a pictures of a smartphone on a textured background
Photo: Cristian Dina

We all know that taking the perfect Instagram picture is a lot of work. You need to find the ideal location, create an aesthetically pleasing background, and take the time to pose in just the right way. But don't worry! With this handy guide, you'll be able to take great pictures in no time at all.

This guide will teach you to take better pictures using only your smartphone camera and some basic photography techniques. From creating a memorable composition and choosing the perfect filter to master the art of posing for a photo, this guide will get you on your way to taking professional-looking pictures for Instagram!

The Power of Instagram: How Better Pictures Can Help You Stand Out


While it might seem like the only thing that matters on Instagram is how good your photos look, there are actually a lot of factors that go into creating an aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed.

For one, you need a suitable composition to capture the perfect moment. You need to know what filters can do for your photo and how to use them, so they don't take away from your content. And you need to know how to pose for a photo without looking awkward or unprofessional.

Better Instagram pictures will entice more followers to your grid. And continued quality pics make sure those followers stay. Great Insta photos can help build up your brand if (that's what you use them for). Even if your grid is personal, better photographs can take you from a nobody to an influencer.

woman on a bad take selfie with a smartphone
Photo: Laura Chouette

Picture Perfect: 5 Essential Tips for Taking Stunning Photographs


Smartphones have opened up for us all a whole new world of photography and videomaking. They're the perfect, effortless way to capture great Instagram shots. But don't let that intimidate you! When using your smartphone to take pictures, you don't need to worry about complicated settings or expensive equipment. There are plenty of simple steps you can take to take better pictures with your smartphone camera.

#1. Find The Right Location

It's crucial to find the right location for your photo before you take it. In addition, you want to make sure that all of your photos are consistent with each other, so be sure to pick a location that will match the style of all of your other images.

If you're taking photos in a place like New York City, then you'll want to find places like Times Square or Central Park. You're looking for something memorable and pleasing to the eye. For more natural-looking photos, try locations like beaches or forests.

Remember, it doesn't matter if this is your favorite spot in the world—if it doesn't fit the aesthetic of your Instagram feed, then don't use it!

#2. Create A Compelling Background

An excellent composition is a crucial element that separates a good photo from a great photo. Likewise, a compelling background can make your picture more interesting and inviting.

For example, you could take a picture of yourself in front of a beautiful mountainside or at the beach. This would make for an aesthetically-pleasing environment that will attract viewers. On the other hand, if you took a picture of yourself in your bedroom with messy sheets on the bed, it might get deleted because it's not very appealing.

To create an eye-catching background, find interesting objects in your surroundings and take pictures from different angles. Once you find something that works, don't move it! You may accidentally mess up your composition by changing the scenery too much.

woman takes a picture of another posing woman
Photo: Amanda Vick

#3. Pose For Perfect Pictures

One of the most important aspects of a good photo is posing. Posing for a picture is a skill that takes time to master. But the key to a good pose is to accentuate your best features. And to mix it up with interesting angles and curves.

Your body doesn't always have to face the camera. This can come off as robotic and uptight. If you're not good at posing but want to appear relaxed, place one hand on your waist and the other in front of your face. You can add dimension by capturing an in-motion shot. Or make the most of your surroundings by posing off-center.

The next thing you should do is choose a pose that flatters your body type. For example, if you have a petite body, try sitting down or kneeling instead of standing up. If you have a curvy body, accentuate those curves by creating an S-shape in your pose. And if you have an athletic build, try standing up straight with your hands on the hips and one foot in front of the other.

#4. Use Color Filters When Necessary

In the digital age, filters have become an essential part of photography. They help produce the chosen effect, allowing photographers to take pictures in less-than-desirable lighting or correct for distortion.

It can be challenging to remember which filter works best in different situations. Usually, when you're taking photos, you're not sure what type of photo you want to take and which filter will work best with it. So, to simplify things, use filters based on the kind of photo you want to take.

For example, if you know that you want to create a soft and romantic look in your photos, use the "Valencia" filter. On the other hand, if you want your photos to have intense colors without too much contrast, use "Lark" or "Nashville" filters. The point is that different filters are ideal for different types of photos!

Learning how to edit and retouch like a pro will help take your Insta pics to the next level. The aim of editing is to enhance the shot without making it look unbelievable or unattainable. Because the last thing we want to do is add to crazy beauty standards! The best photos are the ones that look real. And they're the ones your audience will engage with more.

hand is holding smartphone with an opened instagram app
Photo: Georgia de Lotz

#5. Practice Makes Perfect

The first thing you should do is practice your photography skills. You need to take lots of pictures to find the perfect filter, composition, and pose.

But what are good places to take pictures? Try visiting different locations around your city early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are around to take the perfect Instagram picture. You can also take photos with your phone's camera during sunset or sunrise for a more dynamic background. Even though you have to do some leg work, it'll be worth it once you have perfected your technique!

Stay Safe Online


The internet has changed since it first began. And it's not as safe as it used to be. Hackers are rife, and some photos you take could be copied and used elsewhere online. Knowing how to password-protect a folder can go a long way to keeping your shots safe and personal.

But the most important thing you can do is be aware. Be aware of what you're posting and where you're posting it. If you're unsure, try a different shot. There's no point feeling uncomfortable about what you post. Instagram should be about fun and community. And getting your ideas across. So stay safe.

Lots of love,
Liz

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