A few of our lovelies asked me how I did my photo collages in my Through the Instagram post. Now, I’m not the best photographer in the world (are you tired of me saying that yet?) so any help the internet can source for me is welcome. Here are a few fab online photo sites that help photos snap out of Dullsville.
1. Picnik
This is the site I use to create my little blocks of photos. I am sure there is a technical term for it, but I call them blocks or montages (because what’s not to love about a montage?) You can also do some snazzy techniques – the 1960s Effect is my fave. In the image below, the right is my original photo (taken at Foxglove Spires) and the left is the 1960s effect. The site is free, but like me you can subscribe to more features for US$25 a year.
2. PicYou
If you don’t have an iPhone, fear not. This site is like Instagram on your computer. Loads of really lush retro effects for your images – the image below uses the ‘Cuttlefish’ filter. You just apply the filter to your pic and you’re done. Warning: when I tried to access this site from work it was blocked as being ‘pornography’. Yikes (again with the Yikes). It’s not, I can assure you (I just hope I don’t also have to reassure work at some point…!)
3. Pixlr-o-matic*
Cute retro effects (are you noticing a theme here) with names like Sophia, Ramona and Ivan. The below image is created using ‘Anne’.
4. Rollip
It’s really slow, but the effects are worth the wait, with lots of variations on my fave vintage look. No logging in, you just get straight to it.
5. Phixr
This site allows you to do some serious photo manipulation without much trouble at all. And if you’re that way inclined, you can even create instant inspirational quote posters alah late eighties cat hanging off a branch stuff.
* Why do so many photo-based sites ditch the ‘er’ in favour of an ‘r’. And why use an ‘s’ when a ‘z’ would do, right? Ah… my thoughts on this are for another post…
trudi@maudeandme says
Thanks for all the links. I do like the effect but…I am a bit over it when it is applied to every photo.And it seems like nearly everyone is using it. So maybe used in moderation?
Diminishing Lucy says
I love a Picnik…xx
Mum on the Run says
Thank you so much.
I’ve been too lazy to find these myself!
Here goes the rest of the afternoon!!
🙂
Sydney Shop Girl says
Thanks so much for telling us about these sites!
SSG xxx
Sydney Shop Girl blog
Joni Llanora says
Just what I need! Like you, I’m not the best photographer so I rely on “magic” to make memories extraordinaire. Have a good day!
Mammamusing says
Thank you so much for these tips!
I love a vintage effect. It makes my iphone photos (which is about all I seem to take nowadays) look so much better.
Kate
x
IAMJOROSS says
I oftentimes used Picnik since i have my Photoshop but anyways, you edit pics like a pro 😀
and yeah, I love to edit pics in a vintage like effect cuz it brings a kind of ethereal-dramatic effect 🙂
Ms Jelena says
I use a program called photoscape. It has so many different options including old school photos, random frames, different effects etc.
Ms Jelena xx
Cherie @ 'a baby called Max' says
Always wanted to know how you did that!
Never remembered to ask …
Thanks for reading my mind 🙂
Wonderful effects with the photo montage-whatcha-me-call-its. Yep. I’m not technical either 😉
E. says
Thanks. Those are really great effects. I will have to look into those sites.
therhythmmethod says
Not over it at all. In fact, I love that people aren’t just taking 100s of photos, they’re actually playing with them and editing them and making them really special. So much better than just dumping them on the computer and never touching them again.
Your kids are adorable. x
Heather says
That shot of the kids together is just gorgeous. xxx
Becks says
So going to try these out!! Thanks Bron xx
Mrs Bok - The Bok Flock says
Ya know, you have very gorgeous kids!
Thanks for sharing these tips too I will go and check them out!
Chilling out after surviving a 7th birthday party. At our place. 30 kids!! I know you know how I feel. PHEW!!
greta @ topography says
Thanks, I like Picnik but hadn’t heard of the others. I have only just started experimenting with instagram but love it, I like the subtle filters that give a bit of atmosphere without really changing the picture
Toni says
I have Photoshop and I LOVE fiddling around with different actions on my photos — my favourite for boy pics is an Urban Acid effect.
You’ve totally ROCKED these pics and I love it that you’re so happy to share what you know, rather than hugging it to yourself like Miser Meany. X
katsicles says
Oh my editing addiction is about to get out of control!
Thanks so much for sharing these sites as I’ve been wondering how some people get the beautiful effects they do but most are reluctant to share their tricks, even when I ask ever so nicely 🙂
Marianne says
This is really, really helpful! I just have not had the time to work it out myself! Thanks! Cheers, Mez
Marion Williams-Bennett says
I am pretty average of photography, but wow, this instagram makes me feel brilliant! Vintage!
Photographer Mum says
I love effects on photos – I reckon it gives them a bit of zing. I’ll have to check some of these sites out. Thanks for posting 🙂
1000 Homes of Happiness says
I love a picnic as well. Agree on the ‘in moderation’ comment, some pics are now so over edited they no longer resemble the original. Bron, have popped back through your posts and love, love the Rainbow party. And yes that cake….gorgeous isn’t it. Yours appears so much more ‘polished’ than mine 😉
xoxox Kellie.
Simoney says
That’s awesome Maxabella, thanks for the links!!!
xx
Good Golly Miss Holly! says
I just stepped into the 21st century and got me an iPhone so I’m a total Instagram convert now but I was all about Picnik and Plixr before then. I actually still use them when I edit my SLR pics, wayyy more cost effective than Photoshop 😉
Jayne says
I’ve long processed my photos using vintage actions in photoshop, but I’m loving all these new retro processing apps/sites popping up.
At the moment, I use pixlromatic and instagram, but Rollip looks fantastic!
ejorpin says
I adore Instagram and I’m a recent Picnik convert – there’s so much you can do with collages and text as well (though I have a one woman campaign running for them to add a GIF generator!)
Thanks for the links – I’ve bookmarked this post and I’ll definitely be checking out the other sites you recommend!
Chantelle {fat mum slim} says
Brilliant post! Love your work. x
Mum's the word says
awesome thanks for posting these I have bookmarked them all.. Im a big picnik fan!
Lea says
ooh thank you for sharing:)
Fiona says
Thanks for the handy dandy tips! And we squeeze in a visit to Foxglove Spires during our annual summer pilgrimage to the Sapphire Coast. Only 62 days to go…
katsicles says
Hi, you wouldn’t happen to remember which option you used in the rollip one would you?
It’s very pretty 🙂