1.) Upload pics shot on a camera
So this trick isn't on any condition always fool proof! A good photo is made up of so many things (angles, lighting, photographer, etc.) but I have found that most of the time my favorite Insta photos are those taken on my camera! (But really, don't worry if a camera isn't in your budget right now. So many phones have great quality cameras that can take beautiful photos when used right!)
2.) Edit edit edit
I love natural looking photos, but even the slightest edit can bring a pic to the next level! I typically bump up the brightness and/or exposure, play with contrast, saturation and occasionally color balance. Photoshop is a great tool for this, but there are also TONS of awesome apps that work just as well! I personally use A Color Story, VSCO Cam and the tools right in Instagram.
3.) Shoot during the day
This should go without saying, but time of day does matter too. My advice would be to know the best time of day to shoot in the areas around your house or workspace. For example, I take a lot of my fashion pics in front of my garage! I know that the sun hits perfectly in that area in the early to late afternoon! Also, don't underestimate the power of a partly cloudy day. Direct sunlight can sometimes be a little too harsh.
4.) Use consistent filters
Again, not necessarily true always! But, I find that using the same few filters helps to keeps my pics consistent when posting on social media. I typically go for filters with cool tones that brighten! My FAV app for this is A Color Story and my fav filters (in the free pack!) are Everyday, Light Bright and Ice Ice.
5.) Keep backgrounds simple
This goes for fashion shots, products shots, anything really! I know that chevron blanket is cute, but it's also cluttered. Keep your backgrounds super simple (just a few colors with little texture) to avoid distracting from the point of focus of the photo and also to keep your feed pretty consistent.
6.) Be YOU
If you forget the last 5 tricks, remember this one. Be yourself!! Even on a business account share little pieces of yourself and your life outside of your product or service. Every photo you post should somehow represent YOU! Share pics of your pets, workspace, home, vacations, etc.! Also, be sure to include props in flat-lay/product shots that still represent you as a person. For me, it's pink flowers and cute pens!
Are we pals on Insta yet?! Follow me @somethingshannon!!
XX,
Shannon
