Developed by Conifer Productions, HipStyles app is marketed as the ultimate companion app for Hipstamatic lovers. Why would you want it and what does it do? I’m here to explain it because it seems that many mobile photography enthusiasts don’t understand the app. And well, if you are going to spend 2 bucks on the app store, you need to know what you are buying.
Here’s the basic run down on how you can utilize HipStyles. For starters, are you a Hipstamatic lover? If so, then this app might be for you. If not, I’m thinking you can save yourself the time and move on. If you answered yes to my first question then listen and read on. You might find that this app helps you find other awesome Hipstamatic photos as well as manage your own library.
Initially, the app is going to ask you to connect to your Instagram account. This allows it to access the photos so it can match your search requirements. Search requirements? What am I taking about? HipStyles app works by allowing you to select a lens and film category. After doing so, it will search the Instagram database and bring up any photos that match your selections. You can then view these photos, save them as a favorite, and share them with others. Additionally, saving your own Hipstamatic photos as favorites allows you to have easy access to your own library. Thus, taking away the burden of sifting through hundreds or thousands of images on your camera roll.
Get it? If you want to find the photo that you took using the Lucifer VI lens and the Dylan film (see image below), you would simply select that combination and then tap on the photos tab to see what is generated. Your photo should be there along with any other image made with that combination. Save yours as a favorite and any others you love.
Here’s an example of how I used HipStyles. I entered in the John S lens and the Blanko film, with no flash. If you want the app to randomly select a combination for you, then select “shuffle lens and film” as seen in the center of your screen. I then tapped on the Photos tab on the bottom left.
The following screen will display your search results with the photos matching your selection. HipStyles founds 8 photos with this combination. The HipstaPrints tab should actually be dimmed if there are not a HipstaPrints album in your iPhone.
I decided to try another combination by using the Shuffle option. It came up with the Americana film and Claunch 72 lens where it found one photo which had been posted 11 hours earlier.
I selected on the photo to get a better view. I like how it displays all the details of the photo along with the photographer’s IG handle (@trossnagel).
You can then add the photo to your favorites, tweet it, or post to Facebook. It also allows you to give some Instagram love right there by tapping on the heart in the upper right corner.
This lovely photo was taken by Instagram and Hipstamatic user Todd Rossnagel, @trossnagel, so if you like his image, be sure to give him some love by stopping by his photo stream.
HipStyles Features
- Select a combination of Hipstamatic lenses, films and flashes, including wildcards for lens and film.
- You can also select a random lens/film combination for searches.
- Find matching photos from the HipstaPrints album on your phone.
- Add your best photos to Favorites for quick and easy access
- Share photos with Hipstamatic gear tags via Facebook or Twitter
- Browse photos taken with Hipstamatic and shared on Instagram, matching your selected combination of lens, film and flash.
- Like photos posted to Instagram directly from inside HipStyles.
The downfall that I found to the app was that it was a bit slow to generate some of the search results. Probably just some growing pains that will resolve as the app continues to grow and develop. I spoke with Jere at HipStyles and he noted, “We’re actually planning an overhaul of the matching engine. It would index all the user’s photos at once by combos, and thereafter all matches should be a lot faster because the combo match database would be updated gradually.” Good to know!
Lastly, I would recommend this app for Hipstamatic users who want to easily search and view other Hipstamtic photos. Secondly, if you want to have easy access to your favorite Hisptamatic photos, then this app is spot on for you.
Download Now: HipStyles App is $1.99
About Nicky Sanford
Nicky Firment Sanford is a self taught photographer specializing in iPhoneography.
Finding inspiration through her daily surroundings, you will see her coastal lifestyle come through in her work. Sunsets, sailboats, and silhouettes are her favorites to shoot. She is the momma to two growing boys and a proud military wife. Her personal website is www.thephotomomma.com and on Instagram @thephotomomma
