Ok, catchy blog post title aside let's all agree that you can take your Instagram photos however you like. Whether it's a cheesy grinned photo of you and your best friend, a bird's eye view of what's on your plate or the perfect sunset... it's your Instagram so do with it what you like.
But for the purpose of today's post I thought I'd share with you how I personally like to take my Instagram photos and the tips and tricks I like to use...
Get into position //
I don't often have to 'crop' as I like to spend time on the photo composition beforehand. I hold my phone in the right position so that I get the correctly framed photo that I'm hoping for. I personally love the bird's eye effect but not with every photo, it's also nice to mix it up. I try to make sure I don't create unwanted shadows or have any dark corners. If you're shooting outside be aware of where the sun is, if it's behind the subject it'll make it darker and if it's in front it'll make it brighter. I also feel very passionate about keeping the photo square... it's square for a reason.
Background attention //
Depending on the subject of the photo I like to either have a plain white background or a really full, packed background. Setting the scene can really make an average photo look much more exciting. For example instead of just a plate of food, adding in cutlery, a glass and a pattered napkin will really add to the photo.
Edit, edit, edit //
Instagram have recently updated their app and it's now really easy to edit without having to use other photo editing apps. I like to leave the filter on 'normal' and then click on the spanner to edit the photo manually. I usually make the photo brighter, lower the contrast slightly, turn up the warmth and sharpen ever so slightly. The combination of all those things usually do the trick for me or sometimes I'll use the VSCO Cam app and use the filter M5 on about +9.
So those are a few of my tips but the beauty of Instagram is being able to capture moments in photos. A great photo will always be great no matter the editing or cropping. Look out for those moments that will translate well in photo. Let me know if you found these helpful and if you have any of your own tips please feel free to comment below!
Background attention //
Depending on the subject of the photo I like to either have a plain white background or a really full, packed background. Setting the scene can really make an average photo look much more exciting. For example instead of just a plate of food, adding in cutlery, a glass and a pattered napkin will really add to the photo.
Edit, edit, edit //
Instagram have recently updated their app and it's now really easy to edit without having to use other photo editing apps. I like to leave the filter on 'normal' and then click on the spanner to edit the photo manually. I usually make the photo brighter, lower the contrast slightly, turn up the warmth and sharpen ever so slightly. The combination of all those things usually do the trick for me or sometimes I'll use the VSCO Cam app and use the filter M5 on about +9.
So those are a few of my tips but the beauty of Instagram is being able to capture moments in photos. A great photo will always be great no matter the editing or cropping. Look out for those moments that will translate well in photo. Let me know if you found these helpful and if you have any of your own tips please feel free to comment below!