Its no secret that I will specifically have photo shoots for Instagram, and maybe you do too! Nothing wrong with trying to get a good shot to post it, nothing at all! So today I’m going to basically do an update to this post and share how my editing styles have changed, what apps I use now and some simple tips to help elevate your photos.
Tip 1: Capitalize on natural sunlight
I am a sucker for the sun and I really do not like shooting without it. Lighting is the most important thing when it comes to taking pictures and replicating some good solid natural lighting is a very difficult task without a lot of high end equipment, so just use what you got: the SUN!
So while sun is great, you have to be careful to use it in the right way, typically finding a shadowy area that’s not in direct sunlight will make your colors turn out better and less harsh. But make sure that your face is facing towards the sun so the the light will shine on it, otherwise you’ll be backlit and it won’t turn out as planned.
Tip 2: Wipe your lens
I know this is absolutely basic, but holy cow you would not believe how many people have dirt or fingerprints on their camera lens! Take a second and use your shirt to wipe it off before you take a picture. You can thank me later. Also be sure that your phone case or screen protector isn’t covering it up! That will make a world of difference as well.
Tip 3: Have movement
Now, I don’t mean you as the photographer have movement. That should be another tip, DON’T MOVE while taking the picture. What should have some movement is what you are taking a picture of. Whether it be of someone or yourself or a landscape, find something interesting in your frame to be the focal point. If its a person, have them twirl in their skirt or walk towards you. If its a landscape, find where the sun hits the surface of the water just right or play with the shadows. Maybe someone is hanging their laundry out the window and you want to focus on that. Whatever it is, find the movement.
Tip 4: Rule of Thirds
While this is an age old rule, it still holds true. Enable the grid on your camera to always be cognizant of where you’re shooting. You want to line up your focal point with the intersection points on the grid. Obviously, if you’re going for a symmetrical shot, you would put it right in the center. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but typically following this guideline is pleasing to the eye and makes for a great photo.
Tip 5: Use the right post-production editing tools
This is my favorite part. Where the magic happens for me. I have a few different workflows that happen when I take pictures. Depending on what camera I used to take the original photo will usually affect how I edit the photos. If I use my DSLR and really go all out (which happens a lot) I will pull in the photos into Lightroom and use a few presets I have. If you’re looking for a good preset pack, take a look at the G Presets.
If I shoot something on my phone, I absolutely love the Mandi Nelson Presents which are on Lightroom Mobile as well. If something still doesn’t look right, I’ll bring it into VSCO Cam and try out the A series or M series presets. One of those will turn out right!
And that’s what I’ve got! There’s clearly SO MUCH more that goes into taking photographs, but these few things will make a world of difference if you’re not doing them! Until next time-
