If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I love photography — especially landscape photography. I took photography classes in high school (fun side note, my teacher’s sister-in-law was actually a famous photographer!), where I learned the basics of photography, such as how to do the following: make contact sheets, dodge and burn for contrast, and develop my own film and photos. Of course, this was all in the days before the iPhone (and selfies!). So it’s no surprise that Instagram has become my favorite social media platform. As much as I like to snap and post photos, I also enjoy following professional photographers, including a few with National Geographic and plenty of food and commercial photographers. I intend to create a separate post soon with some of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow.
But the more familiar I’ve gotten with Instagram, the more I have learned about what makes a good Instagram photo — and my photos themselves have improved. When I first created an account, I wasn’t even using hashtags (#gasp). I remember asking my former college roommate how you come up with good hashtags — and feeling confused and overwhelmed each time I posted.
More than a year later, I’m still learning about the platform as I go along, but here are some tips:
Use filters: When I first joined Instagram, I was completely against the use of filters. I still have a love-hate relationship with them, but I can appreciate their value with certain images.
Change up your filters: I’ve heard people say that you should be consistent with your filter use. I’m not one of them. While I understand it’s a good way to make your Instagram account seem cohesive, I tend to alternate my filters depending on what I’m trying to highlight in the image. Some of my favorite filters are Ludwig, Amaro, X-Pro II, and Lo-Fi.
{Manual Mode: Before and After}
Play with manual settings: Don’t see a filter that works for you? Try adjusting the contrast, brightness, saturation, warmth, and highlights manually. This is a great option if you want to have more control over the appearance of the final image. I’ve been adjusting these settings lately, and while it may take more time before you can hit post, the finished product will be well worth it!
{#NoFilterNeeded}
#NoFilter, #NoProblem: You’re probably thinking “didn’t she just tell me to use filters?” You’re right. I did. But sometimes the natural beauty of an image can be overshadowed with filters and manipulation. And when that happens, I choose to tag my image #nofilter or #nofilterneeded to let the photo speak for itself. The shot above is one of my favorites. It was taken during a photo shoot on the beach last March (in 46-degree weather). I love how the colors all seem to blend together and resemble more of a painting than a photograph. When it came time to post it to Instagram, I couldn’t justify using a filter. So I didn’t.
What do you think makes a successful Insta-snap? I’d love to hear some of your Instagram tips!
cool post!
Thank you!
Such great tips.. and that picture of the coffee made me realize I need to run to the kitchen and grab my cup! Have a wonderful day!
Christina :: Simple and Delish
Thanks, Christina! I hope you enjoyed your morning coffee.
Awesome tips! I don’t really use filters just highlight the pictures!
xo
http://thepinkporcelaindoll.blogspot.it
Thanks, Carina. I’m glad you found these tips helpful.
Thanks for sharing your insights on Insta pics! I use Ludwig a lot too. This pic here is gorgeous!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! Ludwig is probably the filter I use the most. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Your pictures are gorgeous! Great tips! I will be using these! Have an excellent day!
Danielle
http://www.blushblossom.com
Thanks, Danielle! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found these tips helpful.
I don’t use filters, maybe I should. Thanks for sharing.
xo, Lily
beautywithlily.com
Filters can definitely enhance an image, Lily! My advice would be to play around with them and see which ones you like.
These are fabulous tips! thanks for sharing Vanessa!! I love your photography posts on insta!! Hope you have a great day, sending loves!
XO JNESS
jenessasheffield
Thanks, Jenessa! I’m glad you enjoy my snaps.
Amazing!!
http://www.brooklynglam.com
Thanks, Nicky!
I only recently started using filters a bit more. Once you get comfortable with them, you realize a subtle touch of filter can really make a difference.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Exactly, Yasmin! Once you start playing with filters you’ll see how they can improve the quality of your images.
I’ve been loving your landscape shots on instagram lately. Beautiful shots!!
~Krisztina
http://www.krisztinawilliams.com
Thank you so much, Krisztina! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them.
Great tips! I’m a big fan of the manual adjustments with the contrast, brightness, etc!
xMC
http://mc2squared.blogspot.com
Thanks, Meghan! I’ve been loving the manual adjustments lately.
Great tips! I love using the manual mode and rarely use a filter. I typically just increase the brightness.
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com/
Increasing the brightness and contrast can really enhance an image. I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Jamie!
great advice and tips! 😀
Have a great weekend!
Animated Confessions
Thanks, Sybil!
Love these pictures soo much!! Such great tips!!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thanks, Trang! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks for the tips! Your photos look flawless! I definitely need to work on my images, so love this tips and tricks post.
xx,
Cynthia
http://www.thesirenconfidential.com
Thanks, Cynthia! I’m glad you enjoyed the tips and found them helpful.
Great post! I am one of those always-the-same -filter people. Honestly – it just makes editing quicker and eaisier for me!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
Your photos always look great, Annessa!
These are such great suggestions! I totally agree that you shouldn’t feel limited to only using a few filters to create a more cohesive “brand”. Sometimes one just works better then the other so I say go for it and stick with what looks best to your already artful eye! Have a wonderful weekend!
http://www.laurenfarrellny.com/blog
Thanks, Lauren! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found these tips helpful. Hope you have a great weekend!
These tips are super helpful and amazing because most people in this century are on Instagram thus a very helpful post.
http://www.fashionstylemogul.com
Thanks, Meron! So glad you found these tips useful.
Great tips. I think filters are great but not super necessary for every picture. It just depends on what you want to highlight. Nice post!
Obsessed Fashion Blog
I completely agree, Euge! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Amazing post. Thanks for sharing x
http://thelondonthing.co.uk/
Thank you! I’m so glad you found these tips helpful.