Everyone has heard of Instagram by now -- a social media platform that allows you to share photos and videos with the world. And while anyone can sign up for an Instagram account and immediately start posting, to stand out from the crowd, you need to be intentional about your style and content.

More than just filters

Instagram enables you to customize photos using filters. But styling for Instagram is more than just selecting Inkwell or Earlybird. Curating your Instagram comes down to:

1. Developing a theme

 

 

Western vibes c/o @dior • should I keep these?!

A post shared by Danielle Bernstein (@weworewhat) on

With every photo you share, it's important that you build a theme around it. For instance, if you're snapping a pic of your new tennis shoes, you can place tennis balls around the shoes to create a theme. This visual theme also gives you an opportunity to play with color, making certain aspects of the tennis shoes pop.

2. Using the right angles

 

 

Western vibes c/o @dior • should I keep these?!

A post shared by Danielle Bernstein (@weworewhat) on

Because Instagram is a visual platform, it's important that you choose the right angles. The birds-eye view not only eliminates shadows, it's also aesthetically interesting, capturing the viewer's attention.

3. Creating a color palette

 

 

If summer was a dessert it’d be a watermelon ice-cream sandwich 🍉🍦

A post shared by Travel & Lifestyle (@lichipan) on

You should carefully select a color palette, which enables you to create a professional appearance and strengthen your personal brand. Whenever you style photos, you should choose colors that coordinate well together. Remember that bright colors grab viewers' attention.

4. Finding the perfect lighting

 

Lighting is everything when it comes to capturing captivating photos. Always use natural lighting wherever possible. Light at sunrise and at sunset tends to be the most flattering.

5. Keeping backdrops in mind

 

Backdrops can either enhance or detract from your photo, depending on your subject matter. If you're modeling some clothing, for instance, then you want to keep your backdrop simple so that your outfit pops in the photo. Whichever backdrop you choose, be intentional.

6. Organizing the contents

 

When you're setting up a photo and its contents, you should have the entire frame of your photo together before you shoot it. Pay attention to details that might cause distractions, such as trash on the ground.

7. Maintaining consistency

 

 

One of those weeks where Friday couldn’t come soon enough! Happy weekend lovelies! 💖

A post shared by Carissa (@designbyaikonik) on

To create a cohesive personal style on your Instagram, you should make sure to maintain consistency with photos. That means using similar colors, lighting, composition, and filters. This will help to solidify your personal identity on Instagram.

8. Taking lots of photos

 

Once you have your subject ready to be photographed, make sure to take lots of pictures. In fact, the more the better. Try different angles, lighting, exposures, and compositions so that you have a variety to choose from.

9. Posting with purpose

 

You shouldn't just post pics with no purpose. Content matters when it comes to getting more followers. The purpose of your pictures should either be to educate, inform, or entertain. You should always think about the unique value you're adding to the social space before posting something.

It's crucial that you let your personality shine through with all photos you decide to post on Instagram. Showing off your character and personal style will instantly draw viewers in, exponentially increasing your likes.

It's all about the hashtag#

Once you've created your own personal Instagram style, it's important to formulate the perfect hashtag for each photo you post. Hashtags help your Instagram profile gain traction as well as increase your personal brand awareness. Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post. Make sure all your hashtags are relevant to what you're posting, or your current followers might end up unfollowing you.

Become an Instastar

If you want to get recognized in the world of Instagram, then you have to do more than just post pictures. It's essential that you create an aesthetically pleasing, consistent style that captivates viewers' attention. Follow the above tips, and you'll be well on your way to becoming Instafamous.

References
  1. "8 Tips and Tricks to Help You Style Your Instagram Photos Like a Blogger," Stylecaster, n.d.
  2. "A Complete Guide to Styling Photos," Pinkpot, n.d.
  3. "Instagram 101: Find Your Style," Feast + West, July 14, 2014.

 

instagram | Photography | fashion