In world filled with likes, captions and hashtags, everybody wants there shot at Insta-fame. And it might be easier than you think. Here’s a few simple ways to master the Gram
1. Shoot To Thrill
“The whole point is to post pictures that pose questions and encourage interaction,” says social media expert David Duarte (@daveduarte). “Don’t just take photos, tell stories.” Easier said than done, right? We called up Gareth Pon (@garethpon), founder of the Instagrammers South Africa community, for his advice on getting the perfect shot. “Change your perspective, look at how the shadows are falling and what the light’s doing to the subject. You’ll be surprised how much better it looks than a random snap.”
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2. Your Profile Is A Gallery
Want to build a solid Instagram following? Find a formula and stick to it. “Become known for something. Develop your own signature, something that shows up in each of your photos,” says Duarte. Whether it’s only taking black and white pictures or always shooting from above, a common thread will bring your shots together. “Make a statement with your gallery and when that girl you’ve been wanting to impress lands on your profile, she’ll think, ‘Wow, this guy is really good,’” says Pon.
3. If You Like It Put A Filter On It
What would photo-sharing be without a bag of filters that make your amateur photography look more impressive? Well, as it turns out, Valencia and Lo-Fi aren’t your only options. “I rarely use the built-in Instagram filters,” says Pon. “But if I do apply them, I adjust them to about 20%. If you double tap a filter, you can shift the intensity.” Pon recommends using apps like Snapseed to edit individual elements in your photos, while VSCO offers the most interesting selection of filters.
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4. The Good, The Bad And The Hashtag
“The most annoying thing is when someone reposts my images without asking,” advises Pon. So, if you’re using someone else’s snap, ask them and credit them (or use a reposting app such as InstaRepost). When it comes to using hashtags, the general rule is that less is more. “Hashtags increase your odds of being discovered by the right people and give your photos context,” says Duarte. “One to two per photo is enough, as it will keep you focused,” says Pon.
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