Instagram introduces Lux, a new way to enhance your photos

Instagram update introduces Lux, a new way to enhance your photos

Instagram, the wildly popular photo filtering and social sharing app for iPhone, has been updated with a new enhancement feature called Lux. With a tap of a button, Lux will apply an HDR (High Dynamic Range)-like effect to your photo that lightens shadows, darkens highlights and increases contrast. It does a phenomenal job.

Apple included an enhancement feature in the iOS 5 Photos app, but it's mediocre at best. The problem with Apple's version is that it's supposed to fix all types of photos, but Lux focuses specifically on one issue and does it well. Lux is best used on landscapes that have areas that are too dark and too light -- photos that you should've probably taken with HDR turned on, but didn't, and now need to fix. Here's an example of Lux on a photo of train tracks that I took.

In addition to Lux, Instagram has also added a new filter called "Sierra", which frames and lightens a picture, and they've refreshed the look of the app in general, and the icons on the tab bar as well.

If you've taken any great shots with the new Lux enhancement or Sierra filter, share them in our Photography Forum -- we'd love to see them!