Taking amazing Instagram photos doesn’t require an expensive kit or photography degree. The secret lies in using what you already have with you at all times – your phone!
Learning how to capture stunning shots using only your phone is one of the best ways to build a strong presence on Instagram and stand out from the crowd.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a simple and easy-to-follow guide filled with tips and tricks to help you achieve that perfect shot. Whether you’re a newbie or looking to improve your photography skills, this article is for you.
By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to take captivating content and inspire your followers with your Instagram feed.
So, if you’re ready to take your Instagram game to the next level, let’s dive in!
How to Capture Stunning Instagram Photos with Your Phone
Learning how to take good Instagram photos on your phone requires understanding some basic principles of composition and lighting, and honing your own instincts as a photographer.
You just need to follow a few simple rules.
Use natural light
The foundation of an incredible photo is lighting. Knowing how to use natural light is the most important rule for stunning phone photography.
Instead of using your flash, opt for natural light that produces richer, brighter images. Your subject won’t be washed out or flattened, unlike with a flash. If you can’t shoot outside, find a well-lit room or shoot near windows.
Even at night, you can use ambient light sources such as street lamps and store windows.
Avoid Overexposure
While you can brighten up dark photos with editing tools, overexposed photos are harder to salvage. Prevent overexposure by adjusting the lighting on your screen before snapping your photo. Simply tap and slide your finger up or down to adjust the exposure. Alternatively, tap the brightest part of the frame to adjust the lighting.
Time Your Shot Right
Timing is everything in photography. Golden hour, when the sun is low on the horizon, is the perfect time of day to take Instagram photos. This natural Instagram filter enhances every photo. If you’re shooting in the middle of the day, clouds are your friend. Direct sunlight can be harsh, making it challenging to get the perfect shot. Opt for clouds, which diffuse the sunlight and create a softer, more flattering effect.
Use the rule of thirds
Photography is all about the arrangement of elements in an image – shapes, colors, textures, and more. One of the most popular composition principles is the rule of thirds.
This principle involves dividing an image into a 3×3 grid and positioning the subjects or objects along the grid lines to achieve balance.
However, you can also use the “balanced asymmetry” technique to create an intriguing effect, where the subject is off-center but balanced by another object.
To practice alignment, turn on the gridlines in your phone camera settings.
Be mindful of your viewpoint
If you want to capture captivating and unexpected Instagram photos, avoid the typical eye-level snap. Try taking photos from different perspectives such as above or below, crouching low to the ground, or even scaling a wall if you’re feeling adventurous.
This will provide you with fresh viewpoints, even if you’re shooting a familiar subject. Challenge yourself to see things from a new perspective without breaking a leg!
Know How To Frame your subject
Instead of zooming in, try leaving space around the focal point of your photo to add more visual interest.
Zooming in is like pre-cropping your image, and you might miss out on fascinating details. Tap on your photo subject or focal point to focus the camera, and consider purchasing an external lens for more options in editing. Don’t limit your options for later editing by prematurely cropping.
Lead the Viewer’s Eye
“Leading lines” are lines in your photo that draw the viewer’s eye and add depth. These could be natural elements like trees and waves or human-made objects like roads and buildings.
Incorporate leading lines into your photography to add purpose and motion. You can use leading lines to direct the viewer’s gaze to your subject and create a powerful image.
Add more depth to your Instagram photos
Don’t just focus on your main subject, whether it’s a person or a delicious slice of pizza. Including background patterns or objects in your photos will add depth and make them more intriguing.
Unleash Your Creativity
Avoid falling into the trap of replicating the same old Instagram cliches. Instead, challenge yourself to approach common subjects from new angles, and infuse your photos with originality and flair. By doing so, you’ll set your brand apart and create an unforgettable visual identity.
Camera Settings To Enhance Your Instagram Photos
Disable HDR
HDR, a useful feature on both iPhones and Androids, takes multiple photos with different exposures and combines them to produce a high-detail image. However, if used improperly, it can make your photos look unnatural. For effortless, high-quality images, disable your camera’s HDR setting and let it handle the heavy lifting of exposure levels.
Optimize Photo Modes
With the myriad of camera settings available on phones today, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of options. One setting worth exploring is “portrait mode,” which creates a depth of field or bokeh effect around a well-lit subject within a certain distance from the camera.
This mode is perfect for portraits, but it can also work wonders for food and product photography. However, it’s not ideal for low-light or indoor shots or capturing moving subjects. Don’t worry, though.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can try live photo mode or burst mode to snap the perfect shot of a person in motion. And if you’re using an Android, you can enable the burst feature by holding the shutter button down.
Final Thoughts
Creating stunning Instagram photography doesn’t have to be intimidating or impossible. With just a phone, you have all the necessary tools to produce remarkable images and posts for your profile. The key to achieving an attractive Instagram grid is to start taking pictures and sharing your content. Follow these tips to spend more time capturing and planning your shots. As a beginner, utilizing these techniques will give you the confidence you need to enhance your photography skills.
Ready to showcase your stunning Instagram photos on your profile?
