Five Tips and Tricks for better Instagram photos
@SafeSolvent shares his favourite techniques for capturing the perfect memories.
We asked the greats of Instagram to give us some of their own tips and tricks. Here are some things you can do to stand out and improve your own feed.
When it comes to hashtags and filters, calmez-vous — Psssst.
If you’re tagging your posts with obscene amounts of irrelevant hashtags, people will find your feed annoying. Instead, let the originality and quality of your photos be the driving factor in growing your following. Also, don’t go overkill with filters, just because you can. Always ask yourself first if there is another way to enhance and improve each photo without slapping Hefe or Walden on it. Try altering the levels first.
Don’t just use Instagram
The app is a great platform for interacting with others and sharing your shots, but as far as editing goes there are many other useful tools out there. Everyone has their preference, so find an app that works for you. Once you pick one, learn its ins and outs. Both @mathieujarryphoto and @safesolvent recommend Snapseed. Otherwise, VSCO is another great one to try.
Perhaps, a pod?
If you want to take impressive selfies (a-la-@safesolvent), or simply just shoot from angles unreachable for non-contortionists and ninjas, think about investing in a gorilla-pod to place your lens exactly where you want it. This is a great tool that will easily help you boost your feed’s originality, affording you unique perspectives on even the most popular, done-to-death shooting locations.
Know your limitations
There are a lot of professional photographers out there that actually choose to shoot from their phones, even when they have thousands of dollars of snazzy shooting gear at their disposal. @mathieujarryphoto pointed out that when trying to nab a candid shot, a little cell phone is much less intrusive and intimidating than a random guy lugging a backpack filled with gear. That said, when forgoing the DSLR, recognize the restrictions of the device in your hand, and adjust your shooting techniques accordingly. One shortcoming of most phones is the zoom capabilities, so be sure to compensate by getting closer to your subjects.
Don’t just create, consume too
Think of Instagram as a social media network — don’t let your relationship with it be one-sided. While it’s certainly an exceptional outlet to display a portfolio or allow the public to peak into your life, it is equally important that you reach out and interact with fellow users. Use the app as a source of inspiration, and also as a way of getting feedback on your own photos. Notice when someone is shooting exclusively with their phone, and realize the potential of what can be done with the exact same device that’s currently in your back pocket. @Bridif says delving into hashtags you like is a great way to discover shooters with similar interests — he says to make sure you let people know you like their stuff, because it’ll increase the chance of them checking out your feed in exchange.
We asked the greats of Instagram to give us some of their own tips and tricks. Here are some things you can do to stand out and improve your own feed.
When it comes to hashtags and filters, calmez-vous — Psssst.
If you're tagging your posts with obscene amounts of irrelevant hashtags, people will find your feed annoying. Instead, let the originality and quality of your photos be the driving factor in growing your following. Also, don't go overkill with filters, just because you can. Always ask yourself first if there is another way to enhance and improve each photo without slapping Hefe or Walden on it. Try altering the levels first.
Don't just use Instagram
The app is a great platform for interacting with others and sharing your shots, but as far as editing goes there are many other useful tools out there. Everyone has their preference, so find an app that works for you. Once you pick one, learn its ins and outs. Both @mathieujarryphoto and @safesolvent recommend Snapseed. Otherwise, VSCO is another great one to try.
Perhaps, a pod?
If you want to take impressive selfies (a-la-@safesolvent), or simply just shoot from angles unreachable for non-contortionists and ninjas, think about investing in a gorilla-pod to place your lens exactly where you want it. This is a great tool that will easily help you boost your feed's originality, affording you unique perspectives on even the most popular, done-to-death shooting locations.
Know your limitations
There are a lot of professional photographers out there that actually choose to shoot from their phones, even when they have thousands of dollars of snazzy shooting gear at their disposal. @mathieujarryphoto pointed out that when trying to nab a candid shot, a little cell phone is much less intrusive and intimidating than a random guy lugging a backpack filled with gear. That said, when forgoing the DSLR, recognize the restrictions of the device in your hand, and adjust your shooting techniques accordingly. One shortcoming of most phones is the zoom capabilities, so be sure to compensate by getting closer to your subjects.
Don’t just create, consume too
Think of Instagram as a social media network — don't let your relationship with it be one-sided. While it's certainly an exceptional outlet to display a portfolio or allow the public to peak into your life, it is equally important that you reach out and interact with fellow users. Use the app as a source of inspiration, and also as a way of getting feedback on your own photos. Notice when someone is shooting exclusively with their phone, and realize the potential of what can be done with the exact same device that's currently in your back pocket. @Bridif says delving into hashtags you like is a great way to discover shooters with similar interests — he says to make sure you let people know you like their stuff, because it'll increase the chance of them checking out your feed in exchange.