In the past couple of years, Instagram has been a go-to platform for photo sharing and creativity expression. Below is a guide on how to get the best out of your photography skills on Instagram and take your photography throughput to the next level.
Plan Your Shot The idea of your shot should more or less be in your mind before taking the photo. Certain things to keep in mind are lighting, composition, and background. Define what subject matter you actually intend to convey with the image at hand. It is imperative that you plan so to achieve the perfect shot.
Lighting One of the most prominent elements of a good photo is lighting. Natural light is always best, so try and take your photos during the day and beside a window if at all possible. Try not to use your phone's flash because it creates hard shadows and is unflattering.
Composition refers to how you set up the elements in your photo. Consider the rule of thirds—a very simple rule in photography whereby you divide the image vertically and horizontally into thirds. Place your subject at any of the intersections created by these two lines for a balanced composition.
Editing Once you have taken your picture, edit it. There is a long list of editing apps out there, but some range from very popular ones like VSCO, Lightroom, and Snapseed. Adjust the brightness of your photo and contrast and saturation. Do not overdo this, though—you want it to look natural.
Choose a Theme Many Instagram accounts have a cohesive theme, and these seem to make the photos stand out more, creating a recognizable brand. Choose a color scheme or style you want to stick with and try to keep it common in all your photos.
Use Hashtags Hashtags are very useful because they make your photos visible to the most people. Use relevant hashtags that have something to do with the image or your brand. You can also create your very own specific hashtags that can be used in making your brand more widely known.
Practice and Experiment The best way to become a pro at taking and editing photos on Instagram is through practice and experimenting. New techniques, playing around with settings, aren't afraid of messing up—do it. The more you do this, the better your photos will look.
Take and edit cool Instagram photos like a professional: plan, light, compose, edit, be consistent, and practice. With these tips, you're well on your way to creating stunning and engaging Instagram content.