Best way to get started: install the web app!
The easiest way to use OnePhoto.Club is by installing the web app at https://OnePhoto.Club onto your phone.
Yep, you can add it as an app to your phone directly from your web browser—and it functions just like a normal app, with the same phone notifications you’re used to.
To do that on iOS, tap the share button (the box with ther arrow pointing up), then scroll down to the Add to Home Screen button. On Android, hit the meatball menu (three dots) and tap Install App, then confirm by tapping install. You now have an app icon on your Home Screen that you can use!
To change your notifications, tap the bell icon on the right toolbar, then tap the slider icon below the new post button near the top. You can toggle notifications in the web app by using the “desktop notifications” toggles.
You can also use website on your computer as well. Here are some useful keyboard shortcuts you can use in your browser.
If you were a fan of a multi-column mode (like Tweetdeck), then make sure you enable the “advanced web interface” in preferences. This feature is only available on tablet and desktop browsers.
The “official” Mastodon app (not recommended)
There is an “official” Mastodon app available for both iOS and Android.
I don’t recommend using it for OPC, however, as it buries the local feed, which is how we follow the OPC member posts. However, it’s a good alternative if you’re using a secondary alt account for non-OPC content.
Third Party Apps
If you’d prefer, you can use just about any Mastodon app with One Photo Club. In fact, you can use multiple apps if you choose (I do!). There are a few features, however, that you’ll want to pay attention to when choosing an app.
First, you’ll want a prominent way to access the “Local Feed” (on the web app it’s referred to as “Your Server”), which is where you’ll see posts from your fellow OPC members.
You’ll also want to make sure that the photos displayed in the feed aren’t excessively cropped—many apps will crop vertical shots into landscape ones, forcing you to click on each post to see the full photo. Stay away from those.
Recommended iOS apps
Tusker – Tusker is a very simple free app that is incredibly easy to use. If you’d prefer a third party app, this is where to start.
Ice Cubes – Ice Cubes offers free iOS, iPad, and MacOS apps which provide some additional features for advanced users. One of my favorite features is the “generate description” tool that quickly drafts “alt” descriptions for images.
Mona – My favorite “full featured” multi-column Mastodon client, which requires a one-time purchase to use all of its various features. I would try out one of the other apps first and only upgrade if you feel like you’re missing something.
Vernissage – This is an interesting additional option, as it’s a PixelFed app—so you can only use it to view photo posts, plus comment and star them. But I really enjoy using it to scroll through the Federated feed, as by default it only shows this gorgeous wall of photos.
Note: all four of these iOS apps allow you to sign-in to multiple Mastodon accounts.
Android apps
I don’t have access to an Android phone, and it seems like there are fewer polished apps available for Android. But from what I can gather online and in chatting with some users, here are some solid third party options:
Moshidon for Mastodon – I was told by the developer that you can customize the timeline, which includes both local and federated servers, and that photos are not cropped at all.
Tusky – This one seems to be the most recommended overall.
Megalodon for Mastodon – This is another popular one, which is the underlying basis for Moshidon.
Rodent – Allows for custom tabs, but it’s unclear if it crops photos in main feed. Does look like there is a nice photo slider though.
Browser-based web apps
Just like the default web app, there are a variety of other web interfaces you can use it you prefer.
Phanby – This is a popular one, which offers a very pleasant layout and generally easy access to the local feed.