5 Ways to Take Better Instagram Photos

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Instagram is the social media rage. Brands, celebrities, restaurants, publications, and everyone you know is on Instagram. If you are an avid Instagram user, then you have surely been guilty of browsing through your Instagram photo feed on a regular basis…meaning you are also slightly envious of all the cool pictures you see. The thing is, there are a few simple things you can do in order to take really amazing Instagram photos. No longer will you have to wonder how your friends took those incredible shots. Follow these simple tips and tricks on how to make your Instagram photos #instafamous.

Get the right lighting

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Lighting is everything to a photo, and you should definitely consider the “golden hour” when snapping pics for Instagram. Oftentimes, people forget that natural light can be much more advantageous than using the flash from your camera. A helpful hint is remembering to tap to focus on your iPhone camera; this will ensure that you are getting the best (and most) light focused on the right spot.

Use the frame to your advantage

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Instagram photos are limited to a square, and you should use this basic frame to your advantage. iPhones now come with a ‘Square’ option in the Camera app, giving you the exact Instagram proportions so that you can know what will fit within Instagram’s limits. You can add extra flair to your photos by also using natural borders like windows, architecture, shadows, and more to make your photos really stand out.

Take more than one photo

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Oftentimes, taking only one photo means that you’re guaranteeing that you’ve taken the best shot. But that is a very big gamble. What if someone walked into your photo? What if the focus isn’t set? Instead, take advantage of your storage space and use your iPhone’s “burst” option (iPhone 5S and later) to take more than one photo. That way you can select your favorite out of a good many to make for the best photo. Check out these other tips and tricks in order to make the most out of your camera on your iPhone.

Consider the “rule of thirds”

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If you have enabled the grid option in your Camera app, then you are well aware as to how the “rule of thirds” applies. A common composition technique, the rule of thirds suggests that the subject of the photo should be placed on the intersection of the gridlines (otherwise known as junction points). This helps keep the focus on the subject of your photo. Be sure to consider horizontal and vertical balance, as well as the movement of the subject, when using this rule.

Use a third-party app

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Apps like VSCOcam, Polamatic, PicFX, Darkroom, and more can give you the tools you need to make your Instagram photos shine. Most of these apps offer more than just filters: straighten your photo, add color splashes, sharpen, adjust exposure, and more. And the best part is that you don’t need to be a photo expert to use these apps: they are very intuitive, even for the most basic user.

Be sure to take some of these helpful tips into consideration next time you are Instagramming. And who knows, maybe they’ll help you rack up a ton of likes too!

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