It's a glorious time to be alive. Our incessant need to photograph every aspect of our lives and share them with anyone who would pay half a glance has brought forth a beautiful marriage of technology and vanity: Smartphone apps that enhance your DSLR and mirrorless camera functionality. This glorious union allows us to capture memories in higher quality, manipulate them to our heart's content, and then share them with a world that's only mildly interested in our avocado toast pictures.

Apps to Turn Your Smartphone into a Camera Control Center

Did you know your smartphone can do more than just send badly misspelled messages and serve as a $1,000 alarm clock? It can also act as a remote control for your camera, providing you with a plethora of delightful options for your photographic adventures.

qDslrDashboard: This handy app turns your smartphone or tablet into a control center for your Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera. You can adjust settings, focus, and even see a live preview of your shot. Plus, when you're using this app, you're not fumbling with your camera's buttons, sparing your delicate fingers the agony of physical exertion.
DSLR Controller: Similar to the qDslrDashboard but exclusive to Canon cameras, this app allows you to control your camera, review images, and even perform time-lapse photography. Beware, time-lapse photography is highly addictive, especially when documenting the growth of mold on your lunch leftovers.
PlayMemories Mobile: Designed exclusively for use with Sony cameras, this app lets you control settings, live preview your shot, and transfer images to your device. It's like the technological lovechild of your camera and smartphone, minus the awkward family gatherings.

Apps to Improve Your Photography Skills: No More Excuses for Blurry Shots

Now that you've hopped aboard the smartphone-camera-control train, let's step up your photography game with apps designed to make you a better photographer. After all, the world doesn't need any more blurry photos of your cat, no matter how adorable Whiskers may be.

Photopills: This app is like having a personal photography assistant in your pocket. It offers planning tools, exposure calculators, and augmented reality features to ensure you're capturing the best possible shot. Plus, it's a lot less expensive than hiring a photography intern, and you won't have to worry about it stealing your lunch.
LightTrac: Proper lighting can make or break a photograph. LightTrac shows you the exact angle of the sun and moon at your location, helping you plan the perfect time to shoot. It's also great for avoiding awkward backlit situations where your subject ends up looking like a shadowy villain.
The Photographer's Ephemeris: Similar to LightTrac, this app helps you plan your shots based on natural lighting. It also includes helpful information about the direction of celestial bodies, making it perfect for astrological aficionados and werewolves alike.

Apps to Edit Your Photos: Because Sometimes Reality Needs a Little Help

Once you've taken the perfect shot with your impeccably planned lighting, it's time to edit your photo to perfection. Whether you want to make minor touch-ups or turn your photo into a surrealist masterpiece, these apps have you covered:

Adobe Lightroom CC: A must-have for any serious photographer, this app offers powerful editing tools that can handle RAW files and sync with your desktop Lightroom for seamless editing. It's like having a miniature darkroom in your pocket, minus the toxic chemicals and questionable stains.
VSCO: With its array of filters and editing tools, VSCO is perfect for those who want to give their photos a vintage, film-like aesthetic. After all, who wouldn't want to recreate the magical ambiance of a 1970s Polaroid?
Enlight: For those who want to take their editing to the next level, Enlight offers advanced tools and presets for creating truly unique images. With this app, you can transform your photos into artwork or persuasively convince your friends that your dog can fly.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of the Smartphone Camera Revolution

It's time to admit that our smartphones have become an integral part of our photography experience. By harnessing the power of these versatile apps, we can improve our DSLR and mirrorless camera functionality and create more captivating images. So embrace the power of the smartphone-camera alliance, and elevate your photography game to new heights. Just promise us you won't use these newfound powers to create even more avocado toast pictures. The world has seen enough.

FAQ