Photo Editing Apps

30 Mar

There are a very large number of Photo Editing Apps on the Internet and on the Android/Apple Apps stores. They range from “toys” to “professional standard” packages. I have listed those I am familiar with below but my detailed familiarity is largely restricted to Adobe products as that is what I have bought into. There are some very capable free apps that you can use to familiarise your self with the techniques of photo editing.

I recommend:

Start off with Google Photos enhance by a Google One subscription (£1.70 per month) ), PC and mobile devices.
Once you have a little bit of experience add in Snapseed and TouchRetouch. For mobile device users only.

I, personally, find using a mobile device limiting for photo editing. As a minimum you need a larger monitor and a more accurate pointing device than your finger on a screen.

I think that anyone who gets serious about editing photographs will eventually move onto a PC and there the availability of free software is more limited making it more likely you will need to adopt one of the paid for packages.

Software Listing

Free/Near Free Apps

Google Photos

Google Photos comes with a basic photo editing toolbox that is good for initial familiarisation with editing software.

Google Photos/Google One

If you take out a Google One subscriotion starting at £1.70 per month you get increased cloud photo storage and enhanced photo editing tools:

• Magic Eraser removes unwanted background distractions in just a few taps.

• Camouflage in Magic Eraser changes the color of distracting objects to blend in.

• HDR enhances brightness and contrast in your photos and videos.

• Other features include additional Styles in collage editor, Portrait Blur, Portrait Light, Color Pop, Sky Suggestions, and more.

SnapSeed

Snapseed is a complete and professional photo editor developed by Google.

TouchRetouch

TouchRetouch adds AI tools for the removal of objects, wires, even railing grids. Similar to the Google One enhancements.

Paid For:

Adobe Photography Plan £9.98 per month

Includes LightRoom and Photoshop, you will probably end up with the market leader from Adobe if you get serious about editing your photographs. Includes PC/Mac and mobile device elements.

ON1

A suite of programmes available individually or as a package. One off purchase (no subscription)

Other Photoshop Alternatives

There are many Photoshop alternatives (including free) but I do not know anything about them. You can read articles such as this for a review,

Vic Steadman