4 Rules to Capturing the Perfect Instagram Photo
We all know that Instagram reformats our images after we post them. They get edited into a square frame (ugh!). Trust us, we know this can seem frustrating. We can help! We’ve put together a couple of tips in order to help you take the best possible photos for Instagram right from the start.
Before we go over advice for creating the perfect composition, lets quickly talk about taking the photo itself. The automatic camera app on your iPhone, as well as any extra camera app you may download, has the ability to directly take a square photo. If you know that you’re going to be posting this picture on Instagram, this is the way to go. When you take the photo in a square mode originally, it keeps you from having to crop it later. Cropping the photo later may result in a lower-quality photo on top of also having to change the original composition you worked so hard to create.
Now let’s talk about capturing the perfect square photo with a composition guaranteed to catch any viewers eye scrolling by.
1. Place Subject in Center. You may have heard in the past that you shouldn’t place your main subject in the direct center. Normally we might agree with this, unless it’s a headshot, particularly a business headshot, but when it comes to square photos, forget it! With square photos, if the main subject is strong and can tell its own story, then it can draw enough attention to be placed in the center of the photo.
2. Fill Entire Frame. Think about taking up the entire frame. Remember, these photos are probably going to be looked at on a small iPhone screen. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean completely getting rid of blank space. Some blank space is necessary in order to both keep balance and to be aesthetically pleasing.
3. Center Your Grids. We’ve talked before about how iPhones have the ability to show grids across the images you are taking. You can use these grids to either follow the rule of thirds as we’ve discussed before, or you can also use to do create another pleasing look. If you’re doing a larger landscape or a photo with smaller subjects, center those small subjects within the grid squares.
4. Make Your Own Rules. We like to remind people that while photography has plenty of “rules” or guidelines, to follow in order to help create an aesthetically pleasing composition, photography is still art. We like to remind people, make your own rules! Photography is about so much more than simply “taking the perfect photo”. Use your design, your eye, and your vision to take shots nobody else would take.
Need more ideas check out our post 5 ways to take better photos with your cell phone.
Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219
https://jenworley.com
412-370-4520
Subba. Taken with new 13Pro on Portrait, then edited in Lightroom Mobile. #shibainu
Jun 18
Subba. Taken with new 13Pro on Portrait, then edited in Lightroom Mobile. #shibainu
In the line for the tour, the guide asked a little white girl what she knew about George Washington. She said: “He had slaves.” The enslaved people of Mt Vernon was one if my biggest takeaways from the visit. This was George Washington home, farm, and yes, plantation.The home was by no means the grand mansion that we would expect a man of Washington’s stature to have today. But the grounds were expansive. He had 5 large farms, tons of acreage of forests, a harbor on the Potomac, and beautiful personal gardens. In 1799 when he died, there were 5 family members who lived on the state. About a dozen white servants.But over 300 black enslaved workers. Some families were split up to work on the different farms, and so didn’t regularly see their spouse or children. When they died, there was no marker to signify where they had been buried; by contrast, at the end of his life Washington commissioned a new tomb & grave site be made for his family, with a big brick mausoleum complete with the obelisks typical to the period. Not even the smallest of stones for the enslaved people.#mtvernon #georgewashington
May 19
In the line for the tour, the guide asked a little white girl what she knew about George Washington. She said: “He had slaves.” The enslaved people of Mt Vernon was one if my biggest takeaways from the visit. This was George Washington home, farm, and yes, plantation. The home was by no means the grand mansion that we would expect a man of Washington’s stature to have today. But the grounds were expansive. He had 5 large farms, tons of acreage of forests, a harbor on the Potomac, and beautiful personal gardens. In 1799 when he died, there were 5 family members who lived on the state. About a dozen white servants. But over 300 black enslaved workers. Some families were split up to work on the different farms, and so didn’t regularly see their spouse or children. When they died, there was no marker to signify where they had been buried; by contrast, at the end of his life Washington commissioned a new tomb & grave site be made for his family, with a big brick mausoleum complete with the obelisks typical to the period. Not even the smallest of stones for the enslaved people. #mtvernon #georgewashington
Along the riverbank of the Susquehanna, hillsides of yellow wildflowers blossomed. Photo @dan_jenworleyphotography
Apr 23
Along the riverbank of the Susquehanna, hillsides of yellow wildflowers blossomed. Photo @dan_jenworleyphotography
Just playing around after our job. Dan and dogs brunch at @corkandforkpa (Great pistachio arugula pizza!)First time for me in Harrisburg. Impressed. Guess I wasn’t expecting much, as Erie PA is bigger, so I’m told.But love it! Reminds me a bit of a quiet and more spacious Old-City-Philly. With a small-time feel.The PA Captial building is amazingly beautiful, and in great shape! I had the privilege of being in the Superior Court rooms, and the artwork from 1920 (by Violet Oakley) was amazing. Not sure if I can post those though.Glad I extended my work trip by a tiny bit to see more of this city. Worth a trip. And stay at @hiltonhbg.
Apr 21
Just playing around after our job. Dan and dogs brunch at @corkandforkpa (Great pistachio arugula pizza!) First time for me in Harrisburg. Impressed. Guess I wasn’t expecting much, as Erie PA is bigger, so I’m told. But love it! Reminds me a bit of a quiet and more spacious Old-City-Philly. With a small-time feel. The PA Captial building is amazingly beautiful, and in great shape! I had the privilege of being in the Superior Court rooms, and the artwork from 1920 (by Violet Oakley) was amazing. Not sure if I can post those though. Glad I extended my work trip by a tiny bit to see more of this city. Worth a trip. And stay at @hiltonhbg.
I love doing #teamphotos. My goal is to make sure that each person shines in the group, and that no one gets lost in the photo. You know what I mean - the person back in the third row that looks really tiny, trying to stick their chin up so you can see their head. 🤣And I love working with #financialadvisors and helping each different team produce a photo that highlights their uniqueness.Fun fact: this building I shot at was featured in the movie “Love and Other Drugs”, and the team shared with me some stories from filming day.
Apr 1
I love doing #teamphotos. My goal is to make sure that each person shines in the group, and that no one gets lost in the photo. You know what I mean - the person back in the third row that looks really tiny, trying to stick their chin up so you can see their head. 🤣 And I love working with #financialadvisors and helping each different team produce a photo that highlights their uniqueness. Fun fact: this building I shot at was featured in the movie “Love and Other Drugs”, and the team shared with me some stories from filming day.
Had the amazingly talented @amy_madalinsky in studio last week! Looking forward to seeing where her career takes her! #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghnews
Feb 16
Had the amazingly talented @amy_madalinsky in studio last week! Looking forward to seeing where her career takes her! #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghnews
Back in December, I was hired to bring my skills for an event promoting Women Leading Women , a non-profit whose goal is to empower women through female-led conversations exploring career, family, and well being.I had 22 amazing women in front of my lens, with the goal of capturing their confidence and beauty.As a female photographer, I know the struggle women in business face in trying to do it all, while not letting go of their standards. Of standing their ground and not shying away from confrontation when needed. And supporting our community, as we are owed the same respect as our male colleagues. My hope is to continue these missions in my role as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ASMP: The American Society of Media Photographers
Jan 26
Back in December, I was hired to bring my skills for an event promoting Women Leading Women , a non-profit whose goal is to empower women through female-led conversations exploring career, family, and well being. I had 22 amazing women in front of my lens, with the goal of capturing their confidence and beauty. As a female photographer, I know the struggle women in business face in trying to do it all, while not letting go of their standards. Of standing their ground and not shying away from confrontation when needed. And supporting our community, as we are owed the same respect as our male colleagues. My hope is to continue these missions in my role as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ASMP: The American Society of Media Photographers
Epic photo shoot time! This is what happens when you have an over-zealous new president. Ahem. The new Pittsburgh board of the American Society of Media Photographers is up for the challenge of supporting professional photographers/video/creatives in their hometown, and what a better way to show that than to collaborate as a team for this shoot. @asmp_pghEveryone had a part in making this shoot happen, and crafting it as we went. I am so excited to be working with @elanmizrahi our VP; @wdophoto our Secretary, @jwramp our Treasurer, @adrieshoots , @dprephoto .If this kinda looks familiar to you, then you are probably a @nbcbrooklyn99 fan. @aspictures awesome work on the show’s last promo photo was our inspiration. I loved this piece from the first time I saw it, and been dreaming a way of recreating it using our hometown @visitpittsburgh . “Sincerest form of flattery.”I was so giddily excited about it (think Jake) and determined to get it done (think Amy), that I was unyielding in my decision to finish it that night (Captain Holt.). Ok, I’m a total dork who geeked out about this for hours, with the help of @dan_jenworleyphotography , to finish the creation that evening.Other credits: to @asmpnational, who as a 75-year old organization is embracing change and promoting inclusivity. I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Board has ever had a women President before. (But correct me if I’m wrong.)Looking forward to what’s ahead. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 18
Epic photo shoot time! This is what happens when you have an over-zealous new president. Ahem. The new Pittsburgh board of the American Society of Media Photographers is up for the challenge of supporting professional photographers/video/creatives in their hometown, and what a better way to show that than to collaborate as a team for this shoot. @asmp_pgh Everyone had a part in making this shoot happen, and crafting it as we went. I am so excited to be working with @elanmizrahi our VP; @wdophoto our Secretary, @jwramp our Treasurer, @adrieshoots , @dprephoto . If this kinda looks familiar to you, then you are probably a @nbcbrooklyn99 fan. @aspictures awesome work on the show’s last promo photo was our inspiration. I loved this piece from the first time I saw it, and been dreaming a way of recreating it using our hometown @visitpittsburgh . “Sincerest form of flattery.” I was so giddily excited about it (think Jake) and determined to get it done (think Amy), that I was unyielding in my decision to finish it that night (Captain Holt.). Ok, I’m a total dork who geeked out about this for hours, with the help of @dan_jenworleyphotography , to finish the creation that evening. Other credits: to @asmpnational, who as a 75-year old organization is embracing change and promoting inclusivity. I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Board has ever had a women President before. (But correct me if I’m wrong.) Looking forward to what’s ahead. #pittsburghphotographer
Maybe you got their card in the mail? Always a challenge getting a big group together and making sure everyone "shines." Thanks to @omniwilliampennhotel for being flexible to allow CooksonPeirce and I to utilize the lobby.
Dec 24
Maybe you got their card in the mail? Always a challenge getting a big group together and making sure everyone "shines." Thanks to @omniwilliampennhotel for being flexible to allow CooksonPeirce and I to utilize the lobby.
Eliza. #pittsburghwomen #pittsburghprofessional
Karissa. #pittsburghprofessionals #headshotphotographer
Dec 19
Karissa. #pittsburghprofessionals #headshotphotographer
Marlana. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Dec 15
Marlana. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Susan. #pittsburghwomen #photographer
Tionna. This is the last week of fall, and she's wearing one of the best fall colors. I think. #pittsburghpeople
Dec 13
Tionna. This is the last week of fall, and she's wearing one of the best fall colors. I think. #pittsburghpeople
Fun at work! #pittsburghcreative #pittsburghbaker
Sam. #pittsburghlegal #headshotphoto
Caryn. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghheadshots
Dec 8
Caryn. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghheadshots
Carly. #pittsburghlegal #pittsburghphotographer
Linda. #pittsburghprofessional #powerfulbeautiful
Fun headshots to brighten your Friday. Gardening season is right around the corner! (If you consider “the corner” four months from now. 😆) Beautiful subject and great hobby! #pittsburghphotographer
Dec 3
Fun headshots to brighten your Friday. Gardening season is right around the corner! (If you consider “the corner” four months from now. 😆) Beautiful subject and great hobby! #pittsburghphotographer
14 years and 2 dogs later. Partner and business partner. Love and friend. #happyanniversary
Dec 1
14 years and 2 dogs later. Partner and business partner. Love and friend. #happyanniversary
Kim. #pittsburghpowerfulwomen #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 30
Kim. #pittsburghpowerfulwomen #pittsburghphotographer
Shades of black&white and color. @laurenlevenson #pittsburghlawyer
Nov 23
Shades of black&white and color. @laurenlevenson #pittsburghlawyer
Gia. I would love to see this concept on a company’s web bio page. From cool smile to smilie, on everyone. #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 19
Gia. I would love to see this concept on a company’s web bio page. From cool smile to smilie, on everyone. #pittsburghphotographer