Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook — everyone is competing for likes and views these days, and if you want to stand out, you need to make sure those photos you post are as good as they can be. Even if you're posting just for friends and family, a few moments thought can turn a random blurry image into a treasured memory. I've compiled a bunch of the best tips for making your photos just that little bit better.
1. Know why you're taking the photo.
I know, I know, it seems silly to call this a tip, but pausing to consider the why can really help you to create that perfect image. If you want to show off your amazing dinner, you don't want that plate out of focus.
2. Even if you're looking for likes, don't sweat every photo.
Mixing some fun or candid shots into your feed of perfectly staged photos can bring personality to your collection that will keep fans coming back to see more.
3. Whenever possible, use natural light.
Digital photography is particularly good at showing off the yellow tinge to indoor lighting. Whenever you can, opt for natural sources so that your subjects will look their best.
4. Give the eye something to follow.
A detail like the bends in this road can add a sense of movement to a static image. Use that effect to draw the viewer's eyes to what you want them to focus on.
5. Don't be afraid to shoot from far away.
Sometimes the environment can add drama if you just step away. In this photo the lines on the wall draw the viewer's eye directly to the woman on the bench, and act as a frame around her.
6. If you want balance, turn on the grid.
It may seem like a useless function, but by turning the grid lines on while you line up a picture, you can avoid the weird, not-quite-symmetrical feeling of a slightly misaligned photo.
7. Master the flat lay.
Flat lay photography is HUGE on Instagram, and for good reason. The perfect balance is almost zen, and yet all the items can give you a peek into the lives of the photographers. It's somehow personal, even when so carefully laid out.
8. Once you've got symmetry down, try for more playful layouts.
Flat lays don't have to be perfectly square to be balanced. Once you've got a feel for how items play against each other, you can experiment with less structured photos that balance playful colors and sizes.
9. Don't force everything into the frame.
Too many amateur photographers try to just get their subject centered and in focus. It's a good skill to start with, but sometimes it can lead to flat, boring images. Shifting the image's focal point can tell a completely different (and often more profound) story.
10. Catch those perfect kid photos.
Sometimes you see the opportunity for that great shot, but the kid just won't stand still. Get their attention with a special toy, or something as simple as tossing your keys on the ground to get them to pause long enough to snap that shutter.
11. Have a color palette.
A bunch of disparate items can be chaotic or hard on the eyes, so consider how those items work together as a color scheme before taking the photo.
12. Know your best angle.
No more selfies pointed up your nose. Take the time to learn which angles work best for your face, then employ that knowledge whenever you stretch out your arm for that selfie. Try finding at least two good ones so your Instagram thumbnails don't always look the exact same.
13. Make sure everyone looks good.
Of course, sometimes it's a group selfie and you don't just have yourself to worry about. Take the time to make sure everyone looks as good as possible. No one wants to be tagged in a bad photo.
14. Learn a photo editing app.
I'd be willing to bet that 95% of the best photos on Instagram aren't taken from within the actual app. Instead, they are cleaned up in a basic photo-editing app on the phone before being imported. Even a small tweak to color or contrast can make a huge difference to the final image. Some of the best and easiest are Snapseed, VSCO, TouchRetouch, and Enlight.
15. Have fun!
In the end, if you're no longer enjoying the act of taking and posting photos to your social networks, then the point has been lost. Don't let any of these tricks take more time or energy than you can stand. Pick what works for you and rock it!
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