Now that our smartphones have some seriously impressive camera functions, we have the power to take professional-looking photos without all that expensive and bulky equipment. But it can still take a little practice to get it right whether you’re using your phone or a proper camera, so keep scrolling and we’ll show you how to take photos for Instagram.
With these helpful photography tips and tricks, you can take your feed (or your coffee table book) to the next level.
Read more: Do you only take pictures on your smartphone? Then these photography tips are for you
Photography tips for landscapes and architecture
Avoid zooming in
When it comes to taking photos, avoid using your zoom function at all costs. On your phone, this magnifies any movement from your hand and your shot will likely come out blurry. Skip the zoom and try moving closer instead.
Stability is key
No one likes a blurry photo. Unfortunately, this tends to happen when you’re taking smartphone photos using shaking hands. Think of investing in a tripod, like this mini adjustable one, which will allow you to take crystal clear photos every time.
Another tip is to use the volume button as the shutter instead of tapping the screen. You’ll have a better grip on your phone and won’t risk blurring the shot by having to tap the screen.
Rule of thirds
There’s a principle with photography where your photo should be broken up into nine equal sections. This is known as the Rule of Thirds.
An easy way to help you apply this principle is gridlines – if your subject lines up with the gridlines, your shot will look more balanced.
To access this handy tool, go into the camera settings on your phone and turn on ‘grid’ or ‘gridlines’.
Take multiple shots
You can’t expect to hurriedly snap a quick photo and get the perfect shot first time out.
Take some time to plan out the shot and take a couple different photos to ensure you get the best shot possible. A little extra time and effort will show in the end result.
Focus on the whole or a detail
Take a step back and allow the camera to take in the whole scene. Including people interacting with the space in your photo is a great way to tell a story.
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Or focus in on a small detail that might go unnoticed by others. Choose something that stands out for you and allows the little things to have their moment to shine too.
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Get a new perspective
While most people will take a photo of something exactly as they see it with their own eyes, why not switch up your camera angle to create a more interesting shot?
Tilt your lense skywards for a Worm’s Eye view, crouch low to the ground or step up onto a nearby object to gain height. Get creative and don’t worry about looking a little bit odd in order to get a fantastic looking photograph.
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Photography tips for awesome food shots
Natural lighting is your best friend
This is more of a general photography tip but try to use natural lighting whenever possible.
With food photos, it is best to avoid using your flash at all costs as this removes all depth from the photo, making the meal look flat in your picture.
Make the most of Mother Nature’s warm lighting and avoid any unflatteringly harsh shadows by placing your plate near a window.
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Angles, angles, angles
Typically, food photos are taken from above (Bird’s Eye view) as this is how most dishes are plated and presented. Arrange your meal with this angle in mind.
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Other angles used for food photography are a side on or diagonal angle. These are ideal to show off dishes with layers, typically desserts such as cakes and other layered desserts.
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Composition: Don’t let your food get lonely
Take some time to lay out the ingredients and arrange the food in an aesthetically pleasing way. Symmetry and patterns are always pleasing to the eye.
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One of the most attractive parts of food is the colour so use it to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to embrace bright colours to create exciting combinations and designs.
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Background: Go for a blank canvas
You want to focus to be on the food, so make sure you use a neutral background to bring focus to the plate.
Flat surfaces such as tables, counters or even your bed (depending on the dish) will draw the eye directly to your subject.
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Add some decorative elements to your shot but don’t forget that your dish is the star. These could include cutlery, foliage or other extra food elements placed strategically around your subject.
While décor can enhance your subject, too much can overcrowd and distract. Give your subject a bit of room and use negative space to give your photo some breathing room.
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Everyone loves a good story; why not try to create one with your photo. Choose a background and décor that enhances the narrative you’re trying to create through your photo.
Try introducing a human element to your photo; fingers reaching for a utensil, hands wrapped around a warm mug of coffee, a bowl resting in a lap. This creates a mood and adds a personal touch to your image.
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Photography tips for flat lays and product shots
Remember these three angles…
There are three angles to consider when taking a product or flat lay shot:
- Bird’s Eye (Directly above)
- Side-on
- 45° angle
For flat lays, taking the photo from directly above is typically best. This allows you to lay everything out flat, hence the name. This brings attention to the subject and the composition as a whole.
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The other two options are a side-on and a 45° angle; these show off the side of the object and create more height for the subject of your photo. Both these angles can work really well for product shots.
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Composition: Decide on your subject early on
Decide what the subject of your photo is; the new moisturiser you love, a book you’ve been reading or your favourite sunnies, and design the composition around it.
Start with placing the larger elements around your subject and, once you’re happy with those, add the smaller details.
This can take some time and you may need to try a few different layouts before you get it the way you want it. Don’t rush it and just enjoy the process.
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For both the background and the composition, you can add interest by introducing different layers and textures.
Add a fluffy blanket or place different objects on top of each other to create depth and complexity to your photo.
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Be bold and playful with colour
Don’t be afraid to play with colours. Use complementary colours to add a cohesive feel to your shot or contrasting colours to make an eye-catching statement. You can even try creating a composition using only the same colour elements.
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Background: Again, keep it simple
Similar to food, keep it simple. You want your background to enhance the photo and make the subject pop. When in doubt, choose a plain and neutral background.
Photography tips for selfies
Angles and poses
There are maybe a total of three people on Earth who actually look good being photographed from a low angle but we haven’t found them yet.
For a more flattering viewpoint, lift your chin up to create a longer looking neck and avoid the dreaded double chin. Lift your phone as well, aiming to keep the bottom of your device in line with your eyes.
Read more: Follow these local Instagram accounts for some selfie and style inspiration
If you want to go the extra mile, try a selfie stick. As obnoxious as they can be, they’re the perfect helping hand to get a more flattering selfie angle.
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While shooting a photo from head-on can look dramatic and intense, it can be harsh on your features and isn’t the most attractive angle for most people.
Decide which side of your face you feel is your ‘good side’ and angle it towards the camera. This works for full body shots as well.
While a direct side-on angle isn’t super flattering, adding a slight shadow to one side of your face and/or body creates a photo that’s more pleasing to the eye.
The whole point of taking selfies, besides having a great new profile pic, is to have fun. If you’re only concentrating on taking the perfect photo, your features will tighten up and this can mess up the shot.
Relax your face and enjoy the fun side of your impromptu selfie shoot, and the final product will speak volumes.
As stated before, natural lighting = best lighting.
Move towards a window to take advantage of the lighting that can rival any photography studio. Get into the habit of taking your photos during daylight hours for the best results.
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Again, the flash is not your friend. Yes, you may be curled up of the couch in your dimly lit living room and want to take a pic of you cuddling your pooch while enjoying a glass of Merlot but turning on the flash will only make your photo grainy and give you the dreaded red-eye.
Even in low light situations, use the lighting around you rather than trying to introduce your own.
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Background: Because a tight crop of your face is a little extreme
When it comes to your backdrop, it can go one of two ways:
- Use it to your advantage. Show it off by taking your selfie in front of an eye-catching landmark, trendy new restaurant or another exciting backdrop.
- Keep it simple to bring all the attention to the subject, you.
Anything in between will just add clutter to the image and draw the focus away from you.
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No one wants an unfortunate background detail to turn their selfie into a topic for the internet trolls to enjoy.
Be sure to clear your selfie backdrop of anything you might not want to share publicly; no one really needs to know that you didn’t make your bed that morning or that your laundry basket is overflowing onto your bedroom floor.
When it comes to selfies, quantity is quality
While it may sound excessive to take up to 500 selfies a day like Kylie Jenner, taking multiple shots is the best way to get the most flattering selfie.
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Don’t be afraid to let your creativity flow by trying multiple angles, poses and backdrops in order to get the best selfie for you.
Behind every great selfie, there are 50 destined to be deleted from your camera roll.
Read more: 7 more tips for snapping the perfect selfie
