The charm of grain and of other imperfections adding to an image’s character is but a distant memory. At least it was until the arrival of the iPhone. Now, grain, dirt, burnt-out whites and blacks, and an inaccurate white balance seem to be a staple part of the photographic experience of most iPhone users. In certain circumstances, this can add a new artistic factor to an otherwise average image.
Many apps that allow the addition of such effects, however, don’t have particularly realistic or pleasing effects, especially in the case of grunge or distress filters, and most importantly, these filters are only available for images from iPhone users’ cameras.
Grungetastic for Mac ($7.99/£5.49) from JixiPix Software aims for cater to those who like this type of stylising in particular, and who either don’t have an iPhone or don’t want their iPhone to be part of the process.
Out of the box (or rather, the download) Grungetastic isn’t equipped with the hundreds of filters which many other apps flaunt. But that doesn’t matter, because each grungifiying effect is adjustable, from its smoothness, to the tone threshold, to the colours used for “defacing” the image. Then, you can pick from a very large selection of overlays – patterns of scratches, or damage, for artistic effect. The colour of these overlays can be modified, and two different overlays can be added to one image.
Mark Myerson loves photography, and in particular, hanging around waterfalls! Landscapes and nature have always been his staple, but he relishes any opportunity to take pictures. He also works closely with many local charities, regularly providing photographic coverage of fundraising events.
Mark is also a self-confessed tech-head and OSX lover – Apple is his favourite fruit!
Mark is the owner of Mark Myerson Photography, a Devon-based business that provides a large variety of photographic services to the local community and beyond. Whilst Mark Myerson Photography specialises in event, commercial and pet photography, almost every type of photographic assignment has been covered by the company.
If you have any photography or OSX-related questions, you can contact Mark via the links given below.