Inspired partly by Suzie's recent post and by the photography situation that always arises when Winnie, Kristabel and I meet up to dine, I thought I'd share my Instagram tips and tricks and what I use on my own squared-off snaps.
Camera
By now, it's no secret at all that I'm a camera app obsessive. In fact, I probably need to be surgically removed from my phone at any one time. You can see my favorite camera apps here if you're interested. At the moment, my cameras of choice for Instagram are LINE Camera (download for Android/Apple) and VSCO. I shoot, save it to my Gallery and crop at a later stage.
Additionally, having a full-time job means I don't have time to take many photos in the week. Shoot, edit and save photos for #latergram use!
NB: I'm an Google Nexus 5 girl!
Filter/#NoFilter?
I veered away from Instagram's filters way back in, like, November sometime last year. LINE Camera comes with a plethora of effects that I love to use, my favorite being White Cat, Latte and Evergreen. There are more options and is much more flexibility too. Additionally, VSCO is great for an arty option with more filters than you can shake a stick at. I really like Jade, Carrie and Lina's use of alternative filters.
In conclusion: no Instagram filter, but yes, I do add a variant of an effect...
Composition
One of the things that sets a good Instagram feed aside from another is composition. This is the term used for how objects and subjects are laid out in the photo. I think it often makes the world of difference to have a nicely aligned, non-wonky photo. Some of my favourites include:
- Aerial: Get directly above your subject for a birds' eye view. I like this for food or impromptu hauls. Also, LINE Camera has an on-screen balance feature that helps make sure you have a perfect shot.
- Eye-line: A nice straight cut photo works wonders. I like diagonal lines down streets, some foliage (branches and flowers to you and I) and straight edges.
- Depth of field: Holding something close to the camera lens and putting the focus on that is a good call. I think it adds a real element when you can see someone's hand in the snap too. Depth of field is all about creating a blurred background by focusing on one subject.
- Repetition: A top tip that I learnt from Kristabel is to repeat colours, prints and objects for an interesting set-up. You know, shop style.
- Where I Stood: #fromwhereistand is a popular term and hashtag at the moment, simply point down to where you're standing. Good for cool floors and fun shoes.
Instagrammers with a particularly good eye for composition include Shini, Katy and Winnie.
Captions
Once I've taken my photo, added a filter and realigned it in Instagram, adding a caption is one of my favorite parts. I'm all about a thinly-veiled pun, joke or phrase nowadays. Scrolling through Instagram and reading a witty caption - some of my favourites are always, always Kate and Jazzabelle puts a smile on my face.
Variety
Variety is the spice of life and all that. As bloggers and frequent social media peeps, we probably get a bit one-minded with our Instagram feeds and 'content'. Sure, I'm a fashion blogger but I also love posting food snaps, pretty sights that I've seen, take part in #ThrowbackThursday and other little snippets. Mix it up and show off your personality! My go-tos for feeds with flavor include Kristabel, Liv and Natasha.
Tagging
Finally, as a sidenote, when I remember to, I like to tag my Instagram photos with my fellow bloggers, brands included, etc. Make full use of being online by sharing what you're wearing with both the brand and your follower. I started seeing this on Lily and Ingrid's Instagrams first.
How do you snap your Instagram photos? Any tips to share? Also, pop your Instagram username below and I'll check out yours! I'm @winyeemichelle.
