Mastering Instagram Editing: Warm, Moody, + Aesthetic

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Gear for Shooting Content
   1. Sony Camera
   2. iPhone
3. Editing Photos and Stories with VSCO
   1. Filters
   2. Editing Outfit Photos
   3. Editing Lifestyle Photos
   4. Editing Black and White Photos
4. Tips for Curating Instagram Stories
   1. Uploading Edited Photos
   2. Keeping Text Size Consistent
   3. Adding Hand-Drawn Elements
   4. Creating a Solid Background for Re-shared Photos
   5. Uploading Videos from Camera Roll

How to Edit Photos and Stories for a Great Instagram Feed

Welcome back to my YouTube channel! In this video, I'll be sharing all of my tips and tricks on how to curate and put together a visually appealing and cohesive Instagram feed. I'll walk you through my gear for shooting content, editing photos and stories with VSCO, and provide some tips for curating engaging Instagram stories. Let's jump right in!

Gear for Shooting Content

To capture high-quality content for your Instagram feed, you'll need the right gear. I primarily use a Sony camera and an iPhone. The Sony A7C with a 24-70 f4 lens is my go-to for filming videos, while my iPhone 12 Pro is great for capturing photos on the go. Remember, you don't need an expensive camera to create great content. Even a good smartphone camera can take you a long way in the world of social media.

Editing Photos and Stories with VSCO

When it comes to editing my photos and stories, I rely on one app: VSCO (also known as vsco). VSCO is a popular app that allows you to edit photos and apply filters. I have three go-to filters that I use: A6, A10, and B5. A6 is a neutral filter that can be adjusted to add warmth or cool tones. A10 gives my photos a vintage, film-like aesthetic, while B5 is perfect for creating high-contrast black and white images. Experiment with different filters to find your own unique style.

Editing Outfit Photos

For editing outfit photos, I often gravitate towards the A10 filter. After importing the photo into VSCO, I apply the A10 filter and adjust its intensity. I typically keep the filter intensity around seven or eight, but this can vary depending on the desired effect. I may also make adjustments to contrast, clarity, highlights, temperature, and other settings to achieve the desired look. Adding a grain effect and a subtle fade can further enhance the vintage aesthetic.

Editing Lifestyle Photos

When it comes to editing lifestyle photos, the same principles apply. I start by applying my chosen filter, such as A10 or A6, depending on the desired aesthetic. I make adjustments to contrast, clarity, highlights, and temperature to achieve the desired look. Adding grain and a fade effect can also enhance the overall vibe of the image. Remember, every photo is different, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your own editing style.

Editing Black and White Photos

Incorporating black and white photos into your Instagram feed can add visual interest and create a cohesive theme. For editing black and white photos, I prefer the B5 filter. This filter is high on shadows, giving my black and white photos a moody and dramatic look. I adjust the intensity of the filter, along with other settings such as contrast, clarity, and grain, to achieve the desired effect. Don't be afraid to play around with these settings to create a unique black and white aesthetic.

Tips for Curating Instagram Stories

Instagram stories provide a great opportunity to engage with your audience and showcase your personality. Here are some tips to help curate captivating Instagram stories:

Uploading Edited Photos

Instead of using the Instagram camera, upload your edited photos from your camera roll. This ensures that your photos maintain their quality and consistency. After editing your photos in VSCO or any other editing app, simply swipe up on the stories screen, select the desired photo, and share it with your followers.

Keeping Text Size Consistent

Maintaining consistent text sizes in your Instagram stories helps create a polished and professional look. Instead of adjusting the text size manually for each story, use the "toggle" feature on Instagram. Keep the text size small and simple, ensuring it appears consistent throughout the day's stories.

Adding Hand-Drawn Elements

To add a personalized touch to your stories, you can use the drawing tool to write messages or draw simple illustrations. Embrace imperfections and aim for a messy, hand-crafted look. This adds authenticity and character to your stories, making them more engaging for your audience.

Creating a Solid Background for Re-shared Photos

When resharing photos from other Instagram accounts, it's important to create a solid background that matches your feed's aesthetic. This prevents your stories from looking cluttered with various background colors. Using the drawing tool, select a color from the palette and hold your finger on the screen to fill the background with that color. This creates a cohesive and visually pleasing story.

Uploading Videos from Camera Roll

Just like with photos, uploading videos from your camera roll maintains their quality. This is especially important for creating crisp and defined videos. After editing your videos, simply select them from your camera roll and share them as Instagram stories. Experiment with filters available on the Instagram app to further enhance the overall look of your videos.

And that's it! By following these tips for editing photos and curating engaging stories, you're well on your way to creating a visually stunning and cohesive Instagram feed. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to finding your unique style. Happy creating!

Pros:

• Detailed explanation of gear and editing process
• Clear instructions for using VSCO and Instagram features
• Tips for maintaining consistency and engagement in Instagram stories
• Emphasis on experimentation and finding personal style

Cons:

• Some users may find the technical aspects overwhelming
• Limited discussion on other editing apps and techniques

Highlights

• Gear essentials for capturing high-quality content
• Introduction to VSCO and its popular filters
• Step-by-step guide for editing outfit, lifestyle, and black and white photos
• Tips for uploading edited photos to Instagram stories
• Maintaining consistent text sizes and adding hand-drawn elements
• Creating solid backgrounds for re-shared photos
• Uploading videos from the camera roll for improved quality
• Emphasis on practice and experimentation in finding personal style