Instagram Gets an Update!
A couple of days ago Instagram released an pretty important update to their wildly popular App. This release brings not only an updated user interface but also a new filter AND a new editing tool. The latter is the most important addition. The new editing tool is called Lux saves an entire step in my old iPhone photo workflow.
What Lux is going to do for you
Before Lux, my workflow went like this; Take a photo, go to Camera+ and adjust the Clarity. This pumps the midtone contrast of the image and really makes it "pop". I would then save the image to the camera roll, import it into Instagram and apply my filter. Lux is essentially "Clarity" for Instagram. It is activated by tapping the small sun looking icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
A new Filter
Along with Lux, Instagram gets a new filter with this Update; Sierra. Not a crazy different filter, but it has some subtle changes that I enjoy. The next time you are in Instagram try it out, I'm betting that you'll like it.
Reworked UI
This is the only downside of the whole update is the new user interface. Instagram replaced words with icons that look (as my buddy Zack put it) very web 2.0 and cheap. I prefer the old interface but just like every other App company they are feeling the need to change things up to keep it fresh. I say, "if it isn't broken, don't try to fix it".
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is this; Instagram V.2.1 is a great update (especially the addition of Lux). If you're an Instagram lover, definitely check it out. If you've not tried it out yet, head over and check it out. Oh and don't forget to follow me on there @jlykins.
Get Instagram for the iPhone for free from the iTunes store here: 
