enhancing selfies and portraits. Prior to sharing your photo on social media, use Airbrush to eliminate blemishes, soften wrinkles, and achieve a smooth and even skin tone.
For more dramatic effects, the app allows you to add volume to your hair, enlarge and brighten your eyes, and whiten your teeth. Whether you wish to refine minor imperfections or completely transform your appearance, Airbrush has the tools to work wonders on all your selfies and portraits.
Pixlr
Pixlr is an incredibly versatile photo editing app, catering to both serious photographers looking to enhance their images meticulously and those seeking a fun editing experience.
With Pixlr, you can add text, labels, or paint directly onto your photos. The app also offers features like removing sections or pixelating areas of your images and standard crop and rotate editing tools.
Effortlessly removing blemishes and red-eye is made easy with Pixlr. Moreover, you can alter the tone and atmosphere of your photos using their overlays, and the double exposure feature adds an element of enjoyable creativity.
Available for both Android and iOS users, Pixlr is a free-to-download app that offers a wealth of photo editing possibilities.
Mexture
Rounding off our list of best photography apps for iOS devices is none other than Mexture. Mexture is a photo editing app that provides a fresh and unique look to your photography. You can explore a wide range of possibilities with an extensive catalog of filters and overlays.
Choose from a variety of film grain, dust textures, and light-leak effects to achieve that nostalgic retro photo style. With over 150 textures available, you have plenty of options to experiment with. The app’s editing tools are user-friendly and efficient, enabling easy white balance and contrast adjustments.
While not the most advanced app for professional touch-ups, Mexture excels in offering an exceptional collection of textures that will add flair to your social media content. Please note that Mexture is exclusively available on iOS and requires payment for download, with additional in-app purchases for extra features.
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