CameraBag 2 is an app that enables you to add retro-style filters to digital photographs. But while many similar apps are quite simple and limited, CameraBag 2 offers a huge number of options, which can be mixed and matched with relative ease. We say "relative" because the interface is rather quirky and not particularly Mac-like. But not to worry – once you’ve worked through this walkthrough, you’ll be adding soul and warmth to your digital snaps with ease.
BEFORE: While the shot might look great you can have fun with effects…
AFTER: …Like this one, which adds more character to the image.
The CameraBag 2 interface comprises a main work area, a tool panel and a tray. The tool panel houses tabs that group styles, adjustment tools, borders, saved favorites and "quicklook" previewing options. The tray sits underneath your photo and shows each applied style or adjustment as a tile. In the walkthrough, we explore creating a filter by using a style and some adjustments, but it’s also possible to add multiple styles to a filter. To do this, add your first style (as shown in the first step) and then another by clicking its + button. The order of styles changes how your image is rendered, so be sure to experiment.
We also recommend exploring the app’s menus. Almost every item has a single-key shortcut, which speeds up editing. Some also provide power features, such as using the left and right arrow keys to move through a folder or images or iPhoto album, previewing the current filter with each. However, if you want to apply a filter to multiple images, place your photos in a Finder folder, open one and select a filter; use File > Batch Process Folder, define a prefix in the dialog box, click Next, choose an output folder, and select Choose.
Before working through the step-by-step guide opposite, ensure you’ve dragged an image to the main work area from Finder or iPhoto.
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