Mastering Instagram Editing: Cohesive Feed, Natural Looks
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who Takes My Photos for Instagram
- Categories of Content
- Sponsored Content
- Non-sponsored Organic Content
- How I Pose in My Photos
- Editing Process for Instagram Photos
- Importance of Lighting
- Editing Apps Used
- Creating a Cohesive Feed
- Balancing Creativity with Feed Consistency
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome back to my channel! Today, I’m going to answer one of the most frequently asked questions I receive – how I edit my photos on Instagram. In this video, I’ll be sharing my tips, tricks, and preferred apps for editing, as well as how I maintain a cohesive feed. So, let’s dive right in!
Who Takes My Photos for Instagram
One of the questions I get asked a lot is who takes my photos for Instagram. Well, it actually depends on the situation. When I’m traveling with friends or with my partner Nick, I usually ask them to take my photos. However, when I’m at home, I resort to using either the self-timer or a mirror selfie. On rare occasions, I can convince my brother or mom to help me out. Jackie, another influencer and content creator, is also someone I collaborate with frequently for taking photos. The fact that she lives nearby makes it very convenient for us to meet up and help each other out.
Categories of Content
Before we dive into the editing process, I want to briefly discuss the two categories of content that I create for my Instagram page. Firstly, there's sponsored content, where I collaborate with brands and get paid to create and promote content on my social media channels. The specifics of how I create and edit this type of content vary, depending on the brand's requirements and the campaign's brief.
Secondly, there's non-sponsored organic content, which constitutes the majority of the content you see on my page. This includes daily outfit photos, highlights from my day, and general lifestyle content. This type of content gives me the freedom to express my personal style and connect with my audience on a more relatable level.
How I Pose in My Photos
When it comes to posing in my photos, I like to keep it as natural and organic as possible. I believe the key is to act and pose in a way that feels authentic to me. I avoid overly forced and unnatural poses, even when taking mirror selfies. I want the photos to capture a candid moment rather than appearing staged. Over the years, I've become more comfortable in front of the camera, but I understand the initial hesitation and shyness that comes with starting to take outfit photos. My advice is to push through the initial discomfort and keep practicing, as it does get easier over time.
Editing Process for Instagram Photos
Now let's talk about the editing process for my Instagram photos. The most crucial aspect of editing is the lighting in which the photos are taken. Personally, I prefer a flat and minimalistic style, so I usually opt for overcast lighting or shoot during the late afternoon or early evening to avoid harsh shadows and extreme brightness. By carefully considering the lighting during the photoshoot, I minimize the need for extensive editing.
When it comes to editing apps, I primarily use two: Lightroom and VSCOcam. If I need to make adjustments to the colors in my photos, such as correcting white balance or reducing unwanted color casts, I use Lightroom. It allows me to fine-tune the color elements and maintain a consistent aesthetic. If the colors in the photo are already perfect and no major adjustments are required, I use VSCOcam to make slight lighting adjustments and add a touch of warmth to enhance the overall look and feel.
Creating a Cohesive Feed
Creating a cohesive feed is something that many people strive for on Instagram. While I believe my feed has a sense of cohesion due to the predominantly neutral color palette I use in my wardrobe, I don't excessively plan or worry about maintaining a perfectly curated feed. I mostly let the consistency happen naturally by staying true to my personal style. However, for those who want more control over their feed's appearance, I recommend using the app called Preview. It allows you to visualize how your upcoming posts will look on your feed before actually posting them. This can help you adjust the order and ensure a cohesive flow.
Balancing Creativity with Feed Consistency
While maintaining a cohesive feed is important to many Instagram users, I believe that being too concerned about the perfect feed can hinder creativity. It's essential to find a balance between expressing your creativity and maintaining some level of feed consistency. It's okay to experiment with different styles, formats, and subjects without overanalyzing how they fit into your feed. At the end of the day, authenticity and self-expression should be at the forefront of your Instagram journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, editing photos for Instagram is a personal and creative process. Finding your own style, experimenting with different techniques, and staying true to yourself are key factors in creating engaging and visually appealing content. Remember, it's not just about the final edited photo but also the story and authenticity behind it. So, have fun, push your boundaries, and let your personality shine through your Instagram feed.
