When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works

Home / Features / 6 pro tips for taking killer Instagram photos

6 pro tips for taking killer Instagram photos

How to be less hipster, more pro with the "everyone can be a photographer" app

Instagram is not just for ‘food porn’ – smart photographers, such as leading snapper Justin Mott, use it to make money too. He shot a whole project on Vietnam for a client using just a smartphoneInstagram and his thumb. Exclusively for Stuff, he reveals his top tips for taking kick-ass Instagram shots.   

(All images via Justin Mott)

TIP 1: REMEMBER, IT DOESN’T DO MIRACLES

Don’t rely purely on the app to make your picture look sexier – anyone can do that. Think real photography. Layer your picture with interesting subjects, textures, or scenery, and think foreground and background. Pay attention to composition and colour. Instagram should be used to add the final layer of sexiness. It can’t work complete miracles.

TIP 2: DON’T UNDERTHINK LIGHT

Interesting light makes for interesting pictures. And Instagram is great for highlighting images with beautiful light. Learn to recognise gorgeous light and begin the hunt for light patterns and shadows. Then be patient and wait for something interesting to happen. Break the rules and don’t be afraid to shoot directly into the light.

Profile image of StuffTV StuffTV
Enable referrer and click cookie to search for eefc48a8bf715c1b ad9bf81e74a9d264 [] 2.7.22