if you thought that you needed a partner in crime, or a photographer to take bomb photos for instagram- i’m here to let you know that you can achieve bomb photos on your own! i have been taking my own instagram photos for close to a year now, and with lots of time and practice, i’ve been able to simplify the process. in this guide, i’ll be sharing my best tips and tricks on how you can take bomb instagram photos of yourself!
to get started, here’s what you’ll need:
a reliable camera/phone - don’t think that you need an expensive camera to take good photos! i have shot using both my iphone and my SONY A7sii and have been pleased with both outcomes. make sure that with whatever you choose to use, that it is fully charged and ready to go! if you’re shooting on your phone especially, be sure to pack a portable charger with you.
a remote, in-camera app, or self timer - since you will be on your own, it is essential to simplify the process as much as possible. using these tools will help you to have multiple photo options without having to manually press the shutter. i use the built in self-timer when i’m using my iphone, and the camrote app when i’m using my sony camera. there are a ton of affordable remotes on amazon, so be sure to check them out also depending on the camera that you’ll be using.
a tripod - to take photos of yourself, i highly suggest that you invest in a tripod. whether you will be using your phone or a camera to take your photos, a tripod will allow you to position your device in different positions, thus giving you a variety of shot options. there are so many affordable options, such as this sunpak tripod that i use, and you can purchase a mount specifically made to hold up your phone as well that will attach directly to the tripod!
now that you’ve got what you need- let’s talk shooting tips!
for first timers, i highly suggest shooting in an area that is not heavily populated so that you can move around all that you want and take your time. the best way to avoid a crowd is going to shoot early in the morning, especially if it is a weekend as more people will be out.
switch up your angles, & get creative with them! if you know that you want to highlight the coat that you’re wearing, instead of just one wide angle shot showing your whole outfit- get some close up shots! switching up your angles will also allow your photos to be used for multiple posts versus just one.
even when you think you’ve got ‘the shot,’ take a few more! don’t think that having a lot of pictures to select from is a bad thing. this just means that you have a broader selection of similar shots to choose from, and chances are the more options that you have, the more photos that you will like!
play with your accessories, and have fun! yes, it can be awkward at first being your own hype man, but make it an experience. i love to bring along a portable speaker & play some of my favorite songs. this always has me in a happy mood, and it shows in my photos. think back on a happy memory and a big ol' smile will come across your face. if you have a purse, try swinging it in some shots. if you have a flowy skirt, do some twirls. play in your hair, do a jump, and whatever you do- remember that you’re awesome! if you incorporate motion into your photos- make sure that your camera settings are boosted to a higher shutter speed to capture this without a blur!
be patient with yourself. even though it’s nice to be in control of your shot, it can be frustrating in the moment when your photos aren’t coming along as planned. sometimes, all you need to do is adjust your tripod, slightly switch up your composition/location, or (yes i’ve been there,) clean off your lens. looking back at my first shoot compared to now, i’ve learned so much, and i know that even better shoots are yet to come!
with these tips in mind- i hope that you are able to find the courage to be able to take your own bomb instagram photos! come along with me on youtube as i share my first and most recent photo shoot vlogs!
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