Despite the popularity, smartphone photography remains a very contentious subject among photography purists, though many are warming up to the idea – even embracing it. The various apps stores are teeming with different kinds of photo apps to download; many of them have similar features, but there are also apps that stand out from the crowd by offering very few elements. Lenka falls into one of those latter apps.
Lenka was made with “minimalist” shooters in mind: The app can only use your smartphone’s rear camera (making you work for that selfie), and it can only capture monochromatic images. The app has “normal” and “high-contrast” shooting modes depending on how you’re trying to compose the images, and you have the option of turning the flash on or off. And that’s pretty much it.
You won’t find any trippy photo filters or advanced adjustment tools with Lenka, and that’s exactly how creator Kevin Abosch envisioned it. A veteran photographer, Abosch wasn’t satisfied with the black and white photo apps already on the market, so he decided to go ahead with his idea for a bare essentials, straightforward app that highlights the beauty and simplicity of monochromatic photography.
Lenka it is similar to the 1-Hour Photo App, since both give users a “traditional film” feel to shooting on your phone. Thankfully, you won’t have to wait 60 minutes to get your photos when using Lenka – you just have to shoot, review, and repeat.
The Lenka photo app is now available on the iTunes Store for $3. Since it is specialized for use on 4-inch screens, Lenka is best used with an iPhone 5, 5S, or 5C. Sure, you have to pay for it, but it’s far cheaper than buying a black and white digital Leica.
(Via PopPhoto)
