Instagram has been one of the biggest creative mobile apps ever. With celebrities and people alike posting countless pictures on the web, it is undeniable that this is one of the biggest trends to hit mobile technology and social media. But not everyone is into this application, and there are photographers out there that want more out of an app than adding a filter to a cell phone picture and then sharing it. Below is a short list of the best mobile apps for photographers.

Light Meter Free

With the advent of digital cameras, light meters have become less and less used, but there are still those out there that shoot on film, and bringing along a digital camera to get a light read can be a hassle. There are mobile apps out there that will use your phone’s camera to get a light reading, and Light Meter Free is a great free app. Through this app, you can set your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to get a light reading. You can also give the meter aperture or shutter speed priority depending on what you like to do.

Adobe PhotoShop Express

Like with most photography nowadays, digital editing and post work is becoming more and more important. If you want some more control over your mobile photography without having to put on a prefabricated filter, then you can use this mobile version of the iconic Adobe product allows you some key features in editing your photos like cropping and straightening, as well as noise reduction, which is key given the grainer nature of low light cell phone photography. It isn’t the same product that you’ll use on your personal computer, but it is great for fixing well-composed cell phone shots.

Film Lab

This is a fun app for the film enthusiast. While this app does seem a little like other “pre-effected” mobile photography software, this emulates the look of certain film papers and films. For example, you can get a look at what photography would look like using a Kodak or Ilford product. This is a very unique app, and it’s nice for any film enthusiast.

Time Lapse/Lapse It

These are two apps that are for different platforms, iPhone and Android respectively, that work to do the same thing. These apps help you take great time-lapse shot photos that challenge even the most skilled of photographers. With these apps, you can place settings and output, as well as the number of photos used to make the video, and then just let the app do the rest. After the video is rendered, you can add any extra effects you like, and then share with your networks. Time-lapse photography is difficult, and these apps can help you produce amazing pieces.
Magic Hour

This is maybe one of the coolest apps for serious photographers and filmmakers alike. As most know, the magic hour is that time when there is a beautiful diffused light as the sun is rising, and right before it sets. The hardest part about a magic hour is planning when to catch it at the right moment, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area. With the Magic Hour app, you can be alerted to when the magic hour will occur, no matter where you are. You’ll never miss out on taking the most beautiful pictures ever again.

So for the serious photographer that wants unique tools for their photography, or to have the ability to make more meaningful mobile photos, these are great tools to start with. You won’t be disappointed.

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This guest post was contributed by Jordan Mendys. Jordan is from North Carolina, and is a professional filmmaker and photographer. He also helps blog for DirecTV.