How to photograph books for instagram
How to Take a Great Book Photo for Social Media
Book photos are a great way to promote your book on social media and cultivate a bookish aesthetic. Read more to learn some handy tips and tricks for taking your own beautiful book-related pictures.
In a past article, we discussed how to curate a Bookstagram account to achieve a particular vibe. Now you may want to learn how to take some of these visually pleasing book photos yourself. Here are some helpful tips and tricks.
Lighting
Lighting is important in any photograph, and you should pay special attention to this when taking book photos. Whether you are using natural light or studio light, make sure that the book cover comes through. Try to avoid overhead fluorescents, which can distort your image or tint it yellow. Instead, use natural light that streams in through a window, or even take your photo outside. If you’re staying indoors, be sure to place the book opposite a window to avoid unwanted glare.
If you do decide to use outdoor lighting, be careful to avoid direct light, as it may also cause a glare. Keep in mind that books with glossy covers can get reflect or get lost in bright light, so the softer lighting you can use for such books, the better. Try a picture in the shade—trees can act as great natural diffusers!
Setting
Where you take your photo can evoke a specific theme, holiday, or location. If your book cover has a lot of green in it, for example, consider taking a picture with some plants surrounding the book to emphasize the color scheme. Or, if your book takes place in a specific location, you could snap some pictures of the book with that place in the background.
Penguin Random House Instagram Account: @penguinrandomhouse
Take your book with you everywhere you go—you never know when a good photo opportunity will present itself! You can take photos with fans, in front of special monuments or city markers, or even where you work.
Your social media followers want a peek into your life as an author, so it always helps to capture a glimpse of that.
Paper backdrops can also be a convenient tool to convey a setting. Here’s a secret: Many book photos aren’t actually taken on nice wooden decks or marble tabletops. Instead, photographers use paper backdrops that mimic these fancier surfaces. You can purchase backdrops for reasonable prices at any craft store or online retailer.
Composition
Make sure your book is the center of attention. If the book cover features many patterns, pick a neutral background like wood or marble. Keep the image simple and clean, and avoid odd or distracting backgrounds. Look for symmetry and patterns that will help draw your eye to the book cover. Fill the frame, but don’t shoot the photo too close! Keep in mind, though, that social-media images are small, so the subject should be prominent.
The Rule of Thirds will also come in handy when you compose your photo.
This method helps you emphasize the most important compositional elements of an image to create more energy, focus, and interest in the image’s subject. You can get more familiar with this rule by clicking here.
Riverhead Books Instagram Account, @riverheadbooks
Props
Sometimes a book by itself might make an image feel a bit empty. If you’d like to add more visuals to the photo, try out some props! You can never go wrong with home décor items placed next to your book: succulents (or other plants or greenery), candles, coffee mugs, blankets, and pillows. These all provide an instant cozy vibe that will entice readers to curl up with your book.
You can take the use of props a step further by photographing your book with objects that appear in the story. This is a great way to be creative and provide a peek into your plot without giving too much away. Just be sure not to overcrowd the photo—the book should always be the main focal point.
Underlined Instagram Account, @getunderlined
A pleasing image is a fantastic way to get people excited, both about your book and about reading as a whole. For more inspiration, check out the Bookstagram tags on Pinterest and Instagram for lots of dreamy shelfies, cozy book snapshots, and other book-related photos.
Neda Dallal is Associate, Publishing Development and Author Platforms for Penguin Random House.
11 Easy Hacks For Taking Perfect Instagram Photos Of Your Books
Books
by Kerri Jarema
sammyreadsbooks on Instagram
It's no secret that book lovers are obsessed with bookstagram. Endless accounts filled with feeds that are dedicated solely to photographing, discussing and celebrating books is any bibliophile's dream come true. And while you could just plunk a book down anywhere and snap a quick pic of it, bookstagrammers have perfected the art of the beautiful book photo.
YA, adult, crime, thriller, horror, romance... every genre under the sun is represented on bookstagram, and no one account is the same.
Some people go for dark and atmospheric and grainy, while others go for bright, pastels and rainbows. Some people love to get out into nature, while others stay in their bedrooms. Some people have tons of props, while others keep it super minimalist. There are feeds where the photos that are taken on the same background every time, using the same filter, and accounts where every single photo is completely different from the last. So, what is it that makes a good bookstagram? Well, that's entirely up to you. But we do have a few simple hacks that will take your book photos to the next level. They're all easy, and affordable, but they'll add depth and interest to every picture you take. Follow these 11 hacks and you'll be racking up the followers in no time.
1
Add A Coffee Cup
westerosreader on Instagram
This is probably the simplest of all bookstagram hacks: add a coffee cup.
Your photos will automatically look more realistic. Who doesn't love some caffeine with their reading? Plus this allows you get out and about with your photos, adding in new backgrounds and maybe even getting your coffee shop partner in on the fun.
2
Turn On Some Fairy Lights
readsleepfangirl on Instagram
Twinkle lights add a super pretty, ethereal air to any book shot. You can string them on your bookcases for those picture perfect shelfies, or just lay them on the floor or your string them around your bed for a little added sparkle.
3
Make A Rainbow
booksenchanted on Instagram
There is just something about a rainbow book formation that forces your finger to automatically double-tap on any photo featuring one. Even if you're not a rainbow shelves kind of person, you can do rainbow stacks for any occasion, from TBRs to new releases.
4
Get Your Pet In On The Action
theloonytuney on Instagram
If you've got a kitten, puppy, guinea pig, heck, even a goldfish.
.. people want to see them. Now add their adorableness to a stack of books and you've got the perfect (and absolute cutest) bookstagram photo.
5
Got A Cool Room? Show It Off!
twirlingpages on Instagram
It's not always all about the books. If you've got some serious aesthetics going on somewhere in your home, whether it's an office, bedroom, or just some killer lighting in your kitchen, utilize that space to add some extra interest to your photos. Not only can you get more creative with wider shots, but people love creeping on other people's decor. It's a fact.
6
Make A Book Pile
lucythereader on Instagram
Bookstragram photos don't always need to be super staged, which is great for anyone needing to update their account right before work. Sometimes a sea of beautiful hardbacks haphazardly spread over your bed is all you really need to take a great pic.
7
Get Super Organized
celinereads on Instagram
On the other end of the spectrum, you can get super specific with your flat lays.
Get everything fit together perfectly, with very little blank space. It's not only super pretty, but it's incredibly calming to look at. And people won't be able to resist following along with the uniformity of your feed.
8
Add Some Pop Dolls Into The Mix
sarahlostbutfound on Instagram
These obsession worthy collectibles are one of the cutest ways to tie a photo together. It's not like you can't take a photo of your Harry Potter books without a mini Dumbledore watching over the whole thing...but why would you want to?
9
Buy Yourself Some Props
jennegan26 on Instagram
Maybe you never thought you'd need to buy caution tape and a magnifying glass, but bookstagram will definitely prove otherwise. Some of the best and most interesting photos really run away with the theme of whatever books they're featuring. A magic novel needs a wand and some potion bottles. An Alice in Wonderland retelling obviously needs playing cards and roses.
Anything set in the summer would look perfect with seashells and sand. Props are the best way to have creative fun with your photos, and most can be found cheaply at any local arts & crafts store.
10
Get Your Legs In There
sammyreadsbooks on Instagram
This pose can add some an element of fashion into your bookstagram by showing off your outfit. If you've got a killer pair of shoes on, a super pretty dress, or are just donning some favorite tights and socks, taking a photo sitting down next to your books can add a whole other dimension to your feed. If you ever needed an excuse to coordinate your outfits to the book you're reading, you've got it.
11
Go Outside
the.blonde.bookworm on Instagram
So many bookstagram photos are taken inside, so getting outdoors will add some much needed variety to your feed. Show off autumnal leaves, glittering snow, sandy beaches and blooming flowers instead of faux ones.
There are books for every season so utilize what's going on out in the real world to get the most out of your photos of the imaginary ones.
How to shoot books for a blog on Instagram or YouTube
The first law of Instagram says: photos are everything. We will learn how to create photographs that attract the eye and stir the soul.
Feed
Instagram gurus say: a narrow blog topic attracts a more interested audience. But here it is easy to step on a rake of monotonous content. If you have books, books and nothing but books, your profile will look boring.
To avoid this, find 3-4 working plots and alternate them. nine0003
For example:
- layout with many details,
- interior photo,
- layout with few details,
- portrait or selfie.
Posted these four stories - and started over. It is possible and even necessary to go beyond the scheme, but it is appropriate. So that all experiments support the main idea.
Uniform style
Do I need a uniform blog style? Yes. Dot. The most important thing in social networks is the ability to be remembered. A profile where each photo is nothing like the previous one is difficult to remember. Strive to ensure that people recognize your handwriting in the ocean of content. nine0003
Two things work for style: props and colors. Let's talk about them in more detail.
Profile color scheme
Color is the most obvious element of "handwriting". It helps to convey the mood: comfort is something caramel-red, freshness is pure, bright and light shades.
The algorithm for choosing shades for your profile is as follows:
1. Decide what emotions you want to evoke. Focus on what you're shooting. If this is a leisurely reading at home - let the gamma be cozy, if the soul lies in dynamics, travel, or you are crazy about bright outfits, choose a rich gamma and use it on a neutral background.
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2. Select the dominant color. This is a shade that is found in every photograph in some quantity, always different. Preferably neutral: white, beige, gray, light pastel shades. This is your base.
3. Complete the base with adjacent shades. They will also occur frequently, for example, every second or sixth photo. These are colors that are in harmony with each other, for example: pink + purple + blue, red + yellow + orange.
4. Add a contrasting accent. This is the highlight. Flashing green or red in a caramel profile will make it interesting. Contrasting colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. nine0003
An important point: the color of the repeating elements must be the same. For example, green grass should be the same green in all shots, and a tan laminate should be the same tan in all shots.
This algorithm is not an axiom. But he allowed me not only to adhere to a harmonious ribbon, but also to play with colors without constraining my creative impulses.
Props
Another way to tell about yourself through photography is things or props. It helps to fill and diversify the profile, create a beautiful story. nine0003
Think about what you can add to the book. Maybe you need different-sized cups for tea or coffee, a knitted sweater, a plaid, postcards, a flower vase or a vintage magnifying glass. The choices are endless and the best way to understand your needs is to start taking photos.
When shooting, pay attention to what you want. For example, there are not enough round glasses or a small candle that would fit smartly into the composition. Write down your wishes in "Notes" and get what is repeated. This way you won't be throwing money away. nine0003
Photophones are an important point. They help to imitate a nice horizontal surface or wall, and even support the visual style of the blog: if you alternate 2-3 backgrounds, the issue of color harmony is solved by itself. You can buy photophones, or you can make it yourself: cover the plywood with a stain of any color.
Choose backgrounds from 60x80 cm, smaller is inconvenient.
Frame composition
Moving from profile style to individual photos. The laws of composition will help to make each photo a work of Instagram art. The main thing in the frame should be highlighted - this is the semantic and compositional center. You can select in different ways. nine0003
Fit to size
Large object surrounded by smaller items, or small object framed by larger items.
By color
For example, a bright item on a neutral background.
By location
If you put the main object in the center - literally like that - you will not find fault.
You can find more interesting options. For example, use the rule of thirds: the frame is divided into thirds vertically and horizontally, and the main object is placed at one of the intersections of the lines (where the red dots are). nine0003
Even simpler is to slightly move the main object from the center up, down, right or left.
It looks more interesting than the "center in the center", and gives dynamics.
Light
An important rule of photography: there is only one source of light - the sun.
Sometimes one source is not enough, or it hits the still life on the windowsill too brightly. Therefore, it is useful to acquire two things: a reflector and a diffuser. Both help create softer, more comfortable lighting. You can buy professional ones (in photo shops), or you can do it yourself. nine0003
A reflector is a smooth surface that is placed against a light source so that the subjects to be photographed are between the two. It reflects the rays of light, and the shadows become softer. As a reflector, you can use a sheet of white paper, a mirror, a glossy white, gold, silver surface (most often cardboard).
Diffuser helps to dampen the strong rays of the sun. It is located between the subject and the light source, passes bright rays through itself and softens them. The diffuser can be a pair of sheets of thick tracing paper (sold in an art store) or tulle on your window (just not the one in a large hole :)
Material author: Olga Demyanova - photographer and book blogger @veteer.
s.severa
Source: Book blogger myth
19 Books, which will teach to take incredible pictures
You are a photographer and you are a photographer and you are a photographer and you are a photographer photographer, and no words are needed - the possibilities of modern digital technology have expanded the ranks of fans of visual creativity to a planetary scale. News feeds on social networks convey landscapes from all over the world and homemade cookies, a child's smile and a million scarlet roses. Every student knows how to take a fashionable selfie, the text becomes secondary, and without a picture to attract attention, your post risks ingloriously resting in Bose. nine0003
Photography conquered the whole world in just a couple of hundred years: in 1839, the French artist and inventor Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre revolutionized the world of visual art. The revolution was named in honor of the creator - daguerreotype, and made a stunning impression: at the behest of incomprehensible magical manipulations, an image appeared on a polished silver surface.
Therefore, the first daguerreotypes were also called a mirror with memory.
The French government quickly assessed the prospects and bought out a patent for an outlandish invention, declaring it a gift to the world and making it public property. Let's say merci to the side of the French. It was these events that gave rise to impressive art, despite the fact that modern digital photography has little in common with the original idea. nine0127 Kilometers of film have pushed miniature matrices, the development of optical systems has taken a giant step forward, modern cameras are now placed in smartphones subject to any non-professional. Of course, to this day there are talented photographers who choose "warm, lamp" film, and true art requires special professional equipment. But successful shots are no longer the lot of the elite, especially if you do not leave everything to chance and digital technology.
In honor of World Photography Day 19August we will take care of your likes on instagram - we present 19 of the coolest books about the art of photography that teach and inspire.
Everything you wanted to know about composition, chiaroscuro, focus and angle is in our today's selection.
Frame magic. Learning to See and Composition
World-renowned photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winning fine art photographer Jack Dykinga looks at the challenges that often get in the way of great photos and helps you solve them. He explores light and shadow, lens choice, framing, object surroundings, illusions, and more. This book, full of stunning large format shots, will motivate, educate and delight photographers of all levels. nine0003
How to photograph people
The author of this handbook for portrait photographers, Mariam Hakobyan, gives detailed descriptions of the first steps in photography, useful tips on choosing a technique, and also highlights technical aspects that are important specifically for portrait photography, such as white balance and depth of field.
The book covers all possible situations in which we photograph people: from simple portraits and wedding photography to theatrical productions and sporting events, and analyzes each case in detail, with a detailed description of all the technical and even psychological difficulties. nine0003
It's about time
An unusual study of photography in a non-classical performance by Jeff Dyer. The author examines the work of 42 amazing photographers, including Paul Strand, Dorothea Lange, André Kertész, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston and Walker Evans. Despite the subjective approach (or thanks to it), Dyer studies photographs, finds the subtlest allusions and, painstakingly unraveling the tangle, moves from one frame to another, from one plot to another. At first glance, seemingly disparate fragments actually add up to a serious and comprehensive narrative. nine0003
Photography. Master's Lessons
The author - the famous photographer Petr Fisun - generously shares his rich experience with the reader.
The master's recommendations are presented in an easy and accessible way, the tips are illustrated with great photographs. The book covers key topics: building a photograph, features of working with the background, lighting, color perception, genre, portrait, landscape photography.
Composition language. Create expressive photos
Albrecht Riesler is sure that in photography a solid understanding of the basics of composition is no less important than observation and technical skills in handling a camera. His book lays out the basic principles of composition, illustrated with 250 beautiful photographs. By using this information in your art, you can develop your photographic vision and the ability to frame your shot perfectly. The pages are intentionally black-and-white images so that you do not get distracted by color and focus on the compositional elements. nine0003
Digital photography.
Easy tips to make your photos look like professional photographers! Here is the best-selling book on digital photography in history. It became a worldwide hit, received numerous awards and has been translated into dozens of languages. It tells you how to get professional-quality images using the techniques of today's leading photographers (it's easier than you think). This is not a book about the theory of photography, full of terms and abstruse reasoning. It tells you in a simple way which buttons to press, which settings to use, and how to take the right photo. By learning nearly 200 professional techniques, you'll learn how to get better, sharper, more beautiful photos that capture the viewer's imagination. nine0003
How to take pictures while traveling. All secrets
“It is not enough to take a camera with you in order to bring good photographs from your trip,” says Mariam Hakobyan, author of the book.
- You need to learn to see what others do not notice. Then viewing your pictures will cease to be for your friends just a tribute of courtesy (and sometimes even a boring duty) and will turn into an exciting virtual journey. This book will tell you: how to best prepare for a photo trip; how to take pictures - "not the same as everyone else"; how to get great photos with a non-professional camera; how to shoot architecture, landscapes, food - in a word, everything that attracts our attention while traveling. nine0003
Looking for a shot. Idea, color and composition in photography
This book takes a fundamental approach to creativity, arguing that creativity is not an innate quality, but a skill that can be learned and developed. With original photography from his own portfolio, Brian Peterson teaches you how to truly "see" the world through your lens. He goes into detail about the basic elements and techniques that make for compelling shots, and helps you avoid the visual and technical pitfalls that lead to dull, banal shots.
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Food photography. From simple to flawless shots
The ability to capture the taste, smell and extraordinary beauty of a simple dish in one shot requires certain skills and a sense of beauty. And we sometimes lack tips and information on how to make food in the picture as appetizing as in real life. In this book, you'll find the most helpful food photography tips to inspire your viewers.
How to take better pictures with your iPhone
The iPhone camera gives you plenty of options for taking great pictures. But only on condition that you know how to creatively and technically competently embody your vision. This book will show you the techniques used by professional photographers and introduce simple applications that will help you achieve the highest level of photography. Take your creativity to the next level.
The essence of photography.
The ability to see and create nine0130 In this book, Bruce Bairnbaum shares his 40 years of experience in teaching photography theory and the practice of photography. After studying the works given in the book, you will understand how Bruce himself sees and creates. The author teaches how to create photos and constantly improve. The book is written to inspire photographers and help them discover new abilities to create photographic masterpieces. Photography. Illustrated Tutorial
The purpose of this book is to help the beginning amateur photographer learn how to take excellent pictures. All the recommendations and advice of the famous photographer Pavel Fisun are illustrated with magnificent photographs. Considered in detail: building a photograph, working with the background, color perception, portrait and landscape photography. nine0003
Take pictures every day. From basics to manual mode
You will learn how to use all the features of your camera and create beautiful photos in a variety of genres like a pro.
In addition to the basics of using a DSLR, the book covers mobile photography, using mobile apps, and processing images in photo editors, as well as many tips and tricks to help you get the most out of any type of camera you shoot with. nine0003
Photography. All the secrets of craftsmanship: from conception to implementation
World renowned photographers will teach you how to shoot better, get more interesting and exciting photos. Tips and tricks will help those who are mastering their digital SLR, digital point of sale or smartphone. More than 70 thematic lessons, with clear and beginner-friendly step-by-step instructions. Visual tutorials, breakdowns of mistakes, thematic reviews - everything so that you can learn as you shoot. nine0003
Digital photography. Guide for the modern girl
This book is written for girls with a creative gift who want to achieve more in photography.
The world of photography sometimes seems very masculine. Much of what is written and published on this subject is clearly male-oriented. And the author of this book, Lorna Yabsley, created a book specifically for girls. There is no abundance of technical terms here, but the basic techniques and secrets of professionals are simply and clearly told. nine0003
Bible. The art of photography
The Art of Photography by Michael Langford is an absolute bestseller among photography aids. First published in 1965, the book has gone through nine editions. The guide lays out the most important aspects and techniques of photography in an accessible way: from basic information about what depth of field is and how the camera works, to techniques for setting the light and finding the right composition for the frame, and, importantly, post-processing of the photo. This book is also unique in that the author describes the work not only with digital cameras, but also with cameras with film, even describes such aspects as developing photographs.
In addition, the book gives advice on a competent presentation and placement of your own pictures, because in order to become a real photographer, it’s not enough to take good photos, you also need to be able to find your audience. nine0003
Fashion photography. Guide for Fashion Photographers
This book is a complete guide to fashion photography. Advanced achievements, technical innovations, latest trends - all aspects of fashion photography are affected. Entering the world of fashion photography is a dream that many people think is unbelievable. We hope that this book will give you the confidence and inspiration you need to start a successful career, and you will soon be noticed in the world of fashion photography. nine0003
Light and photography. 50 fashion photos
In photography, almost everything depends on choosing the right lighting.
Which light sources, how and when you can use to achieve the desired result, and why these methods are so much more effective than others. And it doesn't matter whether the shooting takes place in the studio or in the open air, you must clearly understand what equipment will be needed and what real results can be achieved, and what is completely unattainable. nine0003
Digital photography. Advanced course: Working with color in digital photography. Practical guide (set of 5 books)
Everything you need to know to become a true photographer is included. Fundamentals of color theory, color as a compositional element, color management, analysis of primary colors and the mechanisms of their influence on the emotions of the audience, color styles and color combinations. Over 230 photographs and illustrations are used for the design, with a detailed analysis of color techniques, showing how and why photographs are successful.
