Subscribe
What are you searching for?
  • Home
  • Beauty
    • All Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Hair
    • Skincare
    • Sona Selects
  • Fashion
    • Shop My OOTD
  • Lifestyle
  • Videos
  • About
    • Meet Sona
    • Contact
    • Subscriber of the Month
  • Shop
    • Shop My OOTD
    • Persona Cosmetics
  • Subscribe
SHOP PÉRSONA
Simply Sona

Simply Sona

November 2, 2016

How to Take the Perfect Instagram Photo

Tips
How to take the perfect Instagram photo

As I’m sure you guys know, there is more than what meets the eye when it comes to getting the perfect Instagram photo. On everything from outfit posts to flat lays, I try and make sure that all the details are perfect! Instagram is a great way to document your life while representing your personal style and aesthetic. Whether you are using Instagram for fun or trying to create a personal brand, it’s a great way to show off your style! From snapping a great picture to editing, I have a few tips for creating that perfect Instagram photo!

1. Look for inspiration.

Check out feeds that you like for inspiration! Look for image compositions and styles that you like to get an idea of what you want before you begin. Do you want a clean, minimalist look to your posts, or an explosion of light, color, and objects? Do you want a dark, moody vibe, or a bright, vibrant feed?

Aloha from Maui! ? Today on the blog, I'm sharing some survival travel tips including what I pack for a long flight to stay healthy and comfy! I know travel season is coming to an end for all of us but these tips are great for traveling any time of year! {link in bio} #travel #traveltips #hawaii #maui #simplysona.com #flatlay

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Aug 29, 2016 at 11:34am PDT

2. Snap a photo.

Make sure you have an idea of how you want your photo to look before you take it. Lighting and composition are essential for a great picture, so make sure to have a good set up before snapping your picture.  As long as you have good lighting and composition, your iPhone is great for taking Instagram photos! Whether you’re showing off your outfit or makeup look, a gorgeous flat lay, or commemorating a special event, make sure that your picture is high quality! When taking a photo for an outfit or makeup post, I usually take lots of pictures with different poses so that I can pick out my favorite!

An old favorite wearing @jouercosmetics liquid lips in #cabernet, @lancomeofficial stick foundation, my favorite @lauramercier bronzer in #4 and @urbandecaycosmetics liner & mascara. ?#urbandecay #jouercosmetics #lancome #lauramercier #makeup #fallmakeup #lotd

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Oct 31, 2016 at 8:45am PDT

3. Edit Your Photo

For that perfect Instagram post, you can use a wide variety of photo editing apps. VSCO is one of my favorites! I use the filters A5 or A6, then adjust the filter strength, add contrast, decrease exposure, and add clarity. I also use Snapseed, Darkroom, and FaceTune to bring out details in my jewelry and makeup, and smooth out my skin. For a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing feed, it’s good to stick to a few selected filters and editing styles.

When you score the cutest white dress for half the price, you can't help but smile!! ? http://liketk.it/2oZ3r #liketkit

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Aug 13, 2016 at 11:08am PDT

4. Pick a good caption.

If your photo is great, an excellent caption is sure to seal the deal! Your caption can be witty, insightful, or just give a little background to the photo! This is a great place to show your personality, keep it conversational and fun!

Always find something to smile about! ? Style post coming soon!! ? #NYFW http://liketk.it/2p9Jr @liketoknow.it #liketkit #ootd #freepeople

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Sep 9, 2016 at 5:49pm PDT

5. Make a cohesive feed. 

I like to have a variety of images like flat lays, outfit posts, makeup looks, and lifestyle shots to keep my feed from being too repetitive. However, I keep my feed looking cohesive by sticking to a theme when editing. Right now I’m loving darker, high contrast images, so I make sure that all my photos look good together. There are several free apps  that you can use to see how your feed will look before you post a picture, and plan ahead! I use Unum, but there’s lots more out there!

I'll never forget the day I attended the #Chanel show in Paris!! ? What a dream come true!! ? I actually ended up framing my invitation. ? haha Can't wait for fashion week this year!! ✈️ See you next week NYC!! #NYFW #NYC #FW #regram

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Sep 3, 2016 at 9:40am PDT

Quick Tips: How to Pose for an Instagram Photo

  • Push your chin forward and slightly down to create definition
  • Stand with your hips at a slight angle to the camera and bend one knee a little
  • Have someone snap a few pictures while you’re walking
  • Take pictures from above for a slimming effect
  • Take pictures from below to look taller
  • Practice in the mirror to learn what angles work best for you

My #NYFW Outfit Recap is up on the blog! ? See some of my favorite outfits from the week! {link in bio} Which look is your favorite? Tell me in the comments! #SimplySona.com #ootd #stylepost #ootn #liketkit http://liketk.it/2pcjr

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Sep 16, 2016 at 9:24am PDT

Happiest birthday to my main squeeze and partner in crime! ❤️❤️ Love you to the moon and back baby. ??? Let's spam his account @kasra_b_ and wish my KB happy birthday ? #birthdayboy #hubby

A photo posted by Sona Gasparian (@simplysona) on Oct 11, 2016 at 11:32am PDT

You guys should also check out Aimee Song’s book Capture Your Style for more tips! What’s your favorite Instagram filter? Let me know in the comments!

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
blogginghow toinstagramphoto editing appsphotos

69 Comments

  • ReplyCinderelli18November 2, 2016 at 10:18 am

    I’m always so frustrated with my photos, they usually never turn out the way I want them. You’re so beautiful and photogenic Sona! thanks for the tips, gonna definitely try these!!

  • ReplyJoyceNovember 2, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Obsessed with your style! Thanks for always sharing such great tips with us Sona!

    • ReplySonaNovember 2, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Thank you Joyce, I’m glad you liked the post!

  • ReplyJoyceNovember 2, 2016 at 10:20 am

    P.s. #snapchatfam ??

  • ReplyBlush & PearlsNovember 2, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Great tips Sona – I wish I was as photogenic as you! I avoid selfies like the plague!

    Angela / Blush & Pearls

  • ReplyDay EllisNovember 2, 2016 at 10:30 am

    love this!!! #snapchatfam

  • ReplyRaquel G.November 2, 2016 at 10:31 am

    OMG! Yes! Just what I need!!!!

    Love your IG feed, btw!

  • ReplyNikolNovember 2, 2016 at 10:33 am

    I don’t have instgram but I have We Heart It. And it is very similar to instagram. So thank you ❤️for inspiration about pictures. ?? You always sharing the best tips and ideas.?

  • ReplyElyanaNovember 2, 2016 at 10:35 am

    That is so funny that you posted this…
    I was looking at your instagram feed and was considering tweeting at you asking to make a video about this after your snapchat BTS flat lat photo!

    Super helpful, and hopefully my photos will look half as good as yours <3

    #snapchatfam

    • ReplySonaNovember 2, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Thank you Elyana! Much love!

  • ReplySadiaNovember 2, 2016 at 10:56 am

    I absolutely love this post! It’s a great insight into how you conduct your feed. I live by the taking photos from above and have been known to sit on a footpath to catch the perfect picture of my friends! ❤️?

  • ReplySara SyedNovember 2, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Loved the post as usual. Thanks a lot! ?
    #snapchatfam

  • ReplyDEBORAHNovember 2, 2016 at 10:57 am

    Sona!! I love your Instagram pictures, they are always so beautiful and inspiring. I don’t really use Instagram filters, I like to use Affright to edit my pictures.
    Love you so much!!!

  • Replymelissa dsouzaNovember 2, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Honestly, one of the best posts i’ve read about this particular topic!
    I literally try to do all of the things when I’m taking a picture, like literally the same exact things, lol

    • ReplySonaNovember 2, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks, Melissa! These tips really do make a difference :)

  • ReplySarai U. AguilarNovember 2, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Thank you for the tips, Sona! Always love your IG feed. ❤️ #snapchatfam

  • ReplyRena {The Style Gospel}November 2, 2016 at 11:11 am

    Thanks for posting this. My instagram game is terrible so I’m rarely on it. But I follow you on snapchat and get your blog updates from that. You’re one of my favorite “snappers”!
    Keep up the great work!
    Rena

  • ReplyLa Bijoux Bella | by miaNovember 2, 2016 at 11:24 am

    A very nice and helpful tips for the loves of Instagram! :)

    Merci for sharing! :)

    La Bijoux Bella | by mia

  • ReplyJemilah BassonNovember 2, 2016 at 11:47 am

    So insightful….thanks Sona

  • ReplyPraiseNovember 2, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    Loved it thanks sona

  • ReplyLeahNovember 2, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    I really like the minimalistic theme for Instagram. Thank you for sharing some of the editing tools that you use. I always end up having 5 editing tools that I use. Now, I can back it off a bit to just a few! Thanks for the post!

  • ReplyDionne LoboNovember 2, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    I’m trying to get into food blogging, could you share some tips for taking and editing good food pictures. Could you do a video on tips and tricks to create a good Instagram picture. Please check out my Instagram, would love some feedback if anyone reading this has the time.
    Instagram- dream_o_grapher

  • ReplyMarifer Aguilera RoizNovember 2, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Great post Sona! Very helpful! I also use vsco, snapseed but I didn’t understand darkroom lol! Love your tips! #snapchatfam btw can’t wait for pèrsona cosmetics!!? Love ya?

  • ReplyRoxanne HernandezNovember 2, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    All these tips are so helpfull ? you take such amazing pictures ? love your post #snapchatfam

    • ReplyJoeyNovember 3, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      Hmmm

  • ReplyRaniaNovember 2, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Ur photos r ALWAYS A.MA.ZING. hopefully I’ll step up my game with these steps . thnx ??

  • ReplyAruj annasNovember 2, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    Hy where one can reach u gor personal msg or something…really have somethings to say…
    Luv u???

  • ReplyJanetNovember 2, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Hey Sona such a great post love all the advice to take great pics. Can’t wait to try them.

  • ReplyDeannaNovember 2, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    this is very helpful! I try to make my photos interesting but to the point and not going overboard with the hashtags!! I’m in charge of the social media for a record production company and your posts help me think of ideas that will promote my company!
    thank u for sharing!!!

    • ReplySonaNovember 2, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      So happy this helps, Deanna!

  • ReplyJenniferNovember 2, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    You take such beautiful photos! This is something I wish I was much better at so this post so very helpful.

  • Replypatricia galvanNovember 2, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    Great tips! What if you take a random pic and its not the best quality but still a great shot, do you still post it?

    • ReplySonaNovember 2, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      It usually depends on how it looks with the rest of my photos and feed! I do prefer high quality images

  • ReplySara SyedNovember 2, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    i love your Instagram photos. They look so professional! Especially the flat lays….they’re awesome!?

  • ReplyCassandra LopezNovember 2, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    YES!!! I’m so happy you shared these tips and tricks :) I LOVE your feed!!! This helps very much. I love your photos and your style. You are very pretty inside and out! Thanks Again :)

    ps: I’ve been enjoying the products you sent from the Back To School Makeup Giveaway in August :D
    My boyfriend also said thanks since this saved him lots of money ;) lol! God Bless! <3

  • ReplyZainabNovember 2, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    I love the details in every INstagram pic of yours. Thanks for sharing the tips! I agree cohesive feeds are the best feeds

  • ReplyKayla SanchezNovember 2, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Hi Sona,
    I love reading these type of blogs or watching videos with this kind of information about creating professional looking instagram posts! These are some great tips that I am sure going to use! I notice that VSCO is a highly raved editing app, which I personally love and use the filter S3 to give out the vibrant colors! Great post, Sona! Thanks for sharing :)

  • ReplyLusine NaljayanNovember 2, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Awww love this post a lot.. I’ll definitely use your tips to practice in front of the mirror to get beautiful pictures ??Xoxo

  • ReplyDenaNovember 2, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    Your IG feed is so beautiful, Sona!

  • ReplyMayenNovember 2, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    HI Sona, I love your ig photos , keep it up girl ! I really enjoy seeing how your brand grows, love you

  • ReplyHannah IrwinNovember 2, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    I needed this post right now! Perfect timing! Thank you, it helped so much!

  • ReplyChumNovember 2, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    LOVE this post, and all of your content! Your style is so great and put together- you totally inspire me! I actually just started my own youtube channel, and although we have different styles I totally get inspiration from you and your one of my favorite beauty influencers. Keep the vids and everything coming! (also CANNOT wait for Persona to come out!) #snapchat fam :)
    (this is my youtube channel…still a baby, but I have so many ideas that I cant wait to film: http://bit.ly/2e48Sof )

  • ReplyUrvaeNovember 2, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    Sona, you take the best shots! Amazing tips!! Do a blog on diy natural beauty hacks! Please!

  • ReplyMarlenaNovember 2, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Great post Sona! Thank you for being honest and open to sharing your knowledge. Hugely appreciated!

  • ReplyFatima-Zahra LamsNovember 3, 2016 at 7:22 am

    I’m traveling in 2 weeks, and that’s exactly what I need; I’m installing the editing apps that you mentioned, all of them :D.
    I’m going to Thailand, I’m so excited, and because of your help, my pictures are going to be awesome. Thank you Sona. Love from Casablanca.

  • ReplyAnastasia T.November 3, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Sona, this is a great post with some really helpful advice, thank you! #snapchatfam :-)

  • ReplyKirsty SchlemmerNovember 3, 2016 at 11:27 am

    So insightful! And I really think that the new iOS update feature ‘portrait’ mode is going to be oh so ah-mazing for getting high quality Instagrams!

  • ReplyDivyaNovember 3, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Awesome blogpost not all the bloggers share how they take pictures and what one should do.

  • ReplyRaquelNovember 3, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    I love how complete your blog posts are. I never wonder what you mean when you give explanations. This was informative even for someone like me who only posts once and a while because I rarely like my photos. Thank you so much!

  • ReplyLiana BabakhanyanNovember 3, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    I hope after this tips my instagram will be as beautiful as yours is. Thanks for sharing. Much love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️??❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️

  • ReplyBen Ken (@heartsthatsbee)November 4, 2016 at 7:44 am

    Thank You so much for sharing , so helpful.

  • ReplyMelissa TabaresNovember 4, 2016 at 8:15 am

    i love your tips!!! thank you!!, some days are no-photos days and its so dificult to pose and find a nice pic, but i will to use your tips since today to make my photos better!! i´m reading you from Colombia a big hug from here!! :*

  • Replyintelligently-fashionableNovember 4, 2016 at 8:20 am

    nice tips !!http://intelligently-fashionable.blogspot.com

  • ReplyCelis PerezNovember 4, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Great post! Thanks for share this tips.

  • ReplyMohammadNovember 4, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    Thanks for the post! This post will really help me to take picture nicely as I m not good at posing or taking picture.

  • ReplyCassandra LopezNovember 4, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    It makes me so sad that you have felt unmotivated to post on Youtube :( … which makes sense due to all the work you get done! So props to you :)
    TBH I look forward to them every week! I hope you find that rest & inspiration soon <3 Love you Sona!

  • ReplySuzanneNovember 5, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    I just started following you on instagram/snap chat! Your tips and tricks are amazing. I just went out and purchased all the G.A. eye tints to do a natural smokey eye! Looking forward to learning more from your blog. :)

  • ReplyHajraNovember 7, 2016 at 7:50 am

    These tips are so helpful, Sona. Your posts always help. I used a lot of your tips on packing from your post on travelling. Thanks for all you do for us ?

  • ReplyNicole MangumNovember 8, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    You have SUCH a cohesive feed! I love following Insta accounts that have a uniformed flow to them and yours definitely does. Keep up the amazing work, Sona!!

  • Replyhiba saleh barakatNovember 8, 2016 at 11:51 pm

    this post is very useful i suck at tacking or editing pictures :p

  • ReplyAastha GuptaNovember 10, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Hiii Sona ? Such an interesting and an inspiring post. I always felt I wasn’t photogenic since there was something always wrong with my pictures ! I’m going to download the editing apps and try various positions to find a good pose! Thanks a ton cutiee? Lots of love ❤️ #snapchatfam

  • ReplyAngie PerezNovember 11, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    Great tips!!!! Going to follow some of your tips from now on :)

  • ReplyChaimaNovember 12, 2016 at 8:54 am

    Thank you for sharing this amazing tips ❤️❤️❤️

  • ReplySaariya AftabNovember 14, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    My insta page is embarrassing :/ lol
    I always look at other accounts and think how do they get it to look so awesome. Flat lays are my fave pictures, really feel like they draw you in and make you really pay attention to the details especially when it’s makeup ?. I’ll definitely be giving these tips a go. I’ll let you know how it goes ?.

  • ReplyYumnaNovember 21, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    I just started an Instagram account and this couldn’t have been posted at a better time! I love your theme but I feel like it’s a theme I wouldn’t be able to maintain for long, thanks again for the tips.

  • ReplyMiriam Olivo FukumotoDecember 1, 2016 at 10:17 am

    Great tips Sona! Love your style!
    I never have good photos! ?
    Saludos desde PERU!

  • ReplySunday Funday – PinotandpeeptoesNovember 12, 2017 at 9:46 am

    […] Things to be Thankful for this thanksgiving.. and every day 6. How to take the Perfect Instagram photo 7. Secret Santa gifts people will actually like 8. Thanksgiving Punch ideas […]

  • ReplyRoger HarrisJune 11, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Wow it’s really a great tips. Many many thanks for sharing this amazing tips

  • ReplyLisa MariaJune 25, 2018 at 2:18 am

    Amazing suggestion. Really this instruction very helps me. Thanks for great idea share.

  • Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Previous Post
    Sona Selects October Edition
    Next Post
    My Life and Career—Q&A #askSona

    Latest Posts

    • waterless hair

      My Go-To Post Workout Hair Refresh

      March 30, 2020
    • The Identity Two Palette is Here and It’s BOLD

      August 8, 2019

    Straight to your Inbox

    Beauty tips straight to your inbox?

    Follow
    • Videos
    • About
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    Simply Sona
    Back to top
    © 2016 Simply Sona. All Rights Reserved.
    powered by chloédigital