Instagram has a tendency to make many photographs more interesting than they actually are. The retro film effects prey on our sense of nostalgia, making even the most run-of-the-mill, poorly composed photograph appear to be something timeless and worth further attention.

This site applies these same digital filters to iconic images taken by highly regarded photographers through the ages. It's an experiment done primarily for my own amusement, but I'm also interested in finding out how these digital manipulations alter our perceptions.

If the Instagram effect can make mundane images appear to be works of art, what happens when we apply the same filters to images that have historically been held in high regard? Is the imagery degraded or enhanced as a result? Does the effect add a new layer of meaning to the photo? Perhaps these are questions best left resolved by the viewer.

Mastergram is the creation of photographer Andrew Emond. Have any questions, comments or complaints? Email the author here.