Is Using Your Cell Phone as Your Main Editing Tool a Problem?

With a busy schedule like mine where an 8 hour sleep is a luxury, I try to make everything as simple as possible. Being a photographer, the editing process can be very tedious and boring. I have had times where I have spent countless hours editing photos into masterpieces. But when it comes to the simple editing like a change in the lighting or putting a filter on, I get bored very easily. With apps like VSCO and RNI Films accessible at my fingertips at all times, editing on the go has been something I’ve come to love. I love how I can cut corners and make the process shorter, which means clients get their pictures faster. People ask me all the time what I use to edit my photos, and are genuinely surprised when I say that I do most of the editing on my phone. I feel the reasoning behind that is because most people don’t know how to use the applications properly. Most people just put a filter on and go, but to make the picture appear more professional you have to do more. I change lighting, boost contrast, make the picture warmer or cooler, sharpen it a little, but most importantly I’ll adjust the filter if needed. I even use apps like Picsart to jazz up my photos a bit to help me think outside of the box and be more creative. One thing I’ve made one of my trademarks is how I use Polaroid borders and add stickers and quotes to the photos, all while using my phone!

Now some might say that using your phone for editing and using applications that are preset based, is a lazy feature and puts you in a box. Now I can’t say that I don’t disagree, but that’s only if you don’t add your twist to the preset. I know I use the same presets as thousands of other photographers using VSCO, but I try to make sure my pictures are different enough that even with a noticeable filter the picture is still mine. I also now how to use a strategic cocktail of apps to get my desired look as well.

Another argument I found is that not enough effort is put into the finished product when using applications. I have to say that this is a complete lie personally! I know I said that I like to get in and out when I edit photos, but when I’m trying to be more creative with my posts the process can take some time. My Polaroid edits are something that I put a lot of thought into because I have to make sure the stickers not only match each other, but the picture as well. So I do not agree with that statement because although some people do use a filter and go, I try to make every filter my own.

With that being said, I feel like you can make your mark while using apps that many people use for their everyday photos. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be outside the box using apps solely to edit your pictures.

Sources Used: https://fstoppers.com/originals/waging-war-vsco-why-i-hate-simple-preset-systems-53852

Edited with RNI Films and VSCO.

Edited with Picart.

Edited with RNI Films and VSCO.

Edited with Picsart.