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Now reading: Major Instagram update brings new editing features 22 comments

Major Instagram update brings new editing features

Published Jun 4, 2014 | Lars Rehm

Instagram is arguably the most popular image filter and sharing app for mobile devices but its feature set has remained almost unchanged since it was introduced, with a relatively small number of effects, and little control over them. As a consequence many mobile photographers have taken to working on their images in dedicated editing apps, such as Snapseed or Pixlr, before posting them on Instagram.

The latest version 6 update to the Android and iOS versions of Instagram might be set to remove the additional editing step from many mobile photographers' work flows. Version 6 now offers control over filter strength and a range of new editing options, including brightness, contrast, warmth, saturation, highlights, shadows and vignette.

You get to the filter strength slider by double-tapping the filter icon. Sliders for the other parameters can be accessed via the wrench icon above the filter selection. If you want to try out the new features you can download version 6 of Instagram from the Google Play Store for you Android device or in the Apple App Store for your Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod.

Source: Instagram

Tags: mobile, android, instagram, ios, news

Comments

All (22)

Most popular (6)

Editors' picks (0)

DPR staff (2)

Oldest first

2001

Would love to see a "no crop" option, although the square has it's retro charm via Rolleiflex, it is ultimately very limiting, there are some images I just can't post because they don't work, other apps such as "No Crop" can be a spammy pop up riddled hassle. In fact my virus protection on my Android phone had me delete it. Have the no crop option instagram now ! Not having it is a really spontaneity killer! I rather post that futz, fiddle and doubt.

Jun 11, 2014permalink

disraeli demon

Is there any option to mix and match frames and filters with the new version?

Jun 5, 2014permalink

Lars Rehm

No, doesn't look like it, but you can try yourself, it's free ;)

Jun 5, 2014permalink

tkbslc

I'd like to see them kill the forced square format. I mean people already dance around it by padding their images square in extra apps. So they might as well just let people post images in any ratio and display them properly.

Jun 4, 2014permalink

D200_4me

My iphone has the release 5 version but in the app store I see the new version 6. I can't get it to update yet. I assume the updates might be staggered? Any way to force the update? I even deleted the app and reinstalled from the app store and it keeps pulling down version 5.0.13 so far. :-(

Jun 4, 2014*permalink

thill1111

I deleted mine and 6.0 got reinstalled.

Jun 5, 2014permalink

D200_4me

Later yesterday evening it offered me the new version 6. All good now. And the new editing controls are great.

Jun 5, 2014permalink

Spectro

Snapseed is still one of my favorite editor with it control point (nikon CNX2 style) and plenty of options. This can add to it when uploading to Instagram (more edits).

Jun 4, 2014*permalink

G3User

The demise of paid photography continues. I cant believe all the positive posts to this story. No pro photographers I guess among the comments? How sad. Instagram's legacy is that it created a website that is killing off pro photography. This will only accelerate the process. Now, even soccer moms wont bother hiring a pro photographer, thinking that because they can slide a few levers on their tiny phone screens, they are now photographers and may convince them self's that they don't even need someone for their daughters wedding. How sad. and what a joke. Paid photography RIP.

Jun 4, 2014permalink

Rob Bernhard

I eagerly await your rant against Kodak and that infernal Brownie they've been selling...

Jun 4, 2014permalink

monkeybrain

Does anyone ever 'need' a professional photographer to record events in their life? It's a luxury surely.

Jun 4, 2014permalink

Lars Rehm

To be honest, I am not sure what your post is about. It's not that Instagram is the first app to offer a few image parameter sliders. That sort of software has been available to consumers for many many years. However, it doesn't make a bad photo any better. So if you are a good professional photographer who knows how to take a great picture this sort of stuff should have zero impact on your business.

Jun 4, 2014permalink

JapanCanon

Agree with Lars's post - while I, like many, get fatigued thinking of the oversharing of boringphotographs with one touch filters applied ot them, this isnt a problem with Instagram, nor does it impact a good photographer's business.

Also, I dont use Instagram, but i see links to people's posts sometimes and there truly are some creative images which crop up on there. An image doesnt need to be taken with several thousand pounds of gear to be interesting. And just because some people overshare boring images, doesnt take away from the interesting photos that others take.

Jun 5, 2014permalink

Wye Photography

Hey G3User,

I shouldn't worry about it because...

a) The majority of content on Instagram is 5h!t.

b) The fad WILL run its natural course and then die.

c) Eventually, the users will become bored with it and move onto something else.

d) The users will one day wake up and realise their content is 5h!t and move on.

Jun 5, 2014permalink

The Incredible Hoke

I doubt an Instagram update signals the end of the world for pros. I shoot for an organization and they use Instagram for their event snapshots. But when they want good photos that tell a story and can be printed on their materials, they turn to me. I've even taught them how to use their DSLR and external flash, but I'm still taking photos for them.

Jun 5, 2014permalink

Jogger

Be careful with social photo-apps. As is reported in the NYT, Guardian, etc.. the NSA is using these sources along with facial recognition sw to catalog the faces of everyone who is on there.

This.. along with meta data, GPS coordinates, and all of your other info... pretty scary if you ask me.

Jun 4, 2014*permalink

tkbslc

I'm pretty sure they already have my picture and personal data from when I got a driver's license and passport.

Jun 4, 2014permalink

Wye Photography

I hope the NSA find my life more interesting than I do.

Jun 5, 2014permalink

straylightrun

where do I buy a tinfoil hat like the one you own?

Jun 5, 2014permalink

tkbslc

deleted

Jun 5, 2014*permalink

hydrospanner

Sounds like Zuck is losing Instagrammers to VSCO Cam...

Jun 4, 2014permalink

Impulses

Heh, I almost forget FB bought them... I doubt it matters, they've got such a strong brand recognition by now... I've never used it btw, and it's obviously overused at this point, but this is still welcome. Maybe people will be more subtle with the filters now... Naaah.

Jun 4, 2014permalink


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