Technology Lesson: Instagram

Instagram is a photography-based app. It lets users edit and share photos via Apple- and Google-support devices (iPod, iPhone, Android, etc). The service was purchased earlier this month by Facebook, to a raucous Internet outcry.

Instagram has two notable features: first, it allows users to post photos and share via the app--users can shoot and share within the Instagram network, and simultaneously post to Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, and Twitter (and check in via FourSquare). Second, the service comes with eleven filters to enhance the image. Some are inspired by analogue photography.

Here is an example of the filters, as lifted from Wikipedia (and provided by Jessica Zollman):

A recent update also adjusts the brightness of the image.

I'll let The Washington Post's The Style Blog explain the cultural appeal and dismay with the app, and its recent acquisition:

iPhone photographers love Instagram because it has the ability to dress up any average-looking photo to make it seem artfully composed and interesting. And that’s exactly why “real” photographers hate it: It replicates an effect that, for them, requires vintage equipment, expense and hours of practice. Though there’s no word on how Instagram will change, it’s safe to assume that the already swiftly-growing app will become even more popular. Depending on your perspective, that means a newsfeed full of better-looking images, or faux-retro fakery.

 Yup, that pretty much sums up everything you ever needed to know about Instagram (and my faux-hipsterism).

Additional Resources:
Instagram
Instagram support center

Facebook buys Instagram: What this means to Insta-photographers, The Washington Post's The Style Blog