How to take fitness photos for instagram
7 tips on how to take that perfect fitness photo
Thinking of flexing your muscles on social media? Sharing your efforts and achievements in personal fitness can be achieved by taking photos. However, shooting that perfect fitness photo requires some special techniques.
The seven tips below will allow your photo to attract eyeballs, and possibly, the likes and views you deserve.
1. Play with the lighting
Photo: Sport Singapore
Lighting is everything in getting an Instagram-worthy picture. Using natural light will give your photo a healthy looking element. On the other hand, down lighting will give one the illusion of full, enormous muscles. The best time to shoot with natural light is during the early morning and late afternoon.
The key thing to remember when taking any photo is that no amount of editing can save a photo that is poorly lit. So whether you decide to use natural or artificial light, shoot one that has sufficient light to showcase your physique.
2. Pump it up!
That’s right. Flex your muscles and give them a glorious pump. This will definitely create an illusion of bigger muscles and vascularity.
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Photo: Sport Singapore
So how do you do this? Take a photo while performing generally low weights. This will force more blood into your muscles, making it increase in size. Try it the next time you take a photo and watch your social media views grow.
3. Shoot from different angles
Even the most normal fitness photo can look divine just from shooting at a different angle. Playing around with angles will give you unusual viewpoints and a unique photo.
It is easy to achieve this using techniques such as taking photos from the ground level. In addition, you could take the photo from high vantage points. Angles incite and provoke interests in those who view the photo.
4.
Express it!
Photo: Sport Singapore
Expressions mean everything in a photo. Using expressions to demonstrate emotions will add a very rare quality to your photo-context. Use your eyes to demonstrate determination, and your face to show satisfaction or even exhaustion.
People associate smiling with positive attributes such as friendliness. It is human nature to judge a photo based on its facial expressions. In light of this, apart from lifting weights in a photo, do drop a smile to complete the image.
5. Give your picture a tan
Judging from the fact that human beings are visual beings, it is in your best interest that you provide them with that element. The tan effect provides separations, enabling features to look more defined.
Tanning your photo makes your physique clear. Things such as veins appear more superficial, while muscles appear fuller and bigger.
Use this effect to give clarity to your features.
6. To edit or not?
There is nothing wrong with editing. You can remove unwanted background, crop out the parts of your fit body you do not want highlighted. You may even edit to make the composition work for you.
However, there is everything wrong with poor editing.
Over-editing for example, is unappealing. It takes away the natural look of your fitness photo. If you are taking a fitness photo, chances are that you want all of it to appear real. Using too much filter will bring out the opposite effect.
For best results, use editing features sparingly. In that way, you still maintain the natural spark.
7. Caption the moment
Fitness photos represent a moment. Adding captions to your photo for Instagram will attract engagement. Captions allow people to bring in a part of themselves or personal experiences, hence relating with your photo. They may also inspire emotional feelings such as hope.
For example, a photo with a ‘before and after’ captioned-Where there is will, there is way- will attract people to notice your progress.
Captioning a photo does not require lots of brain work, it could even be a quote from your gym instructor.
With these tips above, your fitness photo is set to thrive on social media. Try them today!
This article was contributed by George Minton. George has been a camera enthusiast since 2008 and shares his interests and experience on his personal blog, Cameraseals, where you will find useful topics for both beginners and experts alike.
5 Tips to Get the Best Gym Selfie
Selfie: It’s officially a term in the Oxford Dictionary and Merriam Webster—just Google it and you’ll see. With 240,000,000 search results, it’s evident that selfies have weaved their way into our everyday lives. We take selfies at the park on a nice day, when the lighting in our apartment is just right, and the most obvious of them all: at the gym, before or after a long sweat session.
To get the best selfie at the gym, check out these helpful tips.
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Gary Burchell/ Getty Images
Be Confident and Aware
Do you ever get a bit self-conscious while looking in the mirror as you’re about to snap a selfie of yourself flexing? If you look at other people’s gym selfies, it’s guaranteed that they’re striking the same pose, except they all look confident. Forget about your surroundings and just focus on getting your best picture. However, be aware of the environment. Don’t take a selfie in the locker room—the last thing you want is a man with nothing but a towel on in the background of your selfie. Keep in mind that no one is judging you, and the guy next to you is probably worrying about how big his biceps appear in the pic. A little confidence goes a long way, and will translate in your selfie. With that said, don’t look cocky—there’s a big difference.
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Klaus Vedfelt/ Getty Images
Focus on Lighting
Natural lighting may be great when taking headshot selfies.
This isn’t the case when taking selfies of your body at the gym. Natural light doesn’t hide anything, that’s why Adam Blanco, personal trainer at Crunch Fitness, recommends looking for artifical light that’s coming from above and in the corners. Artifical light creates angles on your body so that you can show off that hard-earned physique.
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RossHelen/ Getty Images
Pick The Best Filter
Want to really display the chisel of your six-pack? Well, thank goodness filters exist. They’ll help emphasize the best features of your body. Some gyms have odd color schemes, making them unappealing to snap a selfie. Black and white filters can completely fix that issue, and they’ll add more of a dramatic effect. Try to stay away from the B/W filters on Instagram and use B1 and B5 on VSCO Cam. As for Instagram, the Hudson filter is great if you want to soften anything, and Ludwig gives the illusion that you were out in the sun. Word to the wise: Just don’t go overboard on filters.
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CasarsaGuru / Getty
Horizontal or Vertical?
If you want to show off your lats and pecs, take the photo horizontally. That way your followers know where to focus—their eyes will immediately go there. If you want to show off your entire body, take the photo vertically—it will immediately elongate your body.
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Tom Werner/ Getty Images
Have Fun and Be Yourself
At the end of the day, no matter how your selfie comes out, have fun with it; there’s no need to take it so seriously. Other lifters can tell when you’re trying too hard to get the perfect angle. The purpose of a gym selfie is to showcase the results that you’ve worked hard for, and perhaps be a positive influence on others.
Topics:
- Inspiration
- Workout
How to take beautiful photos for Instagram*
March 11, 2013 Photo Android
A few simple tips to improve your photography.
Remember the basic rules
— 1 —
Try to photograph in good light, ideally it should be natural. Experiment with light, try to focus the camera on different parts of the frame: bright and dark.
— 2 —
Take several shots in a row, in which case you can choose the best one.
— 3 —
Use horizontal format unless circumstances require otherwise. People often forget to turn their smartphone around and shoot in portrait mode, which makes photos look like cropped stripes. For the most forgetful, there is even a special Horizon Camera program that aligns the horizon.
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— 4 —
Take photos with the volume key. The physical button is more convenient, it is easier to press it at the right moment. And thanks to the physical feedback, you will immediately understand that you have taken a picture.
— 5 —
Always look at the subject or scene with the naked eye before taking a picture before looking through the screen. It helps to choose the angle.
- 6 -
Subscribe to famous photographers. Let them inspire you and be a good example. So, look at the work of brahmino, thiswildidea, mikekus or natgeo.
- 7 -
Shoot a lot and diligently - only in this way you can awaken the photographer in you. But don't fill your personal Instagram* with all the frames in a row. Choose the best.
Get the most out of your phone
— 1 —
Crop your shots, cut out unnecessary details that ruin your photos.
— 2 —
Stylize photos with built-in filters, but choose wisely.
— 3 —
Make sure that the maximum frame resolution is set in the camera settings. Sometimes users forget this detail and shoot with a camera set to medium or low quality.
— 4 —
Enjoy additional apps and services that enhance Instagram*.
For example, create original collages in Layout or edit finished shots in the Snapseed editor.
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— 5 —
Use the grid in your camera's settings to compose using the rule of thirds.
— 6 —
Don't forget the optional accessories. For example, an attached lens or a tripod will bring your photos closer to professional ones. A waterproof case will allow you to take spectacular pictures underwater.
Try different ideas, angles, scenes
— 1 —
Avoid clichés: cats, food, generic selfies… Too clichéd for you, isn't it? But if you decide to take a self-portrait, then use scientific tricks.
— 2 —
But try to take less pictures of yourself. Instead, try to shoot other people, unusual situations, interesting objects and places more often.
— 3 —
Always look for new stories.
Try to fill the pictures with artistic value, creativity, humor, in the end.
— 4 —
Capture not only the picture, but also the feelings, try to convey the mood.
— 5 —
Experiment with angles.
— 6 —
Pay attention to small details, look around. For example, watch out for silhouettes, highlights, and shadows.
Read also
- How to download photos from Instagram* to any device →
- How to hide your online status on Instagram* →
- How to apply an Instagram* filter on a photo without publishing →
*Activities of Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are prohibited in the territory of the Russian Federation.
How to promote a fitness blog on Instagram
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Any Instagram blog is built on the charisma of its owner. For some, this is beauty and photogenicity, someone has a great sense of humor, and someone is a super specialist in their field.
A fitness blogger needs to at least show the perfect body. And if you can give competent advice and have a sense of humor, then this is the perfect combination for promotion on Instagram.
There are so many fitness blogs now that you won't surprise anyone with the same type of mirror photos and articles copied from the Internet. You need to work on your account, use free and paid promotion methods, post every day, reply to comments, shoot Stories, go live.
Ways to promote a fitness blog on Instagram
Those who want to subscribe to a fitness blog:
- photos of fitness girls/jocks
- tips on how to lose weight/build up
You are not expected to write poetry or advice on early feeding, so your blog should not be about your personal life, but primarily about fitness.
In 2021, the most popular blogs shoot first and foremost at the expense of personality. And if your blog is primarily about fitness, this does not mean that it is better to remain silent about your other hobbies.
The audience can be increased by introducing new topics that are interesting to a wide range of subscribers. All tips 👉 how to become a blogger on Instagram will work for you.
👉🏻 Ways to promote your Instagram account 2021
Business account and statistics
The earlier you create a business account or author account, the faster you can track account statistics. With it, you will understand what content subscribers like the most and how best to promote.
Body photos
All athletes are almost always "in mode", the days pass the same way. Sleep-food-hall. Therefore, the photos on Instagram are the same selfies in the locker room or in the hall.
What to do:
- Learn how to use simple photo editing software on your phone: VSCO, Snapseed. Take photos in daylight.
- Get in shape and find photographers to collaborate on TFP terms (you get a free photo, the photographer gets a free model). At the exit, you will have, if not super professional photos, but certainly better than selfies.
- Take photos while traveling, in different clothes. Later, do not post all the photos at once, but use them gradually.
- If you can't choose one of a dozen similar photos, make a post-gallery. At the same time, you can ask subscribers which angle they like best, this will increase the number of comments (engagement).
And most importantly. The shoemaker must be in boots. A trainer not in the default form cannot make a form to the client (in fact, he can, but the client does not believe in it).
Food photography
Learn the basics of food photography. This does not take much time. Photos on the phone will be of sufficient quality for Instagram if they are taken in daylight near the window, food is laid out on a beautiful plate, etc. "Naturalism" - your containers worn out by life and warmed up food - this is all closer to reality, of course, but no one wants to see it in their feed. Cook all the same simple pp-dishes, but photograph them beautifully.
Before/after photos of clients
Client results are the best proof of your professionalism. But most often this is a photo in electric light against the background of curtains (this is even at best, and at worst - against the backdrop of a mess in the apartment). I don't want to see this in my feed. Therefore, ask clients to take pictures during the day, if possible with a plain light background. Or let them make a short video - spin 360 degrees. If you take clients for free, then a prerequisite should be normal photos before and after.
Video
Video remains one of the main Instagram trends in 2021. You can now make 10 minute videos in a row from multiple photos/videos in a post! This is enough time to show your workout, how you ate during the day, etc. The requirements for video are the same as for photos - in daylight, pay attention to the background (make sure that the kitchen is clean, put on good clothes, put on makeup, etc.).
Go Live and upload long fitness workouts to IGTV. Use all available Instagram formats to stay in touch with your followers as much as possible.
Texts
Sometimes just a photo of all your body parts is enough for success. You can earn on ads in your account. But in order to earn as a coach and consultant (online and offline clients), you need to show your expertise. Publish descriptions of exercises (with photos and videos, you can post-gallery), training programs, healthy lifestyle principles and paragraphs. But do not copy word for word articles from the Internet. Instagram has slightly different laws for texts. Brevity, simple spoken language is valued. Otherwise, no one will read you.
Don't get carried away, your subscribers don't want university-level physical education and sports knowledge from your blog. Most of the audience is always newbies. Advanced people no longer take information from Instagram blogs and they don’t need a coach.
And for beginners, simple tips are always relevant - where to start, how to make a nutrition and training plan for weight loss / muscle gain, etc. Many do not know how to count calories in the simplest salad.
Your blog should not be a closed community for your own, those who are "in the know." Don't make fun of newbies and patiently answer the same questions. Best of all, if you make hashtag navigation, then you can send newbies to specific posts, and not make them scroll through your blog for half an hour in search of what they need.
Remember, your goal is not to comprehensively educate your subscribers about healthy lifestyles. Your goal is to show your expertise, but at the same time not to lull subscribers with abstruse posts. Then they will read you regularly and if you need a coach, they will turn to you.
Content plan for a fitness trainer
Success in any business is easier if you have a plan of action. Same with Instagram account.
A content plan will make life easier for you - you don’t need to think about what to publish today, and for your subscribers - they will know when your next column is coming out.
You don't have to make a super-detailed plan, you don't have to think through all the informational posts for a month ahead, etc. Just sketch out the skeleton of the content plan, for example:
- on Monday, analysis of exercises
- Tuesday and Thursday - Marathon
- Wednesday - post about pp
- weekend - selfie and invitation to "chat"
One of the conditions for promotion on Instagram is consistency. And with a content plan, it's much easier not to get lost. The more often you appear in the feed, the better they remember you. But don't spam, 1-3 posts per day is enough. And if this is an informational, educational post, then one a day is enough.
You can make posts for the week ahead. Publish them automatically at the right time using delayed posting services.
Use all posting formats:
- posts with photos/videos
- Stories (video, photo, text, questions and tests for interactive)
- IGTV
- Live
- Reels
The more formats you use, the more interesting for subscribers and the higher the reach and engagement of your account.
Chatting with followers
Do you just post selfies and wait for hundreds of comments? If you are not a star, then this will not happen. All comments will be from spammers — “Cool!”, “Great gallery”, etc. To talk to subscribers, you need to write posts, ask questions, discuss current topics. Respond to all comments, even the most stupid questions. Clean up spam and disrespectful comments. It should be clear that you care about your account and readers.
Contests and marathons
If there are at least 5-10000 live subscribers, you can hold a contest or marathon. The simplest and always relevant topic is weight loss.
You offer a nutrition and training plan - and subscribers perform and report in their accounts with a mention of your account. Give feedback, do not leave the participants of the marathon.
SFS
Exchange mutual recommendations with similar accounts. But do not do this too often - subscribers are annoyed. If you yourself are not subscribed to this account, but at the same time recommend it, there will definitely be those who will write about it in the comments. Therefore, share sincere recommendations, this is where the SPS works.
Connect with other fitness bloggers, stay open. Follow them, comment.
Advertising on Instagram
You can advertise on Instagram:
- paid posts from bloggers (check that they are not cheated!)
- post promotion
- targeted advertising on Instagram via Facebook
The easiest and fastest way to launch a targeted ad/post promotion. You will control the budget expenditure, the timing of the display of advertising, how the advertising post itself will look like.
With a blogger, it can be a little more difficult - you first need to find him, agree, make sure that he publishes a post at the right time and in the right form. But at the same time, if you find a good blogger with your target audience (with unwound subscribers, high engagement), then the return on such advertising can be better than on targeted ones.
Try to find your "thing". There are many fitness bloggers, all profiles are very similar to each other. Try to understand who your subscribers are and specialize exactly in their needs. If you recently had a baby, talk about fitness during pregnancy and losing weight after. If you are preparing for competitions, arrange a reality show with regular reports, live broadcasts, etc.
Gather an audience of those who also prepare or dream about it. If you have lost 50 kg, show before / after and gather around you girls with a lot of weight.
You don't need to come up with something unique. Find your "specialization" and try to become a prominent blogger in this area. After, already relying on the collected audience, it will be easier for you to cover new topics.
How to make money on a fitness blog on Instagram
Fitness is a very popular topic for Instagram, so you will have serious competition. But a lot of accounts are inflated, so it’s not so easy for advertisers to find a fitness blog with a good return. And this means that such blogs are highly valued and you can set a price above the average if the advertiser comes to you not for the first time.
Ways to earn money:
- advertising
- affiliate programs
- consultations
- nutrition programs
- online and offline training
- fitness camps
- online store (sportswear, nutrition)
For your Instagram fitness account to sell, it's not enough just to talk about your services/product and describe its benefits.
