4 Tips for Getting the Perfect Photo

This post is not only targeted towards content creators, like bloggers & influencers, but also anyone in need of some tips or tricks in order to take more flattering, better looking photos with a lot more ease! This is no professional advice per-say, just some things that I have learned through constantly shooting for my blog and photographing other girlfriends as well! Whether you’re new to blogging/influencing or you’re just looking to make things easier & more flattering while taking random IG photos, I hope what I have learned helps you as well J. Read below for the 4 KEY tips and tricks to keep in mind for your next photo-op:  

Tip #1 For Getting The Perfect Photo

Lighting

Lighting IS EVERYTHING!! This will literally make or break a photo, or turn a fully planned shoot day into a non-shoot day real quick lol. #THEworst. The best lighting to shoot in is typically in the hours close to sunrise or a couple of hours before sunset. This will give you that perfect ‘golden hour glow’! Although, with the most recent time changes, I think it makes a little bit of a difference now. It is currently May and I have actually been noticing that, unlike before when lighting was great 2 hours prior to sunset, it is now way way too harsh 2 hours prior. This means, shooting even closer to sunset is key at this time of year. **Another lighting tip — usually lighting is most harsh around noon, so shooting in shaded areas or indoors during this time is great!

Tip #2 For Getting The Perfect Photo

Angles

ANGLES – drop it low gurlll. Angles are everything for so many reasons (obvi). So, if you’re taking a full-length/full-body photo & you’re on the shorter side or just want to appear even taller and longer, have your photographer or friend shoot from really low. If the person behind the camera lens squats low to the ground with the camera (or phone) at a slight upward angle, this will cause an even more dramatic effect on the photo. 

For a knee-up photo I recommend more of a straight on shot, without the camera/phone angled.

Tip #3 For Getting The Perfect Photo

Plan Ahead

(this tip is def more blogger/influencer focused)

1. Scout out locations & dedicate some time to driving around town a few days prior to your shoot. Or, even if you’re driving somewhere and you happen to see something and think to yourself ‘that’s so cute!’ or ‘that would be really cute to shoot near,’ WRITE IT DOWN + take a photo for visual reference! This will make shoot days so much easier if you have a specific vision in mind for that photoshoot. Other days if you haven’t had time to plan in advance, you could always get lucky as you’re headed out and just spot something really cool ie. a baby blue VW Bug that matches your outfit perfectly 😉
2. Plan out your outfits so that they will all look aesthetically pleasing posted next to each other in the feed (if you care how your feed flows together that is). I like to work with 2-3 colors that complement each other & this makes my ‘pre-planned feed’ a lot easier to plan out! *Side note: Preview & Planoly are both great apps for planning your IG feed photos out in advance!
3. Lay out your outfits for a clear visual, or even try them all on the night before, and take photos of them in the mirror so you can make fast transitions on shoot day. Even go into details like exactly what accessories, bags, shoes etc. you want to pair with each look ahead of time!

Tip #4 For Getting The Perfect Photo

Mood Board

(this tip is also def more blogger/influencer focused)

I like to make folders in my phone, prior to a shoot. I have of a few different categories to help the day go as smooth & quickly as possible. Some of these folders include:

• pose inspo
• location inspo
• creative conteps/ideas
• outfits that inspire me
• and more!

Again, I hope these tips & tricks helped in some way! Feel free to drop a comment below, or e-mail me with any questions! Follow my day to day at @Lauren_Nicolle ❤️.

-xx Lauren

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