Users go to Instagram for one reason: photos. In an online universe filled with millions of images flashing across their screens, what are the chances they won’t just swipe past yours without a second thought?
The key is to take quality photos that really pop. Here are some tips for creating top-notch Instagram photos.
1. Don’t Over- Or Under-Expose
Unless it’s intentional and gives the image a quality edge, poor lighting – whether too bright or too dark – implies an amateur photographer. As such, it also suggests that your product or service is poor quality.
2. Use Unique Angles
Taking a picture of a model wearing your clothing line? Try a downward or an upward angle rather than just straight on. Or perhaps take a landscape photo so that the horizon runs diagonally instead of flat left to right. Mix it up, try different things.
3. Increase Your Contrast – But Not Too Much!
Whether with a colored photo or black and white, just a slight increase in the contrast scale can completely transform a picture. But don’t overdo it… Wouldn’t want to hurt the viewer’s eyes!
4. Make Your Object Count
For example, pictures of food are far too common on Instagram. In addition to taking a photo of a unique object, make sure your object communicates what you want it to. Are you selling something? Promoting something? Whatever it is, make it obvious enough to the viewer to grasp in seconds.
5. Don’t Over Advertise
Users know an ad when they see one. While you want to market your message or product, you also want to blend in enough so as not to turn off users through an apparent intent to sell.
6. No Pixelated Photos Allowed
Crisp and clear – that’s what you want. It all goes back to not coming across as an amateur with a poor quality product. Use the camera’s focus to ensure you don’t take a blurry or pixelated photo.
7. For Action Photos, Take Several and Pick The Best
You don’t want to miss a potentially amazing action shot. Use your regular phone camera (not Instagram’s) to take several pictures quickly. Decide which image you like best, open it in Instagram, and edit it as necessary.
Keep these tips in mind and it won’t be long before you double your Instagram following.
Happy Instagramming!
