If there’s anything that I wish I could improve back when I first started blogging, it’s the lighting in all of my photos. Back then I didn’t know much about photography and would constantly take photos in bad lighting and then try to edit it with filters and still end up with an awful picture. When you have good lighting, it makes all the difference and even improves the way filters look on your photos! I usually like to shoot on cloudy days for outdoor pictures since direct sunlight can be harsh and create awful shadows but if I want something in sunlight, then I’ll shoot at “golden hour” which is an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset. Shooting at golden hour creates the most gorgeous warm glow on your skin and makes landscapes look dreamy. If you’re indoors, then I recommend shooting near a window and making sure the light is facing whatever you’re photographing instead of behind it or off to the side which can create shadows.
If you take a look at some of the best Instagram accounts, they have all made their accounts memorable with good branding. One way to create a memorable brand is by asking yourself: “what kind of feeling do I want my feed to give to my audience?”. If you’re a travel blogger, then perhaps use tons of blues in your photos to make it look more tropical and relaxing. If you’re a food blogger, then tons of close-up detailed shots of the food that you’re eating in order to make it look delicious and addicting. In my case, since I’m a fashion blogger and my style is feminine, I portray that by specifically using a “girly” color scheme of white, blush pink, and light blue as well as a filter that makes my photos look more vibrant and bright in order to see details of the outfits that I’m wearing. The most important thing is to be consistent and to not upload a photo just for the sake of posting! Make sure that it works with your brand and enhances your feed.
One of my best purchases is an inexpensive tripod and remote which is available for both DSLRs and phones and comes in different heights. I don’t always have a photographer with me which it makes it difficult to get a shot of myself but ever since I bought a tripod, I simply position my tripod in whatever angle I want, switch it to selfie mode so I can see myself in the shot, and take a few test shots, then when I’m ready I just strategically hide the small remote that’s in my hand (usually by putting my hands in my pockets or behind my back, the possibilities are endless!) and that’s it. No one can tell the difference! It’s also perfect for anyone who has shaky hands like me or if you want to take videos. I can’t recommend it enough!
Sometimes having the right prop can make a huge difference in your photos. You can use flowers, books, or even drinks like the newly designed Diet Coke® cans! Diet Coke® has been my go-to drink for years and always gives me a boost and makes me feel energized, no matter where I am. Now that they have gone through a makeover and has a sleek design on their cans (yet the same great timeless taste that we all know and love), it also now comes in invigorating new flavors such as Fiesty Cherry (sweet yet has a tangy kick!), Twisted Mango (normally I’m not a big mango fan but this one is addicting), Ginger Lime (crisp and refreshing and perfect afternoon pick-me-up), and Zesty Blood Orange (packed with flavor!), I’ll be drinking it and including it in my photos more often. At the moment, my favorite is Diet Coke® Fiesty Cherry (no surprise, since I’m so sassy so I guess my taste in drinks matches my personality haha) and it works perfectly in my Instagram photos with it’s modern grey design and feminine purple color. I’ll admit, I’ve become inspired by the new makeover that the Diet Coke cans have gone through and feel like taking a risk and having a makeover myself! Stay tuned 😉
If you feel like getting creative with your photos or just want to shake your life up a bit and try something different, then try the single cans for an affordable price or there’s an Ibotta offer for any purchase of 1 Diet Coke 8-pack, 12 oz. cans along with any brand of avocados (any variety, any size) in order to earn back $1.25. If you’re a fellow Texan, you can pick them up at your local Albertsons near the cashiers or the fountain drinks aisle!
Hope you enjoyed this post!
Yes! Tripods make such a huge difference! And fun (and delicious) props are always a great idea! ~ Client