Irys

It took a little getting used to, like any new platform. But I am LOVING it now! A lot of people complain about the optional $5/month subscription for premium membership… but I feel like it’s a steal to be able to participate in the photo competitions with amazing prizes! I also love that it’s not locked for any time period. But to be able to post images at full resolution and no crop is amazing! Also, super fun to join groups with similar interests. I feel my work is seen better here in the few months I’ve been on it than the years I’ve spent on Instagram or Facebook. Great job Irys team!

When I heard that Alan Schaller was starting up a Photography app I jumped on it with a paid subscription. Unfortunately, they only have an app which is severely limited, time consuming to enter details to post with images and is badly challenged in terms of tutorials and user support. I reached out to see if there was a web-based site which could make using the service more efficient and user-friendly. Unfortunately, that is a "possibility" somewhere off in an undefined future…which in 2026 is simply unacceptable. I’m a dedicated BNW film photographer who wanted to support a fellow BNW photographer (Alan S.)…but my annual subscription and the app was a complete waste of my time and money. Come back in a year or two…it "might" be ready by then.

I rarely pay for apps, but I love that I’m not limited in the number of groups I can join, full size photo uploads and the multiple portfolios. So it’s worth it for me. It’s a much better system than the Instagram hashtags, and allows me to connect with photographers who shoot similar themes. Uploading photos is a breeze, and people are interacting and commenting. I look forward to the group challenges that are just starting. The only con for me: I’m not loving the app visual design. As an app for visual people, it could have a better color scheme.