How to make your instagram pictures look professional
How to Edit Instagram Photos Like a Pro
Instagram is a visual platform — so having great photos is key to a successful Instagram strategy. In other words: quality images result in quality engagement.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be a pro photographer to post beautiful content to your Instagram accounts.
All you need is your smartphone camera, a few editing tools and tricks… and a little practice.
Watch this video if you want to learn how to edit your photos for Instagram using Adobe Lightroom:
Or, read on to learn how to edit Instagram photos to grow your audience and establish a compelling brand aesthetic. You’ll also get a breakdown of some of the best photo-editing apps that can take your images (and engagement) to new heights.
Save time editing photos and download your free pack of 10 customizable Instagram presets now.
How to edit Instagram photos the basic way
Instagram has built-in editing tools and filters, so this is a great place to start if you’re just starting to dabble in the world of image manipulation.
1. Begin with a quality photo
Even the best filter can’t disguise a bad picture, so make sure you’re starting with a quality photo.
Natural light is always the best option but use the HDR mode on your smartphone camera when shooting in dim light, close up, or outdoor portraits for best results.
Another pro tip? Snap a bunch of shots to make sure you’ve got options when posting time rolls around.
If you’re strapped for time or inspiration, try customizing stock photography.
There’s a whole wide world of free, quality stock photography out there to choose from.
Pro tip: Start with a photo that’s sized for Instagram. If your photo or video is too small, it may appear blurry or grainy, no matter how much you edit it. And you can’t edit your photo after posting. Photos that are at least 1080 pixels wide will look best. Instagram will crop your photo as a square by default, but you can adjust it to its full width or height if you prefer.
2. Upload your photo to Instagram
Open up the Instagram app and select the plus-sign icon in the top right.
This will open up a menu of posting options. Select post and then pick your photo from your image gallery. Tap next.
3. Pick a filter
Here, you’ll find a variety of filters, which will adjust the lighting, colors, contrast, and sharpness of the image in different ways.
“Gingham” for instance, creates a flat and muted look, while “Inkwell” turns your photo black and white.
Tap each filter to preview how it will look on your particular photo.
“Claredon” is the most popular filter in the world, according to Lifewire, for a cooler look that pumps up the contrast in a natural way.
Pro tip: You can adjust the intensity of any filter by tapping it a second time and adjusting the sliding scale from 0 (no effect) to 100 (full effect).
But in 2021, most pro Instagram users tend to skip the filter step all together in favor of customizing their own visual balance. Which brings us to the “edit” function in the Instagram app…
4. Customize your photo with the Instagram editing tool
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see an “Edit” tab on the right. Tap that to access a menu of editing options:
- Adjust: Use this to straighten your photo or alter the horizontal or vertical perspective.
- Brightness: A slider to brighten or darken your image.
- Contrast: A slider to make the distinction between the dark and bright parts of the images more or less intense.
- Structure: Enhance the detailing in the photos.
- Warmth: Slide to the right to warm things up with orange tones, or to the left to cool them down with blue tones.
- Saturation: Adjust the intensity of the colors.
- Color: Layer on a color to either the shadows or highlights of the photo.
- Fade: Use this tool to make your photo look washed out — like it’s been faded by the sun.
- Highlights: Brighten or darken the brightest areas of the image.
- Shadows: Brighten or darken the darkest areas of the image.
- Vignette: Use the slider to darken the edges of the photo, making the image at the center look brighter by contrast.
- Tilt Shift: Choose either a “radial” or “linear” focal point, and blur everything else.
- Sharpen: Make the details a little crisper.
(What’s the difference between this and structure? Unclear.)
Pro tip: At the top of the screen, you’ll see a magic wand icon. Tap that to open the Lux tool, which allows you to tweak the exposure and brightness on a sliding scale.
When you’re done making your edits, tap Next in the top right corner.
5.
Tweak individual photos in a multi-image postIf you’re sharing multiple photos in a single post (also called a carousel), you can edit each one separately. Tap the Venn diagram icon in the bottom-right corner of the photo to bring up individual editing options.
If you don’t do this, Instagram will apply your edits to every photo the same way. If your photos were taken in different conditions, or feature different subjects, editing them individually is worthwhile.
6. Post your photo (or save it for later)Write your caption and tag any people or locations, then tap share to get your masterpiece out into the world.
You did it! You edited an Instagram photo! And now everyone will see!
… or if you’re feeling shy and want to wait, just tap the back arrow twice and you’ll be prompted to save your image and edits as a draft.
Instagram photo editing tips: beyond the basicsIf you want to take your Instagram photos to the next level, though, you’ll need to spend a little time working on your images before you even open them in the app.
Here are a few ways to go beyond the bare minimum to make those pics pop.
Straighten up and focusYou’ve done your best in the shooting stage to create a great composition, but in case your camera wasn’t perfectly level, or if a stray piece of litter has crept into the shot at the edges, the straighten and crop tool is here to help.
This tool is the easiest way to improve your composition when it’s too late to retake the shot. A good rule of thumb? If the horizon in your photo is straight, you’re golden.
Use the spot-removing tool in your favorite editing app to clean up your images before you get to the color correction stage.
Whether that’s removing stray crumbs from the table of your food shot or discretely erasing a zit from your model’s face, cleaning up those distracting details will ultimately make your shot look more polished.
Consider the gridWant to create a grid with a consistent, on-brand vibe? Keep your tones uniform, whether that’s warm and vintage-y, vibrant and neon or pretty in pastel.
Find some grid-spiration here, with our countdown of 7 creative ways to design an Instagram grid layout.
Mix and match editing toolsThis is one of our top tips.
There’s no rule saying you need to stick with one editing app. If you love the smoothing effects of one program, and the cool filters in another, use ‘em both and get your photo just right before you upload it to Instagram
How Instagram influencers edit their photosWondering how to edit Instagram photos like the pros? We watched Instagram influencers’ how-to videos so you don’t have to!
You’re welcome.
TLDR: Most professional Instagram posters use multiple editing apps to get the look they want — Facetune and Lightroom are particularly popular.
For instance, Instagram influencer Mia Randria smoothes out her skin with Facetune, zooming in to even out the area under her eyebrows or rough skin. She uses the patch tool for bigger bits, and the push tool to adjust details like her lip line.
Once that’s done, she uses presets in Lightform to adjust the lighting, contrast and color. (If you want to experiment with presets, we’ve got 10 free Instagram presets to download right here!)
10 of the best Instagram photo editing apps
While there are tons of great apps out there to help you make your posts for Instagram the best they can be, these are some of our favorite photo-editing tools.
1. Hootsuite Photo Editor
If you want to edit your photos in the same platform you’re scheduling posts and planning your content calendar, look no further than Hootsuite.
With Hootsuite image editor, you can resize your photos according to preset social media network requirements, including Instagram. You can also adjust lighting and saturation, apply filters and focus points, apply text, and more.
Here’s a full list of all the image editing features available in Hootsuite for Professional users and above.
Try it for Free
2. VSCOThe app comes with 10 free preset filters (pay to upgrade your account and you’ll access 200-plus others), and features sophisticated editing tools that help adjust contrast, saturation, grain, and fade. The “recipes” tool allows you to save your favorite combo of edits.
Save time editing photos and download your free pack of 10 customizable Instagram presets now.
Get the free presets right now!
Source: VSCO
3. A Color StoryFilters galore (choose bright whites or moody hues to suit your style), 120-plus effects and high-level editing tools that go into photography-nerd detail (in case you wanted to tweak your “functioning curves and HSL”).
For those of us with more “big picture” brains, A Color Story also features a preview of your grid so you can workshop a cohesive look.
Souce: A Color Story
4. Avatan Photo EditorWhile there’s a robust library of effects, stickers, textures, and frames in the Avatan photo editor, the retouching tools might be most useful. Smooth out skin, brighten dark spots, and patch distracting details easily.
Source: Avatan
Developed by Google, Snapseed is a robust toolkit for photo editing that lives conveniently on your phone. The brush tool allows you to easily retouch saturation, brightness and warmth; the details tool enhances surface structure to layer in texture.
Source: Snapseed
6. Adobe LightroomWondering how to edit Instagram photos fast? Presets are the answer.
And this cloud-based photo tool not only makes it easy to edit your pics on your phone or your desktop, but it’s also the editing app of choice for people using presets as filters.
The intelligent highlight tool makes it easy to edit just the photo subject or just the backdrop with a single click or tap… but the downside is that to access the most robust tools, it’s a paid subscription.
Source: Adobe
PS: Interested in trying presets? Most influencers will sell you theirs for a small fee, but we’re offering a pack of 10, created by our amazing designer Hillary, for free.
Save time editing photos and download your free pack of 10 customizable Instagram presets now.
7. AfterlightThe filter library is populated by custom filters by photographers, so you know you’ve got a ton of great options to sift through. Advanced tools and interesting overlays (dust texture, anyone?) give photos a real film-like quality.
Source: Afterlight
8. Adobe Photoshop Express
This is the quick and dirty mobile edition of Photoshop, and takes advantage of AI technology to intelligently handle noise reduction, retouching, cutouts and more to clean things up with a few taps.
Source: Adobe
9. TouchRetouchTouchRetouch is sort of a magic wand to fix any awkward moments in your photo: a few taps and — abracadabra! — that distracting powerline or photobomber in the background disappears. It costs $2.79, but once you’ve got this bad boy in your arsenal, blemishes will have nowhere to hide.
Source: The App Store
10. FacetuneThis spooky-realistic face editing tool has been downloaded by over 100 million users. Smooth out rough patches subtly, amp up your best features, and generally ignore the true meaning of #IWokeUpLikeThis.
But don’t go overboard with the editing features.
Many Instagram users are savvy enough to recognize when their favorite influencers are tuning their faces too much and may be turned off by your lack of authenticity.
Source: Facetune
These are just a few of the Instagram photo editing tools out there. There are plenty more Instagram apps—for editing or otherwise—to discover.
Now that you know how to edit Instagram photos, the key is to find a few apps that work for you and use them regularly to refine and enhance your posts.
From there, you can build an inspiring and engaging Instagram presence, one stunning photo at a time. Trust us—your followers will notice.
Save time and manage your entire Instagram marketing strategy in one place using Hootsuite. Edit photos and compose captions, schedule posts for the best time, respond to comments and DMs, and analyze your performance with easy-to-understand data. Try it free today.
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10 Tips on How to Make Instagram Posts More Attractive
Is your Instagram engagement rate stagnating or decreasing?
Not good!
What's the secret to increasing your engagement rate on Instagram?
Posting attractive photos, of course!
But how do you do that??
How do you make your Instagram content stand out and entertain?
Good question!
Read the 10 expert tips below to learn the answer.
10 Tips on How to Make Instagram Posts More Attractive
In this post, we’ll look at 10 of the BEST ways to make attractive Instagram photos.
If you follow these tips, you will create content SO good that even your competitors won't be able to resist Liking your posts!
When people can't resist Liking your posts, your engagement rate will rise!
In this post, we'll cover these topics:
- How to make unique Instagram posts
- 10 Tips to increase your Instagram engagement rate
- 7 KILLER Instagram photo Ideas
- 4 Things that happen when an Instagram feed looks good
- The best way to schedule posts on Instagram
How do I create attractive Instagram posts?
Upload scroll-stopping photos
There are about 300 million photos uploaded to Instagram EVERY DAY.
How can you POSSIBLY compete with all those photos?
Start by imagining this:
Dave, one of your page followers, is scrolling down his feed while at a doctor's appointment.
He comes across your IG post of a beautiful shell you found on the beach.
He thinks, "That looks nice."
Then he keeps scrolling.
Nice isn’t always unique or INTERESTING.
A unique twist on the pic may have led to more engagement.
For example, an extreme close-up of the shell with a caption asking viewers to guess what the photo is could pique curiosity.
If you want to take the funny route, you could capture something funny in the background.
Say, an awkwardly standing person or crazy-looking seagull.
The point is to post something that stops the scroll.
Unique photos make viewers "present with your photo."
The example above is a "scroll stopping" photo.
Why?
It’s "outside-the-box" enough to MAKE you stop long enough to react to it.
I mean, have YOU ever seen a staircase like that?
Colors, photo depth, patterns, portraits, or shapes are all aspects that can stop the scroll.
Know your Instagram audience
Everyone has preferences.
That includes YOUR IG followers (people who prefer to see a certain type of photo).
The truth is uniqueness is a bit subjective.
That said, target your Instagram content at people who are into it.
To do that, you have to know your audience.
You can learn more about your audience by browsing the following IG content in your niche:
- Instagram hashtags
- Your discover feed
- Your competitors’ accounts
Once you view the posts, read the comments!
You can learn a LOT about your audience by reading their reactions to posts.
This "scouting" will let you know things people like and give you great photo ideas.
Focusing on a niche audience can take you a lot further than posting generic types of content.
When you couple the photo ideas you picked up with these 10 Instagram photo tips, your engagement will take on a life of its own!
10 Tips on How to Make Your Instagram Posts More Attractive
Ok, let's do this!
Follow the 10 tips below to take the engagement rate on your Instagram posts to another level.
1. Adjust your phone’s camera settings
To take amazing Instagram photos, you want to hone in on (phone) photography basics.
Test out the photo features built into your phone’s camera, including the following:
- Filters
- Frames (square VS traditional)
- Pano
- Portrait mode
- HDR mode
- Live mode
- Stability mode
Specifically, avoid relying on autofocus, overexposed photos, and flash.
Don't just rely on autofocus
If you’re taking quick in-the-moment snaps, it's okay to rely on autofocus.
But it's always better to LEARN how to control the focus manually.
When taking multiple photos, manually focusing can even be quicker than autofocus.
It's pretty simple to learn the manual focus feature.
Tap on the point of the image you want to highlight, and then take the photo.
For iPhones, a yellow box should appear.
You will get a nice, clean, and focused shot of your subject.
Avoid overexposed photos
Overexposure = Too BRIGHT
Underexposure = Too DARK
Many amateur photographers make the mistake of taking a photo with full exposure.
What happens?
The details and highlights of the picture get LOST!
Instead, aim for a photo that's just bright and dark enough.
That method allows the highlights and shadows to make the image look natural.
Learning how to leverage exposure takes practice (which can be pretty fun!).
If photos come out too one-sided (too dark or too light), you can always adjust for brightness.
Just tap on the image (for iPhones, a yellow box should appear).
Then use the slider to swipe up (for more exposure) or down (for less exposure).
You can also adjust the exposure of your photo during post-production editing.
Avoid using flash
Flash CAN be useful.
BUT it can also ruin the overall quality of your photo.
Why?
Flash blows out the picture's lighting.
What you get is an image that looks like it was captured on a disposable camera from 1999.
Great photos on Instagram typically use natural lighting and light photo editing.
2. Leverage depth of field
Depth of field is a terrific way of standing out on Instagram.
This is essentially when the main subject of your photo is focused on more than its environment.
Here's a good example from a user taking a photo of the Space Needle in Seattle, WA:
Notice how the Space Needle is far away yet still in focus?
To get a good depth of field, practice using your camera’s focus features.
Tap the object you would like to focus on.
Then, move the camera around so that surrounding objects lose focus.
You've now accomplished an incredible depth of field!
Hear that?
Oh... It's just your Instagram followers liking and commenting on your new depth of field post!
3. Get your lighting right!
Proper lighting is KEY to great photography.
Your lighting source can come from the following:
- Natural light - Light from the sun/nature
- Artificial light - Lamp, selfie light, ring light
- Light patches - beams of artificial or natural light
Lighting can really make or break a photo...even if you edit things very nicely.
Here's an example Instagram post with great natural lighting:
4. Change up your angles
Playing with angles is a powerful technique for impacting the way people see your post.
Think about your subject and the combinations of ways you can view it.
Angle your camera from the top, middle, or bottom of the frame.
You can even turn your phone upside down to create a foreground element.
Taylor Rees, a well-known photographer with 126K Instagram followers, suggests flipping the mobile upside down and taking pictures of your subject from the ground.
According to Taylor, this is the best way to add the ground as a foreground element.
This tactic works for all kinds of objects:
Ground, a table, railing, or desk.
5. Use colors that complement each other
Complementary colors increase your chances of stopping your followers’ scrolling.
So what are some colors that go well together?
According to Design Wizard, these complementary color combos make MAGIC:
Test these combos and try to take photographs that naturally contain them.
Remember: the color shades don't have to be EXACT.
Use this list as inspiration, not a rule book.
6. Use burst mode for moving object photos
Have you ever wanted to take a picture of a fast-moving object?
Then (after trying a few times) you gave up because of all the blurry results?
There's a way around this.
The "Burst Mode" feature can help you take great still photos of moving objects.
This camera setting takes about 10 photos a second (yeah — whoa).
This volume of photos increases your chances of capturing the perfect shot.
Activating burst mode is super easy.
Here's how to do it:
1. Open your camera app.
2. If you have an iPhone XS/XR or older, hold down the button that takes pictures (the shutter button).
3. For iPhones 11 and up, slide the shutter button to your left.
Source: 9to5Mac
4. When you're done shooting your burst photos, they'll be grouped in your camera roll, and you can pick the best one.
If you ever see a UFO one day, now you know what to do!
7. Make use of grids (the rule of thirds)
Your smartphone's camera likely has a grid feature you can activate.
Grids can help you center your subject precisely in the middle of the frame.
You can also follow the rule of thirds to enhance your picture composition.
Check your camera settings to make sure that your grid feature is enabled:
Using grids will also help you maintain consistency when cropping your pictures.
8. Leverage white space (to draw attention)
White space can guide the viewer's eyes to focus on the subject.
Using white space is an excellent way of having a singular focus on your photo.
Too much going on in one picture can be distracting for the viewer.
Here's an example of an Instagram photo effectively using white space:
Here’s another example of using white space to highlight the photo subject:
8. Choose the right photo mode
Today’s smartphone cameras are becoming increasingly savvy.
But you want to make sure you’re using your powerful camera correctly.
When taking your Instagram photos, be mindful of the photo mode you are in.
Photo modes are different from camera settings.
Photo modes are designed to take certain types of pictures.
For example, portrait mode is a great option for a close-up picture of your friend.
Panorama works well for capturing vast scenery:
The best way to learn how to use your photo modes?
Experiment with all of them!
You might be surprised by what you find.
9. Include graphics
You can embed graphics into your photos to announce giveaways, events, or products.
Canva is an EXCELLENT graphics and photo editing tool!
Check out the following examples for some graphics inspiration:
10. Filter your photos like a pro!
Filters are probably one of the first things you think of when you hear "Instagram photos."
But there’s an entire WORLD of amazing filter tools in addition to (and maybe even better than) Instagram.
Some great photo filter applications include the following:
- Adobe Lightroom - Filter your photos and choose unique presets, one of the most popular photo filtering apps around!
- Inshot - Crop your pictures to fit into the aspect ratio of Instagram.
Easily edit photos and videos using beautiful effects and filters. - Mendr - Let professionals edit your photos for you!
- Afterlight - Another highly rated photo editing application. Available for IOS and Android.
- PicPlayPost - Create collages with its easy-to-use vertical-video interface. Free to download for both IOS and Android.
- VSCO - Helps you create aesthetically pleasing images and provides a wider range of presets than Instagram.
- Facetune 2 - Known as the "selfie editor," this app acts as a user-friendly touch-up tool. Available for IOS & Android devices.
- Pixlr - This is a versatile software that allows you to professionally edit photos while still being simple to use. Available for IOS & Android devices.
Filters let you choose from a wide range of presets or modify your photo based on what you want to accentuate.
Here are 3 tips when it comes to filtering photo editing:
- If you're using a preset, consider toning down the filter to a more natural level.
- Tweak colors in your photo to help them pop.
- Have a consistent photo editing “aesthetic” to set yourself apart.
7 KILLER Instagram photo Ideas
You now have a war chest of amazing IG photo hacks to increase your engagement rate.
Now what?
Apply what you’ve learned to spark engagement with these Instagram photo ideas!
1. Weather
It’s hard to NOT to like a fantastic Instagram weather photo.
Practice your filters, angles, lighting with unique weather pics.
Post your best weather shots on Instagram!
Make sure to engage in the comments (people love their clouds)!
2. Flat Lay photo
Flat lay photos work well to show off a product.
Use white space to emphasize the subjects of your flat lay pics.
Ask your followers to pick out their favorite items in the photo!
Then reply to their comments to keep the conversation going.
3. Animals/pets
There are few photos people love more than pet and animal pics.
Play with depth of field to emphasize a pup in the foreground (like in the pic above).
Got a spunky fur baby you want to show off?
Use burst mode to catch them in action!
4. Location
Location photos have the potential to be STUNNING. But they can also be boring (especially if you’re capturing someplace famous).
Use unique angles to showcase a location in an interesting way.
You can also play around with depth of field (like in the example above).
Remember, your goal is to stand out.
Help your followers see the same old location with fresh eyes!
5. Portrait, close-up photos
Don’t underestimate the power of a good portrait shot.
Believe it or not, people want to see YOU (at least every once in a while).
In fact, your followers want to know that your brand is HUMAN.
Use portrait shots to introduce yourself, your team, or customers who love your brand!
6. Food
Food photos are fan favorites.
But that’s if you can master at LEAST these 3 photography elements in your pics:
- Lighting
- White space
- Colors
In the pic above, your eyes are drawn to the vibrant colors on the pie.
Those colors pop because the background is “white space.”
I know, I know.
It’s technically brown. But it’s plain (so it emphasizes the ingredients).
And all of that is made possible because of excellent lighting.
The lighting appears natural — there aren’t any glares (not even in the glass).
The photog likely used SOME kind of external light source, but the outcome is what counts!
7. Clothing
Ever notice that you can just TELL when the purpose of a photo is to emphasize clothing?
How do photographers do that?
Consider the example above.
The background is not QUITE white space.
But it’s close to it!
The only color that stands out in the photo is the blue on the subject’s shirt.
How do we know what to pay attention to?
Well, the man in the photo is wearing sunglasses.
Plus, the shot captures the whole outfit rather than focusing on his face.
In combination, those aspects tell us that his apparel is the REAL point of the pic.
4 things that happen when an Instagram feed looks good
1. Your get more followers
A by-product of a great Instagram feed is more followers.
Apply Post Planner's hashtag tips to maintain a successful Instagram feed.
2. Engagement goes up
People are likely to engage with an attractive Instagram feed because it grabs their attention.
Hold someone’s attention for long enough, and you’ll get more likes and comments.
Some people may even use Instagram's "save" feature on your best posts.
Engagement gets even BETTER when you post your Instagram pictures at the right time!
Here’s what I mean:
There are peak hours when your followers are online.
Posting during those times is one of the best ways to get your post seen.
But what if your peak hours happen at a time that’s not convenient for you?
Do what countless Instagram users do and use a post-scheduling tool!
For example, Post Planner lets you schedule posts in advance and automatically publishes them for you.
So enjoy your coffee and read a book while your posts go live at the PERFECT time!
Out of creative ideas for Instagram photos?
You can browse Post Planner’s MASSIVE content library for beautiful images!
You can even save profiles that post great content into groups called Content Streams!
3. You build authority & credibility
An outstanding Instagram feed adds authority to your brand.
Why?
Because you appear above-average compared to most profiles.
Think about it.
You can tell when an influencer puts a lot of thought into their photos.
In fact, that’s what makes an influencer’s page unforgettable.
That type of impression makes you seem trustworthy.
If you’re selling a product or service, that trust can grow your business.
4. Partnership opportunities increase
As your following grows, brands will reach out wanting to collaborate with you.
If forming brand partnerships is one of your business goals, post STUNNING photos.
The better your IG feed looks, the more followers you get.
The more followers you get, the more influential you become in your niche.
The more influence you hold, the more people will want to work with you!
What’s the best way to post on Instagram?
Creating Instagram photos that look good comes down to 4 principles:
- Applying photo-taking fundamentals
- Knowing your audience
- Standing out
- Publishing consistently
A post-scheduling tool can go a LONG way and helping you practice most of these principles.
Why?
Post scheduling makes your IG marketing strategy SUSTAINABLE and EFFICIENT!
Ready to save time and money and boost Instagram engagement at the same time?
Create a free account with Post Planner today!
Got other photography tips for increasing engagement?
Drop them in the comments below!
How to make Instagram photos popular and promote your account
Content of the article:
- We promote Instagram on our own
- How to increase the number of likes on instagram?
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Promoting Instagram and increasing the number of likes on Instagram
Promoting Instagram on your own
How to take popular photos, professionals from the Huffington Post company gave advice to beginners.
The owners of the most popular Instagram profiles answered the questions of their subscribers regarding the secret of their successful photos. nine0003
How to increase the number of likes on Instagram?
- Appropriately assess the style of your account
Before launching the "instagram registration" button, you need to decide on the target and stylistic direction of the future account. Only after certain content is selected, it will be possible to register on Instagram.
- A set of likes is not your direct goal nine0009
- Take advantage of natural light
- Keeping the correct angle and horizon
- Centering the composition with a grid
- Selecting the central subject
- Catch interesting moments
- Choosing bright colors, lines and shapes
- Using filters and editors
- Experiment with lighting more often
- C Burst help
- Choose your angle carefully
- Shoot using props
- Shoot in any weather
- Atmospheric photos with dominant color
- New Features - Portrait
- Remember the scale of the photo
- Photo layering
- Glare is spectacular!
- Enter the dusk
- Helpful accessories
- Protect your gadget from moisture
- Be careful when using editors
- Practice
- Selected content
- Sign photos on Instagram
- Open Instagram;
- Go to your profile;
- Click "Edit Profile" and "Edit Profile Photo";
- You will see several options for what you can do with the avatar: delete the current profile photo, import a photo from Facebook, take a picture with your phone camera or select a photo from your camera roll;
- Select the desired photo;
- A window will appear on the screen to crop the photo in a circle format - try changing the scale and moving the image so that everything you need is in the center;
- Click Finish.
In order for your profile to develop gradually, be guided by the main materials that are interesting to you too, and are also combined with the main subject of the profile. Pay attention to the trends of the main communities. Following the majority, you will take template photos, but over time, your own style is developed. Especially if you are new to photography.
Cool and funny pictures - parodies will also add popularity to the account
A high-quality photograph is obtained when the light mode is correctly set and selected. Editors and filters allow you to remove minor defects in the image, but in any case, natural light is much better than artificial light. For bright street shots, choose early mornings or rainy days. Early twilight is also good.
See the object first with your own eyes and only then through the lens. The ability to choose a favorable angle comes with experience. During the shooting, several photographs will be taken, among which the most successful one will be selected. If you evaluate the future picture immediately with the naked eye, the process will accelerate. nine0003
Successful photos for Instagram
The grid is used when photographing objects with a symmetrical structure.
Architectural compositions can serve as an example. In the "grid" mode, the frames will be compositionally consistent and more even.
In order to make a good shot for Instagram, take themed photos: the central subject of the image can be an object, a person or a landscape. A good move would be to select several central objects at once, but do not overload the frame. Get your priorities right and the shot will become popular. nine0003
The best photos are those taken at the most unexpected and exciting moment. At the same time, emotions in the photo can be very different: calm or completely unbridled. This emotion must be captured and conveyed as accurately as possible. Users love dynamic photos that capture an outstanding moment. The shot should tell a story, not be distracted by extraneous objects.
The perfect Instagram photo
The popular photo, which gains the maximum number of likes, is characterized by clarity of forms and rich color contrasts.
Shades should be expressive. In order to achieve this, sometimes you have to photograph the object at close range. This method of shooting will allow you to convey the color gamut as clearly as possible and achieve the effect of presence. Sometimes this allows you to make the photo more detailed. nine0003
Photo applications have a lot of functionality. Photographs with the effect of long exposure are very popular - it is important for images of waves and other liquids or media in motion. Such filters are most effectively applied to images of a waterfall, sea, river. Blurred expanse of water and a clear shore - a guarantee of an increase in the number of likes for a photo. iOS users can choose app CortexCam (“handheld photography”), or Slow Shutter Cam (using a tripod). For the Android system, you can also find a number of analogue applications. Of course, the functionality of such applications is very diverse and is not limited to one long exposure.
Use the best smartphone apps
The lens of a mobile gadget and a professional camera differ in their ability to absorb light. This means that a wide field for experiments opens up before the owners of mobile devices. You can try to walk around the object chosen for shooting and at the same time observe it through the viewfinder - so you can notice a good angle of incidence of sunlight in time. In the event that the rays of light fall directly on the lens, there is a chance to make a very special photo without resorting to the help of editors. nine0003
If your Instagram requires a photo of a moving object, do the following: use continuous shooting. Subjects in motion are best shot in bright daylight or very good artificial light. Follow the rule: use a short exposure and a controlled shutter speed, which must be adjusted before the subject has even begun to move.
Continuous shooting will allow you to choose the best quality image and show it off to your subscribers. nine0003
Use several different camera angles at once - an unexpected perspective can be very successful and original. Shooting can be done strictly from above or from the very bottom - photos taken from a very close distance are usually very emotional and intimate. True, do not forget that the maximum approach to the subject of shooting does not harm your health or even life. nine0003
The composition can be filled with props or simply color the background with props. Various items will help set the right mood and tell the story the photographer wants to tell in the shot. Even the most insignificant details can in the end greatly increase the rating of a photo.
Many photographers, whose accounts are rightfully considered one of the most popular, admit that a lot of photos were taken in bad weather.
It can be snowfall, heavy rain or impenetrable fog. Look under your feet - in puddles sometimes there is scope for imagination and creativity. Immediately after the rain in the reflections, you can catch a frame that will bring profit and popularity. nine0003
Shades of the same color can make a photo original and distinctive, even when it comes to white snow. It is worth remembering the style of minimalism in interiors, which is dominated by white. You can start with a photo on a white background within a studio or apartment - gradually you will learn how to work with white. Styrofoam, a sheet or even a window sill is suitable for this. In order to colorfully design your personal page on Instagram, there is an option to use an application that puts text on a white background. nine0003
These are rectangular shots to give you more room for creativity.
Previously, only a square frame was available.
To give the user an idea of the scale of the shot, frame a person or other object whose dimensions are known. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the additional object fits organically into the overall composition of the image. nine0003
Multiple layers can be used in a photo. You can use the effect of "double border". The photo will be more dynamic and captivating. Remember about the effect of presence - users really like this kind of game. The image is a single composition, but it can be divided into several sub-themes and plots. According to statistics, such photos are becoming very popular, but not everyone can take them. nine0003
Glare is an undesirable element in a photo, but when it comes to increasing the popularity of photos for Instagram, then playing with glare will only be an advantage.
Glare can be simulated by yourself during studio shooting or you can catch a beautiful reflection in nature. The beauty of glare surfaces will look original in both winter and summer photography. The time of day will also play a role. The right angle can change the subject of photography for Instagram beyond recognition - but the picture will only benefit from this. nine0003
Twilight photography can capture objects and details that are no longer visible to the naked eye.
Accessories for mobile gadgets to make shooting easy and enjoyable. Moreover, the quality of photos and their popularity on Instagram are significantly increased. For example, you can purchase camera lenses, tripods, wide angles. The possibilities of focus should be used to the maximum in order to create perspective. nine0003
The waterproof case is an additional option for underwater photography.
Too retouched photos lose their naturalness, which negatively affects their popularity on Instagram. To take advantage of filters, prepare appropriate frames for them in advance. Keep the originals. Naturalness is what a successful Instagram account strives for. nine0003
Photographs for Instagram is a daily growth and improvement of personal professional qualities. The eye and observation are trained - an active participant in Instagram is always ready to capture some unusual scene, angle, view, landscape. The ability to choose the right composition, shades, light - all this trains over time. At the next stage, mastery of editors and filters is necessary, when the naturalness of the photo is only emphasized without violating the general idea. It is better to publish a couple of the most successful photos than several of the same type and worse in quality.
An easy way to promote your Instagram account is to post a couple of the most accurate shots a day. The photo must be pre-evaluated before being posted to the public. nine0003
Increase the number of likes on Instagram
Photos must match the theme and style of the created Instagram account. For example, it can be exclusively black and white photos, or vice versa. A single style and following it will bring many new followers and make the profile popular.
Sometimes a well-aimed caption sets the tone and mood for the whole photo. A concise and accurate expression under the photo will be appreciated by subscribers. The caption will help the user appreciate the unique style of the author of the photo, emphasize the emotion and meaning that the image carries. The signature may contain a question - this will allow you to start a dialogue with commentators.
Actively use hashtags, follow the emergence of new fashion trends within the network. The text component with keywords will help to bring the photo to the top. Experienced authors try to sign photos in the comments - this way the image becomes more organic. nine0003
10 tips for creating a catchy Instagram profile picture
10 tips for creating a catchy Instagram profile picture - Cool Content Home page » Blog » 10 tips for creating a catchy Instagram profile pictureAccording to statistics, more than 80% of Instagram users follow at least one brand account. Therefore, today few people doubt the value of this platform for business.
At the same time, companies have long begun to pay attention to creating a unified brand image: this includes a profile header, color schemes, composition, and a single style of photo processing. But many people forget that the avatar is just as important an account component as everything else. nine0003
Why? An Instagram profile photo is the calling card of a brand.
In fact, this is the first thing users see when they get to your page.
Imagine that you walk into a bakery with a large cake stand. They usually sit behind a glass case so you can't smell them. What cake will you buy? Most likely what looks most appetizing.
The same thing happens with your avatar. Therefore, an Instagram profile photo is more important than it might seem at first glance. nine0003
In this article, you will learn how to make a catchy Instagram profile picture to make your account stand out from others and draw attention to your personal or commercial brand.
How big should an Instagram profile picture be
Instagram profile photo is displayed at 320×320 pixel resolution and 1:1 aspect ratio. On the screens of smartphones and in the desktop version, it is displayed as a small circle, so make sure that it displays all the most important things. nine0003
For a high-quality avatar, it is better to upload an image with a higher resolution - 1000×1000 pixels or higher.
It would seem, why even bother with such small pictures? Do they affect anything? And how. Although the Instagram profile photo is indeed very modest in size, it is an integral part of the brand and its positioning.
One of the important aspects here is recognition. An Instagram profile photo is something like a McDonald's logo. Behind the avatar there is always a specific image of the brand or person, so it is worth taking a little time to make it suitable for you. nine0003
Tips for choosing and designing an Instagram profile picture
These profile photo guidelines will work for any social network. It will be even better if you use the same avatar for all brand channels. This way people can easily find you on different platforms and recognize you among hundreds and thousands of other photos at a glance.
Decide which is more appropriate: a personal photo or brand logo
First, think about what will be on your profile picture: a personal photo or a brand logo.
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Putting a photo of a specific person makes sense for a personal brand: sole proprietors, authors, bloggers, influencers, freelancers, experts, consultants, etc.
Setting up a personal brand account Thelogo is more suitable for business accounts with multiple owners and a large team. For example, from retail, media, professional services, etc.
Setting up a retail brand accountCenter everything important
Creative shots are more suitable for the feed, but for the profile picture they can be a problem. To make your profile photo catchy, make sure that the focus (be it a portrait shot or a logo) is in the center.
Also try experimenting with poses and angles. In most cases, a slight tilt of the head or camera angle while shooting will make the photo more authentic and intimate to the audience.
Another tip - beware of low angles. After all, you hardly want potential subscribers to look at your chin or nose. nine0003
Choose a photo with good lighting and contrast
An Instagram profile photo should be easily recognizable, even if it looks like a very small icon.
Muted, barely distinguishable shades on the avatar can simply merge into one spot on the miniature. Therefore, it is important that there is a clear boundary between the background and the object.
If you want to put your own personal photo on the profile picture, then natural light is the best way to make a picture professional even on a phone. For example, you can find good light on the street or at home opposite the window. As a background, it is best to use something neutral and muted. The simpler the better. nine0003 An example of a logo with color contrast applied
If we talk about the logo as an avatar, then color contrast will help here too. Keep the background simple and make sure the text or logo has a strong contrast to it.
Retouch the photo
There's nothing wrong with adding some retouching and filters to your photo. The main thing here is not to overdo it with processing and make it as invisible as possible.
Remember that the secret to good retouching is to make the image look better, but at the same time keep it as natural as possible. nine0003
Consider your aesthetics and occupation
Your profile photo is your calling card for new and potential followers. Therefore, make sure that the profile picture fully or partially conveys the meaning of your posts and stories, stating what you are doing, that is, it is an integral part of your positioning on Instagram.
How does it work? For example, photographers can use a camera as a prop on their avatar, a food blogger can use a tray of desserts, a cooking cap or a whisk, a makeup artist can use makeup brushes, a construction contractor can use some kind of tool, etc. nine0003 An example of a successful avatar for a photographer's account
If you want people to perceive you as an expert or a business person, it is better to refuse home selfies as an avatar. Hire a professional to take good portrait shots, or find a friend with a professional camera.
Another important point is that the colors on the avatar must match the overall brand color palette that appears most often in the feed.
Do not use full length photos
Profile photo is a 110x110 pixel circle on mobile and 180x180 pixels on desktop. And when the avatar is displayed in the feed, its size is completely reduced to 40x40 pixels.
There is not much space left, so full-length shots and from a long distance are almost impossible to see. Therefore, when you choose an avatar, it is better to take a portrait photo.
The same principle applies to companies. If the brand name is very long, it is better to shorten it to initials or put a logo on the avatar as the most recognizable detail. nine0003
Clothing also influences perception
Despite the fact that most of your image is unlikely to get into the frame, it is still worth thinking about what clothes will be on the profile picture. For example, if you're a lifestyle blogger and freelancer who lives and works in Bali, then your profile picture might have an appropriately light beach look.
And if you're advising entrepreneurs, the clothes should indicate that you're ready to come to a meeting right now and talk to the CEO. nine0003
Emotion
Even if you are an expert or a businessman who wants to look as businesslike as possible, it is unlikely that you will benefit from an indifferent and emotionless facial expression on the profile picture.
Emotional avatar always attracts attentionPeople enjoy doing business with people. With those they know and trust. The first step to this close relationship can be a simple smile and a direct look at the camera, which help to establish eye contact.
nine0333 Make sure your profile photo matches your feedThe best profile photo on Instagram is what is part of a single corporate identity. Whether it's bright hues or discreet black and white colors, subscribers should read only one profile picture that you are you.
An example of a competent combination of an avatar with a profile aesthetic It's good if the avatar matches the overall aesthetic of your profile.
So think of it as an addition to the page with the same accents as in the feed. nine0003
Don't change your photo too often
It might seem like updating your profile picture for the holidays or a new season of the year is a great idea. But it's not. Think about how a profile photo affects brand awareness.
It's best to stick with timeless images or logos that will only need to be updated from time to time.
Imagine how strange it will look if you forget to change your avatar, and in the middle of summer in the photo you will still be sitting under the tree. A potential subscriber will go to your profile and decide that you have long ceased to maintain your page. nine0003
So instead of opting for a seasonal photo like Christmas tree decorations, a Halloween costume, or a graduation degree, it's better to stick with something neutral. So you can use the avatar longer, and it will be easier for subscribers to find you among other accounts.
