A blogger’s favorite apps! Sharing the apps I use daily and others my blogger gal pals use regularly.
photos by amanda moss // back seat photography // location: the ballantyne hotel
Since it’s Monday, which usually means getting life in order and organized for the week ahead, I figured I’d share the app I use to keep my life in order. All the apps featured in today’s post are the apps I use to create my Instagram images, prepare for photoshoots, plan out my Instagram schedule, and keep my photos organized. All of this is extremely important as a blogger and these apps help to make things a little easier and prettier!
Obviously Instagram. It’s probably the most used app by any blogger.
RewardStyle – Probably the second most used app by fashion, home decor, and lifestyle bloggers. Within this app influencers have the ability to link the items they’re wearing, showcasing in their house, or using to whip up their favorite recipe. By using this app bloggers are able to easily share their items with their readers. Therefore making it super easy for their readers (like all of you non-bloggers reading this post) shop! You can find out more here on how to use it.
Snug – I was introduced to this app by Morgan of How 2 Wear It in January and have been obsessed since. Snug is an app that allows you to load your current Instagram feed and add new photos to see what they would look like. Aka the app allows you to plan out your Instagram feed. I am a HUGE planner. I like to know what’s ahead and not be stressed when the time comes for any and everything ha. So Snug is amazing for me!
PS Express – This app is my first step in the process of editing my photos. I typically go into this app to reduce noise, increase exposure, lower temperature, and then make a few tiny adjustments. With just a couple quick edits within PS Express can completely transform the appearance of your photo. Plus it’s super easy to use!
VSCOCam – VSCOCam is full of various filters that you can apply to each and every one of your photos to create consistency with your photos. I’ve used this app on and off for about a year now. I’m officially back ON the wagon and using it reguarly. I have always really craved a very cohesive instagram feed and this app helps you make that happen. I’ve been using the same filter for about a month now and I’m loving how it blends all of my photos together more. If you take a look at Jenna from Visions of Vogue and Mary from Happily Grey you’ll notice all of their photos have the same filter. This makes for a very pretty and cohesive instagram feed.
LIKEtoKNOW.it – This app is relatively new and makes the whole process of followers shopping a blogger’s Instagram even easier! The LIKEtoKNOW.it app allows followers to simply screenshot an image they want to shop on Instagram, Instagram stories, or Snapchat. They can then head into the app to shop everything linked in the photo. It’s an amazing resource for bloggers as they can now share shoppable images on Instagram stories and Snapchat which wasn’t an option previously. You can read more about this app and how to use it here.
Magic Hour – I use this app for photoshoots. Magic Hour will tell you what time the “magic hour” is in the morning and evening. Aka when you don’t have to worry about shadows and your photos will have the bests lighting. Now obviously it’s not always possible to shoot during this time but I like to take a look at the app and try to do so whenever I can.
Color Story – Another photo editing app. Now I really don’t use Color Story but I have a lot of blogger gal pals that swear by it. Color Story is very similar to VSCOCam as the app has a lot of filters you can use on your photos. So if you’re looking for a cohesive Instagram feed this may be another app you want to try out.
Dropbox – This app is GREAT for keeping your photos organized and in separate folders. I hate having to shuffle through my iPhone photo album trying to find the one photo I took two weeks ago when I’ve taken a million since. Having photos saved in separate folders within Dropbox with descriptive names makes life a lot easier!
Whether it’s for your sanity or to build a stronger Instagram, I hope this post helped you out! If you have any questions about any of these apps please feel free to comment below or email me at louellareese{@}gmail{dot}com.
Also for all your bloggers and small business owners out there, there’s a really fun conference coming up called the Creative Hub Conference. You can find out more and buy tickets here.
I need to download magic hour! I’m always asking my photographer when it is, ha!
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
Oh it’s the best! I use it all the time. You’ll love it.
xo Laura Leigh
I need to look into this Magic Hour app! Sounds so cool!
Pink Champagne Problems
It’s really great and super helpful! You and Allie would definitely be fans.
xo Laura Leigh
I used to use VSCO, but now I’m a Color Story convert! Totally obsessed.
x Diana // http://www.dianapearl.com
I’ve heard that a lot! People are totally one or the other and then switch. So funny!
xo Laura Leigh
This is too funny as I was about to message you this morning on which app you preferred for IG planning!! Love these tips girlie!!
Oh that is hilarious! Hopefully this helped out.
xo Laura Leigh
Isn’t Sung the best?! Also – thanks for the “magic hour” recommendation! Downloading now!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
YES! I am obsessed. Thank you so much for the introduction. You’ll love Magic Hour, it’s really great.
xo Laura Leigh
I forsure need to check out Magic Hour! My biggest struggle is planning a shoot when the weather app says it’s sunny, and then it turns out it’s not! Thanks for the tip!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Of course gal! Hope you find it to be helpful.
xo Laura Leigh
I love learning about new apps that are going to make my life way easier! downloading magic hour & ps express right now!
xo!
Shelby
www. glitterandgingham.com
Yay! Hope you find the two to be helpful.
xo Laura Leigh
Seriously love all of these apps!!! Such a great roundup!
Xo Makayla
http://www.fashionablykay.com
They’re SO good, aren’t they? Thanks lady.
xo Laura Leigh
VSCO is my jam! I haven’t heard of Snug, but I use Planoly and couldn’t live without it.
xo, Amanda
http://www.aglamlifestyle.com
Isn’t it the best! I’m hooked on it for sure. Oh I’m sure Snug and Plainly are the same. I’m right there with you. Literally couldn’t live without it.
xo Laura Leigh
I had no idea there was a magic hour app! SO NEED THAT!
xx,
Lacey
http://www.theglittergospelblog.com
It’s bomb! You’ll love it!
xo Laura Leigh
I use and love so many of the apps! Great post!!
Ah that’s great to hear! Thank you!
xo Laura Leigh
I have never heard of a few of these! Thanks for sharing love! Your pictures are ALWAYS amazing!
Of course gal! Glad you found it the helpful. You’re so sweet!
xo Laura Leigh
Dropbox is well used on my phone. It makes accessing my work from whatever coffee shop I am working (lol) easy.
Totally agree!!
xo Laura Leigh
LOVE this post! I’m actually working on a similar one right now. VSCO is literally life-changing – it amazes me how it can turn an ordinary, potentially not even that great iPhone photo into something beautiful!
xx Mollie
Ah yay! I cannot wait to read yours gal! So glad you enjoyed mine. And YES I totally agree about VSCO. Your photos are amazing so it’s definitely working for you.
xo Laura Leigh
Oh my gosh I need that Magic Hour app!! Sounds awesome!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
It’s great! You should definitely download it.
xo Laura Leigh
Love this list!!i use most of these but I’m going to check out the ones I don’t. 🙂
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Thanks gal! Glad you found some new ones.
xo Laura Leigh
I love this list! There are some on here that I haven’t heard of but definitely need to check out 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
http://www.thefitbrunette.com
Thanks Samantha! Hope you find the new ones to be helpful.
xo Laura Leigh
I love those apps! I will definitely need to check out Magic Hour, I’ve heard so many great things!!
You definitely should! It’s extremely helpful!
xo Laura Leigh
The Magic Hour app is a good one! I’ve never heard of it but obvi need it now!
xox Emily
http://thestylehuntblog.com
You’ll love it!
xo Laura Leigh