On my tenth birthday I got my first digital camera. Documenting every gathering, holiday, and school dance, my digital camera was always by my side. After many upgrades and evolutions of cameras, I began relying on my iPhone for quick access to document an event.

My iPhone has changed my life. As a photographer, I am constantly on the lookout for ways to improve my cell phone photos. When I was introduced to the app Instagram, my iPhone photos, also known as iPhoneography, became snazzy.

At first, I only felt safe using the installed filters on Instagram to alter my photos. After a while, I was looking for ways to excel in iPhoneography. With help from these recommended apps available at Apple’s app store, you too can make your iPhone and Instagram photos more appealing.

1. Picfx [$1.99]: This app is my go-to. With the ability to take a photo through the app, or select an image with my camera roll, there are 13 filter sets to apply to a photo. A personal favorite set is the “Light” set. From Bokeh5 to Bokkeh7, the filter applies lens flares for an artsy effect. The amount of Bokeh filters seems endless. Photographers looking to amp up their iPhonography game may want to purchase Picfx.
2. ColorSplash [.99 cents or free version]: Black and white photos with a splash of color have been popular over the past few years. If you’re looking to add this app to your collection, I would recommend watching the instruction video. It describes how to use it; basically, you can add color back into your photo with a finger swipe.
3.  MoreBeaute 2 [free]: Oh, to be young, stressed and scarred with blemishes. Are you in a bind and need to upload a photo of yourself, (can anyone say “selfie”) but that huge zit defeats the purpose? Just upload your photo to the app and watch your blemish clear up. With an adjustable slider, you can choose how clear your results are. If you move the slider completely the to the right, you’ll start to look like an angelic pageant princess. Needless to say, less is more.
4. 360 panorama [.99 cents]: Panoramic views. This is a trend I have been noticing not only on Instagram, but in news sources such as the New York Times. Before purchasing this app, I thought, “this is going to be awesome!” After purchasing the app, my reaction was, “oh, maybe not.” The app does necessitate, it just takes a steady hand. The app allows you to take a series of photos that illustrate the 360 view. If your previous photo doesn’t line up with the next photo, then the whole panoramic will not make sense. If the photos do line up, the panoramic will look seamless.
5. Afterglow [.99 cents]: Like Instagram, this app has filters to apply to your photos. Both new or previously taken, Afterglow allows you to choose from two filter categories. Within those categories, your filter choices are immense. The frame options such as triangle frames and circle frames with white borders are unique and worthy of your purchase. Personally, I think this helps give a clean and prim vibe, taking your photos to the next level.

Like all social media, Instagram will become nothing but a memory. However, experimenting with Instagram apps can help promote creativity and confidence. So go ahead, play around with your photos. Try out that negative filter, or that panoramic view. Behind the filter awaits a surprise.