Instagram has become a way of life and it’s a place to show off your travel adventures, outfit of the day, or your creations in the kitchen. But, for many, it’s a platform to showcase their products or services to gain a fanbase. Whether you’re using social media for personal or professional purposes, here are tips for getting the perfect shot.
Pay Attention to the Time of Day
Have you heard of “The Golden Hour,” the hour after the sun rises and the hour before the sun sets? It’s believed to be the most photogenic time of day and the best time to take pictures. Based on the time of day, the lighting will change the mood and composition of the photo.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
It may take you a while to get the shot you want, so keep on going until you capture the perfect photo. Look for things that inspire you and take photos of them. Don’t be afraid to play with scale, experiment with digital manipulation, to use different mediums, and to make use of props.
Know Your Equipment
Make sure you familiarize yourself with your camera and all the modes it has to offer. Take some time to learn about focal lengths, aperture, ISO settings, shutter speeds, the lenses, and filters. Also, practice techniques like the folden triangle, the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, leading lines, symmetry and balance, framing, and depth of field.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Think about what you’re afraid to capture, places you have always wanted to visit, and experiences you haven’t had before and work with it. Getting out of your comfort zone will help you improve your photography skills.
Don’t Be Afraid of Editing
Your photo isn’t complete after you finish taking it, especially when you use a digital camera. Over time, you’ll figure out your editing style and what editing program you like best.
