Instagram is a visual platform, while you may spend a lot of time on your caption- what really gets your followers to stop is your photo. People love engaging on posts that give them the “wow factor” however, constantly achieving that wow factor can be a bit daunting. Here are a few tips on where to start:
Frame Your Photo
When I say this, I do not mean go to your local retail store and buy a wooden frame. What I mean is create some type of border with the environment around you. Many photographers use low hanging trees, archways, and bridges to achieve this look. Of course, you can use anything in your environment to create this effect. What this does is make the portrait more visually appealing to your viewers and can also help with any blown-out skies that you may have.
Utilize objects
This can be tied into framing however, photographing through an object can provide a new perspective. Here are a couple of examples you may want to try:
- Use a chandelier glass replacement piece (this can be found on Amazon). This will give you a prism effect
- Toilet paper roll; make your subject look like they are at the end of a tunnel
- Use your phone screen to provide a reflection; for this, you will need to have your phone completely off so that the lock screen is not activated with the motion or accidental button-pushing.
- Hold an object at the bottom of the frame close to the lens, the object will be blurry, however, your subject will be in focus and the main visual point.
Edit your photos to draw the audience eye
Ok, this may be a little confusing, but I promise even if you are not the greatest at editing your photos this one is easy. Instead of using the vignetting tool on your editing app use the gradient tool. You are going to use two gradient tools to make a “v” shaped shadow (how dark you make this is entirely up to your preference). Be sure to not cover your subject in the shadow part as this can do more harm than good.
Apply the tips in the real world!
I challenge you to take an object that you would not normally find interesting such as a leaf, rock, or stick and set it up for a portrait. Apply the tips mentioned above to make this item something incredible. Once you have it, post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @jaxandthepack and I will share it for all to see!