PhotoNova 2 Review

I have a handful of photo apps on my iPhone 5 that I keep handy when I feel like making my pictures look fancy. Each app has its own perks like frames, filters and adjustments. I tend to rotate between them until I find the one that transforms my picture into a work of art. I’m always on the lookout for new photo apps because I’m really looking for that one that will replace all my other go to camera apps.

I reviewed PhotoNova+ 2 a few months ago, which is a free version of their paid app. PhotoNova 2 offers users more advanced features like a variety of selection tools, an option to switch out the background of photos that have a green background and an impressive effects selection.

When the app is opened for the first time, users can get started by tapping on the Open button located in the upper left corner to select a photo from the Photo Library or take one with the iPhone’s camera. Once a photo is loaded, all the features are available at the bottom of the screen. For example, it’s possible to use the lasso tool to select a portion of the photograph, tap on the selected FX option to apply an affect to only a portion of a picture, utilize the tilt-shift option to add focus to photos and alter the position and intensity and even add a vignette to pictures and change the color and position.

The effects and filters categories are usually the most popular features in a photography app. PhotoNova comes with plenty of effects so users have what seems like an unlimited amount of creative freedom. My favorite effects include Paradise, Toon, Magic and Glamor.

All the options may seem a little overwhelming and confusing which can make it possible to accidentally tap on the wrong effect or option and change the photograph. Thankfully users can undo these mistakes and even go back and revert the image to the original. After users are finished editing their masterpieces, they can save them to the Photo Library, Facebook, Instagram, Email and Twitter.

There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about PhotoNova 2. My only complaint with this app and others like it is that there can always be more. Promise of additional updates or even in-app purchases for additional photography effect packs could make the app a keeper on my home screen for a long time.

Overall, PhotoNova 2 has many impressive features that make it well worth its low purchase price of less than one dollar. Its easy-to-use interface and wide range of options makes it ideal for amateurs and professional iPhoneographers alike.