If you want to know how to take great Instagram photos, then you’re in right place! I’ve been taking IG and blog photos for quite some time now (about 10 years to be exact) and there are tips and tricks I have learned along this journey. These tips have helped me to elevate my content and expand my overall reach!
One of the key things that shifted the way I started taking great photos for Instagram was letting go of what people would think of me. Especially because a lot of the time, I was shooting in public (sidewalks, next to buildings, etc.), there is a tendency for people to stare. I used to get so tense when this would happen, and it would show in my photos. I wasn’t allowing myself to be free and held myself back from executing some really cool shots. So, I just stopped caring. And as I look at the progression of my photos, I definitely see a huge difference (like the below that was taking in a very high traffic foot area).
If you’re shooting with a professional DSLR, I would highly recommend shooting your photos in RAW, as it gives you way more flexibility when it comes to editing. With the JPEG setting, the camera automatically adjust for the surroundings, which is not a bad thing. But it can become a bit more nuanced when trying to edit a photo like that. Below you’ll see two images. The one on the right was edited in the Lightroom Mobile app from the one on the left that was a RAW photo. When I shot this, the sun was setting so the lighting was a bit off. But, I was able to manipulate and bring out the true colors and the edits came out great.
Don’t be afraid to have your friend (or photographer) get down closer to the floor to get a more raised up photo, or for them to get super close to get a more detailed shot. I love playing with dimensions and when I shoot with friends, we are always asking each other to get into different positions to get the shot. Whether you’re using a phone or a camera, there is so much to play with versus standing in one spot and clicking the center button. Flip the phone upside down, put the camera at ground level to make you look tall, get in overhead shot that gives a full look of the outfit while focusing on your makeup. So many options!
The floor is sorta like a safety net. Not looking directly into a camera (or someone holding the camera and taking the photo) is a shield in some sense. I used to do this ALL THE TIME in my early blogging days. So many of my photos were of me looking down, because I was still uncertain and shy in front of the camera. Fast forward now, you will rarely find a photo of me looking down, even in the ones that never see the light of day. I have become 1000% comfortable with staring right into the camera and giving it all I got.
What makes photos a bit more interesting is the background. Travel based content creators have an upper hand with this because most places have beautiful scenery to accompany it. But, you don’t have to be a traveler in order to get those nice shots. Drive around your city, google different places, search on Instagram and Pinterest, your city is literally your playground. Because my style content is more street style focused, I enjoy shooting in places that give off that vibe of casual meets chic.
If there’s one thing I like to do, it’s strike a pose. Sure, standing about face towards the camera lens is easy, but easy isn’t always exciting. The past 2 years, I’ve been more intentional with how I pose. And if you need additional pose inspiration, I have a whole Reel about it here! And if you need more inspo, I break down more tips in this YouTube video.
Appreciate you all taking the time to read through this post. I hope that these tips on how to take great Instagram photos are helpful! Now go forth and prosper :)
Until next time…
