Two photos of a baby sleeping. One has text that reads before. The other photo has text that reads after.

This photo collage was made on PicsArt and the “After” photo was edited using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC.

By E. L. Lane and Stehli Krause

This article is part of a series that helps you start a blog with the “6 Things You Need to Start Your Own Blog,” and shows you the essentials to improve your blog with the “8 Things You Need to Take Your Blog to the Next Level.” Make sure to check these out for more helpful tips and tricks. And, now, on with the show. 

Have you ever taken a photo, but it’s too blurry or dark to share on your blog or social media? Do you wish the colors in your photos were more vibrant? Have you ever felt self-conscious about taking a photo because you have a blemish or two? Want to make one of those pretty picture collages you see everyone posting? Need some nice templates for your posts?

There’s an app for that.

 

Below is a list of the six apps and/or computer software that help take your photos from blah to oo-la-la:

1. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC

The Lightroom app/software has a lot of the same capabilities as Photoshop, but it is much more user-friendly. Lightroom is free but has certain features that are only unlocked in a paid version. I use the free version of the app on my iPhone to edit my photos. This is by far my favorite photo editing app. It took some practice, but this app makes my photos so bright and colorful that they almost look like a professional took them.

2. Beauty Plus

Beauty Plus is an app that can give you flawless skin, whiter teeth, brighter eyes, and/or enhance your already gorgeous features. Not gonna lie, I’ve used this app on my teeth and skin before, and the edits weren’t so obvious that they look Photoshopped. Like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC, this app has free features and paid features. Available for iPhone, Android, and Google Play.

3. Photo Editor

Photo Editor is an app that allows you to put text on photos or add filters. When I first started blogging, I tried this app, but found the controls a bit clumsy and just couldn’t learn to use it to my liking. It’s a good app to use to start learning what these types of apps are like though, that’s why I included it in this list. If you give it a shot, it might work for you. This app also has free and paid features.

4. Layout

Layout is a free app that is affiliated with Instagram. It’s my preferred app for creating photo collages. I like Layout more than Pic Collage because they don’t put their watermark on the bottom right of your collage. You can remove the watermark on Pic Collage forever for $1.99, but why pay for something that you can get for free?

5. PicsArt

PicsArt is an app that has so many capabilities that I wouldn’t do it justice if I tried explaining it. It has some filters you can apply to photos. It lets you put text on photos, paste images onto other images, and a lot more. It’s like a mini Photoshop right on your phone or tablet. I use this app for so many things. You have to check this one out!

6. Canva

Canva is an app/software that allows you to design professional-looking images. It has templates for Instagram posts and stories, Facebook posts, logos, flyers, posters, invitations, business cards, blog graphics, YouTube thumbnails, and more! This one is a must-have!

 

NOTE: All of these apps are available on iPhone, Android, and Google Play.

 

Thanks for reading my post about the photo editing apps and software you need to take your blog to the next level.

Now go make some beautiful photos!

If you liked this post, make sure to check out the main post “8 Things You Need to Take Your Blog to the Next Level.”  

And, as always, have a great one, lovely!

 

Love,

E. L. Lane's signature

 

P.S. This post is the result of a collaboration between Stehli Krause and I. Stehli is a travel blogger who writes about budget-friendly travel with kids. You can check out her blog by clicking here. And follow her on social media here.