If you love fashion you've probably dreamt of taking pictures like Instagram influencers. The eyes, the clothes, the hair, the perfect makeup, the constant traveling, and the fame — it is the dream job for many people. While being a fashion influencer isn't for everyone, you can at least look like them in your Instagram photos. Have you ever looked at an Instagram picture and thought it was professionally taken? It probably was, but the fact that they also know how to properly pose definitely helps. You might definitely need to invest in some new photography equipment to make your photos pop, but there are some tricks you can use to get that look on your own. Here are some tips to help you achieve that model look in your Instagram photos.
1. Posing
There's one thing everyone can do to make themselves look better in their photos, whether they're at the gym or on the beach: Pose.
Maintaining good posture is key to looking good in photos. Try standing with your back against a wall or sitting with your shoulders back and your chest up. Adjusting your pose is also important for making yourself look slimmer or curvier—just be sure to adjust one body part at a time rather than leaning forward (to slim down) or backward (to bulk up).
One of the most important things to know about posing for photos is that it should be natural. You don't want to look stiff and awkward, but you also don't want to look like you're posing for a photoshoot. Just think about natural ways to pose your body and it will come more easily.
Pro Tip - Bring a friend with you when you're taking photos. Having someone there to help you pose and give you feedback will make the process a lot easier.
2. Use The Right Filter
Instagram has countless filters that you can use to change the entire aesthetic of your picture. Just like with posing, you want to make sure that the photo looks natural before you share it with your followers unless, of course, you're purposely going for an over-edited look. There are three main factors to consider when choosing a filter: lighting, colors, and contrast. Lighting is key for making your pictures look professionally taken without a ton of effort. Colors can be used to brighten up a photo or make it warmer, and contrast can be used to make your photo more dramatic. The best official Instagram filters to use for achieving a model feel are Valencia, Hefe, and Earlybird. If you're not sure which filter to choose, just experiment until you find one that you like.
Some filters are better for portraits, and others are better for landscapes or still lives. To get a better idea of what filters work best for which photos, try taking a few photos in different styles. Oftentimes the best filter will be clear after you take the photo, but if you're having trouble picking, just try out different options. Once you find a filter you like, save it so you can use it again in the future. The more familiar you are with the filters available, the better your photos will look.
Pro Tip - Don't be afraid to add a photo filter after taking the shot. If you don't like how it looks straight out of the camera, try placing your phone on a tripod and taking the photo again with a filter.
3. Lighting
A key to good photography is natural lighting. What time of day are you taking your pictures? If you're taking your photos in the morning or evening, you're likely to get better results than if you take them at night time. For the best lighting, the sun should be behind you, and not in front of you. If you're taking your photos during the day, try to find sunlight instead of standing in the shade.
Shade can wash out a photo and make it look too dim. If you're taking your photos in the shade, make sure that there isn't light shining on your face straight on, because it will create harsh shadows. Instead, try to position yourself so that the light is coming from one side of the frame. The light should hit your face and body in a way that makes it appear smooth. Try to avoid standing in direct sunlight or taking your photos in a way that creates heavy shadows.
Pro Tip - If you're taking photos in your house, try using the natural light from an open window instead of a lamp. Candles can also be great for photos, as long as you take them at night.
4. Clothing
While you don't have to dress up every time you take a photo, it helps to wear clothes that compliment your body type and skin tone. Similarly to using the right filter, choosing the right clothing can help make your photos look more natural. Black clothes can often be too harsh and unflattering in photos, meanwhile, white clothes can make you look washed out. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and navy blue are generally the best option for clothing in photos.
If you're taking photos outdoors, try to wear clothes that will go along with the background. If you're taking photos at a beach or park, for example, wearing light colors is a good idea. Darker colors will stick out too much, which can be distracting in photos. The same goes for accessories - avoid wearing accessories with too many details, unless you're wearing a very basic-looking fit.
Pro Tip - If you're taking photos in your apartment, try standing in front of a neutral-colored wall. Neutral colors like gray and beige are generally considered to be flattering for everyone. This also works outside.
5. Makeup
Even if you're just taking selfies, having a little lipstick or eyeshadow on can make a big difference. Different types of makeup look better in different types of photos. For example, if you're taking a photo of yourself and a friend at a party, try wearing dramatic colors on your eyes. This will make the color scheme of your photo flow more smoothly. Experiences at Lash I Candy, a studio for lashes dallas, prove that using eyelash extensions can help you get that extra glam look you might be looking for. You don't need to wear a full face of makeup for it to be effective, but using some foundation, blush, and mascara to create a look or vibe that you like can boost your confidence.
Mascara and lipstick are especially important, as they can make your eyes and lips pop! However, if you're not into wearing makeup or don't feel comfortable doing so, that's fine too. You should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable in front of the camera. If you're taking portraits or full-body pictures, try to avoid wearing too much makeup. While a full makeup look can make for attractive selfies, it doesn't always make for flattering portraits. Instead of using makeup to cover everything, use it to enhance your features and create a more polished look.
Pro Tip - If you want to wear makeup, try to choose colors that will complement your skin tone and eyes. For example, darker shades of red look great on people with dark eyes and olive skin tones. Similarly, people with blue or green eyes can look great wearing warmer shades of brown and gold.
6. Angles
One of the most important things to consider when taking photos is your angle. Different angles can make a photo look completely different. For example, a photo taken from above can make you look taller and thinner, while a photo taken from below can make you look more curvaceous. When taking photos of your face, it's usually best to shoot from slightly below. This will create a more flattering angle for most people.
For the most flattering angle, find a spot on the ground that is closer to your eye level. When you're taking photos of your legs or feet, it's best to shoot from a higher angle. This will make them look longer and leaner. Finding the right angle can be tricky, but with a little practice, you'll be able to figure out what works best for you. If you're not happy with the way you look in a particular photo, try moving around until you find a better angle.
Pro Tip - When taking photos of yourself, experiment with different angles and poses. Don't be afraid to try something new - you may be surprised at how the photos turn out!
7. Background
The background of a photo is another important consideration. If you're taking a selfie, don't take it in a busy place with a lot of distractions in the background. Make sure the background is simple and uncluttered, as this will make it a lot easier to focus on you. If you're taking a photo of someone else, try to choose a background that will compliment their features. For example, if you're taking a photo of someone with dark hair, try to find a bright background. This will make their hair stand out more.
When choosing a background, keep in mind that it's generally best to avoid busy or distracting ones. You want to make sure you use a background that will draw attention towards you, not away from you. It's also important to make sure the background is in focus. If it's not, your photo will look blurry and unprofessional. You can achieve a blurred background by using a shallow depth of field. This is when the background is out of focus, while your subject is in focus. If the background is too far away, it won't be in focus.
Pro Tip - If you're not sure what background to use, try using a solid color or a plain backdrop. This will make it a lot easier to focus on your subject.
8. Edit Your Photos
Even the best photographers can't take perfect photos all the time. Sometimes, you may have to edit your photos a bit before posting them online. If you're using a phone to take selfies, you can use a photo editing app to touch up your photos before posting them. Many websites allow for easy photo editings, such as PicMonkey and Canva. Editing your photos can make a big difference in their appearance. You can use photo editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of your photos. You can also add filters, text, and other effects.
When using photo editing software, it's important to only edit your photos enough that they look good. You don't want them to look too processed or fake - your followers want to see your real, natural beauty. The best rule of thumb is to edit your photos enough so that they look professional, but not so much that they don't even look like yours. Be careful not to overuse filters and other effects, as this can make your photos look unnatural.
Pro Tip - If you don't have any photo editing software, you can use online tools to touch up your photos. These tools are free and easy to use. Instagram's editing feature also allows for basic photo editing. It's easy to use - you can click on the tool at the top of your screen, and then adjust different settings.
Achieving the perfect Instagram look isn't as hard as you may think. With a little practice, you'll be able to take photos that satisfy you enough to post online. Just remember to appreciate your unique beauty; use the tips listed above to enhance your confidence and love of yourself rather than to try to be someone you’re not comfortable being but feel pressured to be. But if you want a quick selfie checklist to get in some good photos, remember to experiment with angles, backgrounds, and editing techniques depending on the vibe you’re going for. As long as you're taking photos at the right time of day and wearing outfits and makeup that represent you, you should start seeing an improvement in your photo quality. Just be patient and keep experimenting with different looks and styles. Happy snapping!
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