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
“Worry-Sadness-Gratitude-Hope” Completes my #Rainbow Trilogy and sums up where I am. Worry, as many are, about forging ahead. Sadness, for those we have lost in death. Gratitude, for all those who have worked to keep us safe and sane. And Hope, for what the future holds. #chasetherainbow #healthcare #headshotcrew #gratitude #hope
May 28
“Worry-Sadness-Gratitude-Hope” Completes my #Rainbow Trilogy and sums up where I am. Worry, as many are, about forging ahead. Sadness, for those we have lost in death. Gratitude, for all those who have worked to keep us safe and sane. And Hope, for what the future holds. #chasetherainbow #healthcare #headshotcrew #gratitude #hope
The waterfall of hope springs eternal. Thanks to you all, once again, who are putting your life on the line every day, to help our families and friends. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment #pghcreative
May 7
The waterfall of hope springs eternal. Thanks to you all, once again, who are putting your life on the line every day, to help our families and friends. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment #pghcreative
I’d rather be in the action ... but I’m not an editorial photographer. So my next series-of-3 is inspired by the healthcare workers and other essential workers who have been assuming risk while I am #stayathome BTS “home studio” photo included. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment
May 1
I’d rather be in the action ... but I’m not an editorial photographer. So my next series-of-3 is inspired by the healthcare workers and other essential workers who have been assuming risk while I am #stayathome BTS “home studio” photo included. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment
Serenity. #6 Not ready to go back to work yet (although I’m still not sure when that will happen anyway) - I like playing! Although money would be nice. Enjoyed doing this project with @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #pittsburghphotographer #peterhapak #stayhome
Apr 30
Serenity. #6 Not ready to go back to work yet (although I’m still not sure when that will happen anyway) - I like playing! Although money would be nice. Enjoyed doing this project with @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #pittsburghphotographer #peterhapak #stayhome
“Not too sure about that.” #5, on to the right side (of the face). @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #headshotcrew #pittsburghpa
Apr 29
“Not too sure about that.” #5, on to the right side (of the face). @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #headshotcrew #pittsburghpa
“Uh, Really.” #4 Dishes never really end now, do they? Will these #shibainu puppies stop shedding and eating my furniture? #blackandwhitephotography #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
Apr 28
“Uh, Really.” #4 Dishes never really end now, do they? Will these #shibainu puppies stop shedding and eating my furniture? #blackandwhitephotography #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
“I hear ya.” The 3rd in our Series of 6. @dan_jenworleyphotography thought he looked like “the new guy” in this? I don’t know the reference. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #blackandwhite
Apr 27
“I hear ya.” The 3rd in our Series of 6. @dan_jenworleyphotography thought he looked like “the new guy” in this? I don’t know the reference. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #blackandwhite
Me “as is.” My first self-portrait (well, a combo effort with @dan_jenworleyphotography) during quarantine. #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pghcreative #pittsburghphotography
Apr 25
Me “as is.” My first self-portrait (well, a combo effort with @dan_jenworleyphotography) during quarantine. #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pghcreative #pittsburghphotography
Close your eyes and it will all be over soon. This series is part of a portrait probe by @headshotcrew studying the work of @peterhapak this month. I was instantly drawn to Peter’s photos of Alan Cumming and chose them for my inspiration. Thanks @dan_jenworleyphotography for being patient with my stern direction. #blackandwhitephotography #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
Apr 24
Close your eyes and it will all be over soon. This series is part of a portrait probe by @headshotcrew studying the work of @peterhapak this month. I was instantly drawn to Peter’s photos of Alan Cumming and chose them for my inspiration. Thanks @dan_jenworleyphotography for being patient with my stern direction. #blackandwhitephotography #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
Remembering one of my most spectacular trips. #earthday #nepal
Apr 23
Remembering one of my most spectacular trips. #earthday #nepal
Embrace the Stay-at-home Corona craziness! We are finding contentment with our current circumstances, while our thoughts are with families who are enduring sickness. #aslongasittakes #stayhome #workingfromhome #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #socialdistance #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghartist #pittsburghbusiness #pittsburghpa @pittsburghpg @cbspittsburgh photo by @dan_jenworleyphotography
Apr 22
Embrace the Stay-at-home Corona craziness! We are finding contentment with our current circumstances, while our thoughts are with families who are enduring sickness. #aslongasittakes #stayhome #workingfromhome #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #socialdistance #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghartist #pittsburghbusiness #pittsburghpa @pittsburghpg @cbspittsburgh photo by @dan_jenworleyphotography
And this has been my “office” for the past 1.5 months. With my own whiteboard list. If my actual studio had this many windows I’d be so happy - I love light! #pittsburghphotographer #workfromhome #homeoffice
Apr 22
And this has been my “office” for the past 1.5 months. With my own whiteboard list. If my actual studio had this many windows I’d be so happy - I love light! #pittsburghphotographer #workfromhome #homeoffice
Dan’s office and To Do List during our Stay at Home. Finally got him to make lists. Yeay!!! #workfromhome #stayhome #pittsburghphotography
Apr 21
Dan’s office and To Do List during our Stay at Home. Finally got him to make lists. Yeay!!! #workfromhome #stayhome #pittsburghphotography
My #shibainu puppies chillin outside on National Pet Day. @visitpittsburgh #nationalpetday
Apr 12
My #shibainu puppies chillin outside on National Pet Day. @visitpittsburgh #nationalpetday
#shibainu chilling out on this rainy morning. #pittsburghpuppies #rainydays
Apr 7
#shibainu chilling out on this rainy morning. #pittsburghpuppies #rainydays
Sorry you’ll have to put up with their wierd #shibascream and sisterly biting in this video. But I am so glad we made the decision in early December to welcome this litter into our life. They have been such great companions and sources of joy through this isolation period. #pittsburghdogs #shibainupuppy
Apr 4
Sorry you’ll have to put up with their wierd #shibascream and sisterly biting in this video. But I am so glad we made the decision in early December to welcome this litter into our life. They have been such great companions and sources of joy through this isolation period. #pittsburghdogs #shibainupuppy
Fun times. See the whole story in my stories. #pittsburgh Oh- my tin foil hat didn’t fit very well, so I didn’t end up wearing it inside.
Apr 2
Fun times. See the whole story in my stories. #pittsburgh Oh- my tin foil hat didn’t fit very well, so I didn’t end up wearing it inside.
We finally addressed this on our website. Yes, we won’t be taking appointments at least until April 30th. Maybe not until May 30th. Until June 30th??? Hope not that long. #stayhome #stayhealthy #staysafe #stayathome
Apr 1
We finally addressed this on our website. Yes, we won’t be taking appointments at least until April 30th. Maybe not until May 30th. Until June 30th??? Hope not that long. #stayhome #stayhealthy #staysafe #stayathome
I need a Wonder Woman kind of day. (Disclaimer: not #wonderwoman but definitely reminds me!) Here’s to having a powerful day despite gloomy weather here in #Pittsburgh
Mar 30
I need a Wonder Woman kind of day. (Disclaimer: not #wonderwoman but definitely reminds me!) Here’s to having a powerful day despite gloomy weather here in #Pittsburgh
Funny how this word can actually be a very positive thing. My husband’s chronic bronchitis has been unusually long (5+ weeks!) and more severe than it has ever been before. Two rounds of antibiotics haven’t helped. And the doctor refused to prescribe a test for the Coronavirus, which gave us additional hopelessness and anxiety. A kind man at the Aliquippa outreach clinic had pity on us, and he was able to get tested yesterday. Although we don’t have an answer on why Dan is having respiratory problems, this is a huge relief knowing that COVID-19, at least for now, is not the problem. #hope Our thoughts and prayers are for all those currently suffering through this disease.
Mar 26
Funny how this word can actually be a very positive thing. My husband’s chronic bronchitis has been unusually long (5+ weeks!) and more severe than it has ever been before. Two rounds of antibiotics haven’t helped. And the doctor refused to prescribe a test for the Coronavirus, which gave us additional hopelessness and anxiety. A kind man at the Aliquippa outreach clinic had pity on us, and he was able to get tested yesterday. Although we don’t have an answer on why Dan is having respiratory problems, this is a huge relief knowing that COVID-19, at least for now, is not the problem. #hope Our thoughts and prayers are for all those currently suffering through this disease.
The sun will come out tomorrow. I hope so - although rainy weather can be cozy when stuck at home. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Mar 20
The sun will come out tomorrow. I hope so - although rainy weather can be cozy when stuck at home. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Day 3 of Isolation. Our #shibainu puppies had their spay surgeries yesterday. One good thing about #nowork for at least two weeks is that I can take care of them. #nonessentialbusiness
Mar 18
Day 3 of Isolation. Our #shibainu puppies had their spay surgeries yesterday. One good thing about #nowork for at least two weeks is that I can take care of them. #nonessentialbusiness
With Allegheny County officials calling on all nonessential businesses to close until March 29th, I feel it would be socially irresponsible (and unloving) for me to keep my appointments during this time. It's humbling to have to acknowledge your business as "unessential", and I know I am not the only small business who will be severely affected by COVID-19 across the world.But I know that we can do what is necessary to get through the next few months. In the meantime, I'll be home with my husband and puppies, finishing up my post-production work for my last clients, and working on business "maintenance" stuff that we are usually too busy to do. And we'll be making time to stay close to, and encourage, our family and friends through FaceTime and Zoom.May you and your family find things to keep you positive during this unique time. #pittsburghphotographer #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots #headshotphotographer
Mar 16
With Allegheny County officials calling on all nonessential businesses to close until March 29th, I feel it would be socially irresponsible (and unloving) for me to keep my appointments during this time. It's humbling to have to acknowledge your business as "unessential", and I know I am not the only small business who will be severely affected by COVID-19 across the world. But I know that we can do what is necessary to get through the next few months. In the meantime, I'll be home with my husband and puppies, finishing up my post-production work for my last clients, and working on business "maintenance" stuff that we are usually too busy to do. And we'll be making time to stay close to, and encourage, our family and friends through FaceTime and Zoom. May you and your family find things to keep you positive during this unique time. #pittsburghphotographer #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots #headshotphotographer
A peaceful day. #shibainupuppy