Sigh. I do get excited by things sometimes. It always makes Pete laugh!
When I was sixteen, I was a passionate amateur photographer, with an Olympus SLR and a kit bag full of interchangeable lenses. Back then, everything and everyone was a potential subject, and I remember the excitement of viewing the world through a photographer’s eye, always on the look out for a great photo. Sadly, it was a hobby that faded after I started university, as film processing costs became prohibitive.
Last week, I discovered the Hipstamatic App for my iPhone 4S (thanks Lucas).
This digital photography app emulates the old fashioned point and shoot camera, but offers a range of filter options (in the form of “lenses”,” films” and “flashes”) that allow you to creatively manipulate the final image. With most photo apps, the filters are applied to a photo after it’s taken; with Hipstamatic you choose the effect before you click the shutter button.
It’s not without its limitations (which I’ll discuss a bit later on), but at $1.99 for the basic app, price isn’t one of them. The base model comes with five lenses, four films and three flashes. Add-on packs start at just 99c each – so far, I’ve bought seven of them, so I’m out of pocket a grand total of $8.92. That’s roughly the price of a loaf of artisan sourdough.
And for that small cost, I’ve been having a ball! Here are some of the pics I’ve taken in the last few days, while I’ve been experimenting with the different effects that can be achieved with the app.
All the photos above, and the one below of cranberry red potatoes, were taken using the Loftus Lens and DC Film. Both of these were designed in conjunction with food photographer David Loftus to specifically enhance food photos…
. . . . .
Taking black and white photos makes my heart soar!
The next two photos were shot using the Lucifer VI Lens and Claunch 72 Monochrome Film…
. . . . .
The Americana Lens coupled with Blanko Freedom 13 Film allowed me to capture our Yellow Princes as they darted around the tank…
. . . . .
Pete and I spent an afternoon in the city recently. I had my iPhone out as soon as I stepped off the bus, and took this photo using the John S Lens and my now favourite Claunch 72 Monochrome Film…
The Americana Lens and Ina’s 1969 Film gave this photo of a building in Surry Hills a 70s feel…
. . . . .
As Pete missed out on lunch with Glenda and Maus, we went back to Bar H in Surry Hills. We sat by an open window and I took this photo as we waited for our meal. The following three shots were all taken using the Loftus Lens and DC Film…
Steamed prawn and fish wontons…
Wild kingfish sashimi salad…
. . . . .
A stroll through Hyde Park, and an experimental shot taken using Buckhorst H1 Lens and US1776 Film…
. . . . .
The new Sydney Westfields has the most amazing food court I’ve ever seen! We had dessert at the Via Del Corso Pasticceria e Caffé…
Pete had the lemon lime tart…the Loftus Lens and DC Film seemed to cope well with the indoor fluoro lighting..
I had blood orange and chocolate sorbet…
Notice how the Loftus Lens blurs the edges of the photo slightly?
This window display at Ragù astounded me – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a full leg of San Daniele prosciutto hanging in a food court before…
. . . . .
And finally, the Jane Lens and DC Film (my default “regular” photo setting) captured this poster of James Magnussen, Australian Olympic swimmer, which covered the entire Queen Victoria Building. I took it through the window of a moving bus (Debra, this photo is for you!)…
Hipstamatic is a wonderful app, but as I mentioned above, it does have a few limitations.
Firstly, it can’t zoom. It really is point and shoot only.
Secondly, it can’t take photos using the front camera on the iPhone, which really isn’t a big loss, as the front lens isn’t as high quality as the rear one anyway.
Thirdly, the photo can’t be edited in Hipstamatic after it’s been taken, although you can save it onto your computer and play with it there. This means that you have to learn how the different lenses and films work together, so you can pick the right combination before clicking the shutter button.
Fourthly, each photo takes about ten seconds to process, and the software can only process nine pictures at a time. I don’t have a problem with this, but it was sufficiently annoying for Monkey Girl (Big Boy’s ♥) to uninstall the app. Then again, she’s nineteen.
One major consideration – according to some reviewers, the app has a tendency to crash, particularly if you’re using an older iPhone or operating system (although it’s been mostly fine on my iPhone 4S with iOS 5.1.1).
And finally, the app doesn’t come with a built-in training manual or guide. It takes a little study to figure out how it works, and then some experimentation to determine which settings you prefer to use. There are a couple of great instructional websites here and here which I found particularly useful.
If you have an iPad and would like to see more of the fantastic photos taken with this app, download their free magazine. And check out New York Times photographer Damon Winter’s Hipstamatic photo story on Afghanistan – he won an international award for it!
PS. All the photos in this post are SOOC (straight out of camera) – they haven’t been adjusted or photoshopped in any way!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Hipstamatic started out as something I hated. I was addicted to a similar app called ClassicToy, and Hipstamatic seemed counter-intuitive compared to that. But once I splurged on a few packs (I now own all of them, even the limited-time weekend-release-only ones), I really fell into the groove (helped greatly by the Export-Right-To-Instagram feature) and it’s now displaced almost all of my other photo apps. There are other post-processing apps, like Camera+ and FXPhotoStudio, but for shooting, it’s either main camera or Hipstamatic.
As for learning the lenses, you can double-tap on a photo you like, and choose to save that combination as a favourite (of which I have more than 50). As for crashing & wait times, I’d recommend lowering the quality to medium & updating all OS thingummies.
Actually, I think what sparked my interest fully was the randomise shake. By shaking the phone, you get a random lens, film and flash combo for the next shot. While this aspect can be annoying (either registering a shake when you haven’t shaken, or worse, nearly causing you to fling your phone into traffic by shaking too vigorously), and I’d adore a dedicated button, it’s become something I love.
I also credit Hipstamatic as part of what reinvigorated my interest in film & lomography (which you’ve seen on Instagram). And I’ve seen the evangelising effect the Hipstamatic can have: my wife Tanja initially resisted, saying she wasn’t a camera person, and now uses her own combos of lenses and film that I hadn’t thought of. :)
Lucas, thanks for putting me onto a new hobby that isn’t going to bankrupt me. I think Hipstamatic actually forces me to take more considered photos – because there is no zoom or post shot cropping option, I find I pay far more attention to framing than I do with other digital photo mediums.
What I’m loving is the study right now, trying to learn the different lenses and how they interplay with the films. I’ve never used a flash much so haven’t played with those yet. I have the quality set on medium, and I think the resolution is great for the blog and instagram.
On your recco, I’ve turned the shake function back on. Let’s see what comes next.. ;-)
Hello Celia. Thanks for this post, it is very interesting and informative. Shock horror…I do not have an iPhone, but I certainly plan on getting one in the future and this app is something I am fascinated by. Am I the only blogger not using it!? I am especially interested in the first effect you mentioned that enhances food photos.
I love my DSLR and drive myself mad trying to master the manual settings. However, there are times when it is slightly cumbersome…especially when we are travelling. Thanks again…this has given me lots to consider!
Jane, I’ve only had an iPhone for a few months, but I have no idea how I ever survived without it! It certainly makes taking photos easier when we’re out and about.
It is definitely time for me to order that iPhone 4S – I want this app!
~S.
Sorcha, it’s really cool! And only $1.99 to start with! :)
I’ve never used a photo app – I’m so ashamed.
I must have a go just for the fun of it. :)
You’d probably love it, Maureen! :) But it does take a little bit of study to get your head around how it works. There’s lots of cool photo apps out there – a more mainstream one that we like is Camera+.
Celia that photo of the trees is just beautiful. I might just have to play around with this app. I’m pretty addicted to instagram already so what’s one more app to play with?!
Claire, do it! It’s a tiny cost for a huge amount of fun! And you can post directly to Instagram! :)
OK, I can barely cope with the point and shoot digital camera I have, but it does not compare to my old Canon! Thanks for the great review of the APP :)
Thanks Tandy! I’ve been an SLR girl since I was 16, but I’m slowly moving away from it now. The big thing for me is that the iPhone seems to do much better in difficult light conditions. Also much less shake, as it’s so much heavier than the big Lumix.
Thank you Celia….you are just too good to me.
Darling, it’s the least I could do after you so kindly took that wonderful photo of Becks… ;-)
http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/armani-park-in-milan/
That’s just too tempting. I don’t iphone either, but I am a luddite with SLR and lenses and a passion for TriMax and TriPan (tho I can’t remember which I prefer, it’s the 400ASA one). This looks like a fun alternative. I love seeing life in monochrome. You really do have an eye for composition, Celia.
Vix, thank you! You might actually love this – for me, it’s reignited the passion I had at 16, when I look out at the world and see everything as a possible photo. I drove poor Pete mad on our trip into town, I kept trying to get off the bus because I saw something I wanted to take a photo of! ;-)
I am always amazed by what an iPhone can do.
Misky, it absolutely blows me away!
What a great post, fun photos and review, but even with the best camera/phone/app the person behind the camera is the star xxx
Joanna, thank you! I had great fun taking the photos!
I don’t have an iPhone and have no plans to get one. I don’t even use the mobile phone I have, so I will have to let this one go by me.
Deb, your photos are so gorgeous, so whatever you’re using is obviously working brilliantly!
Great images Celia. Love the one of our James! I think this app would be good to play with. xx
Charlie, I think Carl might really enjoy it too!
Couldn’t you just take photos of things all day? Your pictures look great (I especially like those red potatoes). I’m a huge David Loftus fan so I am going to check this app out. Thanks for posting!
Emilie, you are SO right, I really could just take photos all day long! The Loftus app is brilliant – I’m amazed at how good it is. And even more amazed that we can buy the base pack and the Foodie pack for less than $3 combined!
Celia, you know I’m going to get that, right? No idea when I’ll have the time to play with it, but at least I know if I get in trouble (highly likely) I can shoot you (pun unintended…) an email…
awesome photos – as to the swimmer’s photo: WOW!
Sally, he’s a hottie, isn’t he? ;-)
You know what does my head in just a little? The fact that your PHONE can do all that. That really is quite cool. Technology huh.
I’m not sure which I like more…photos or words :-)
Yep. Amazing, isn’t it? Loving your pics, Brydie!
That is absolutely amazing Celia. I too love the trees as well as the broccoli! I really really want one to play with – can the app be used on an iPad? ‘Tekonology’ and I have never been the best of friends but I’m fascinated by what is available and the speed with which it is evolving. Those are such great photos.
Jan, thank you! It does say it’s available with iPad, but I’m not sure how good the camera on the iPad is? But it would be worth the $1.99 to give it a shot! :)
This was inevitable because you were so nice and so good with your kitchen and food photographs… I always find them so nice and impressive. How happy I am now to hear this, dear Celia. I can see how amazing shots you did. I loved them all… should be so exciting now. Maybe you already know but I wanted to share with you his amazing blog, dear Davide’s! He won some awards too with his iphone too… I am sure you like his photographs from Italy.
http://rubicorno.com/
Good Luck dear Celia, have a nice and enjoyable and creative time, Thank you, love, nia
Nia, thank you! I’ll check out Davide’s site now! :)
I don’t use iphone but what a cool app :)
Tes, it really is! :)
great photos!
Thank you! :)
Oh this looks fun, I’ve been wondering whether to try an ap like this, and I think you have just given me a nudge in that direction! A lovely day out too !!
Claire, it’s just such a small cost investment for so much pleasure. It does need a little patience to master it though, but I’m really enjoying that part of the process…
I’m impressed- but actually more by you than the technology. You have an artist’s eye and judgement-and your photos always are topnotch. Besides, I can barely handle texting on my phone- when I use it to take pictures I can’t always figure out how to get them back- hopeless, that is me.
Glad you’re enjoying the phone and the app- and sharing the pictures with us!
Thanks love, you’re very kind. Love your new look blog! :)
I enjoyed playing around with Hipstamatic.. then I switched to Instagram. Have you tried that one? It doesn’t have as many cool filters, but the best part is it uploads to a bunch of “followers” and to Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, etc all automatically. But this turns into another social media group to follow, etc, where does the time go?? Loved your photos today!! xoxo
Smidge, I did the reverse – I started with Instagram and bought Hipstamatic, which lets me take the photos and then feed directly to Twitter and Instagram. I’ve just found you on Instagram and followed you! I’m CeliaFigJam.
Good job thanks Celia. Glad you found the food kit. You might want to join the Flickr group for Hipstamatic photos.
Peter, it’s brilliant – when I first heard about it, I went back and read your posts about the app. I’ll look out for the Flickr group, thanks!
Beautiful pictures, Celia!
Thanks Manuela! :)
Celia, you amaze me. I love your enthusiasm for all things.
Glenda, thank you! Although this was pretty easy to get excited about.. ;-)
Hey Celia! What a lovely post, and, I must say–you take fabulous photos (food and otherwise)! So glad you like Hipstamatic!
How nice to hear from you! GREAT product you’ve come up with, thank you! :)
Thank you! Your post made my day. :)
I read about Hipstamatic just 2 weeks ago. Your thorough review will come in handy — once I get my iPhone. I couldn’t justify a Smart phone but now I plan to drop my landline in favor of an iPhone 5 this Fall. This post will come in handy. Thank you.
John, I am completely besotted with both my iPhone and this app. As Brydie mentioned in an earlier comment, it’s hard to get my head around the fact that this is a phone. I think of it as a prototype Star Trek tricorder.. ;-)
Looks like so much fun Celia, and your photos are lovely. I saw a stall selling add on lenses and telescopic style lenses that actually somehow attach to an iphone/ iPad recently at the food and wine show in Sydney, I’m sure you could google them if you’re interested.
Becca, I’ve seen those, thank you, but I don’t actually want to change the shape of the phone at all, if that makes sense. My days of changing lenses are long past.. ;-)
My favourite app. A lot of images on my blog are hipstamatic. They have a project going called #makebeautiful. Check it out. It’s very cool.
Thanks for stopping by, Andy! It’s a seriously cool app. I’ll check out your blog and #makebeautiful as well, thank you!
Ah, kids and their toys. I shall continue to resist as only an old codger can – I find it both annoying and frustrating to try to stay on top of the all the ‘upgrades’ and ‘improvements’ which currently flood the tech stuff I have come to depend on. Don’t you people know it’s all a conspiracy? Ha.
Stop smiling Celia – you’ll get there too.
:D I’m not laughing, Doc, I promise. Actually, I’m late to the iPhone myself. :)
Great pictures Celia! I’m checking out the app too. Love my i phone camera.
Pamela, hope you enjoy this as much as I have!
I love my iPhone too. Everybody gets texts now and photos. Love the app. Thanks! Maz
And bought and futzing with it now, taking pictures of the Small Dog. :-)
And not a thing was done that day, due to Fig Jam and Hipstamatic.
Not a whole lot got done here either over the past few days, Maz! ;-)
Celia, you’ve got that photography bug back good and proper – sounds like you’re having fun.
Choc, I really am, thank you! :)