If there’s one thing I get asked for often, it’s how I take my Instagram photos! I’ve been promising a video on this forever, but I thought I’d throw in a few tips on here too.
Instagram is one platform we don’t seem to be getting sick of – despite their many changes to the algorithms and App itself. I love expressing myself through photos, and I think Instagram allows us to share snapshots of our day without overthinking it.
For me, it’s a bit like a mini blog – a more relaxed way to share my life.
01. Get the shot right first time. Maybe this is an obvious one, but I always recommend getting your photo right before you go in with filters. There’s only so much you can do in the App, so try to move your flatlay around a bit or choose a different angle if you’re doing a wide-angle shot.
This way, you only have to make a few edits and your photo will look a whole lot more natural once you’re done.
02. Play around with the settings. I’m not huge on filters, I think there are some good ones – but there’s also quite a few that make your images look unnatural and over-edited.
To avoid this, play around with the settings rather than filters. I love changing the shadows, saturation and sharpness through the Instagram App. It really adds so much to a snap, and the result looks so light and bright and clean!
03. Mix it up. I’m not one to stick to one filter or style of photo, and I think the variation in my feed is what attracts followers. I tend to mix a bit when it comes to my style of photo – sometimes I love bright, white photos and other times I love busy flatlays.
Usually I’ll stick to the Instagram App, but occasionally I’ll use VSCO. It keeps things fun, and I think people appreciate a wide range of styles.
04. Planning can be key. I’m going to be honest here and say I’m not a big fan of overly styled photos (the pictures you can just tell are set up for Instagram!) and an overly planned theme.
I think Instagram works because it’s somewhat spontaneous and full of life! But.. I do understand the importance of your theme looking good, so I do sometimes plan out my feed using an App.
I have Mosaico for curating my feed, and I love being in control of how my photos are going to look. It’s not something I go crazy with, but occasionally I will test out a photo before I post!
05. Share the love. If you’re looking to grow your following, find similar people or just create an Instagram home feed to be proud of, you have to get stuck in and share the love!
Comment and like the pictures on your timeline if you think they’re worthy of it. The Instagram algorithm has been designed so you see more of what you love, but you do need to help it along.
Support your fellow Instagrammers and you’ll no doubt see a rise in your own following too.
Are you an Instagram obsessive? Don’t forget to follow me here, and don’t forget to check out my video on how I take my Instagram photos too!
Christmas Gifting With Elemis – AD.
