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Learn how to make your photos more unique for Instagram in this complete guide. I’ll cover technical aspects and several things you can do within the app. You can use these tips for both smartphone and DSLR Instagram pictures.
1Look at What Everyone Else Is Doing, and Avoid It
You’ll often see the same photo (or the same type of photo) taken multiple times on Instagram. Examples include a bright jacket under a waterfall, dangling your legs out of a helicopter, and putting your hand out while walking in front of someone. The Insta Repeat account has some of the best examples of what I’m talking about.
Since so many photos on Instagram are very similar, the easiest way to stand out is by simply doing something else. When I’m traveling, I often observe what others are doing and consider how I can find unique perspectives. This isn’t a diss to those people, it’s just that I would rather look for things that haven’t been done before most of the time.
Overthinking this point can stifle your creativity, so I recommend just keeping it in the back of your mind. Consider reading thesetips on taking unique photos of popular destinations, too.
2Apply Seldom-Used Filters
Compared to the early days, you have so many filter choices on Instagram now. Some are used more often than others, and if you want your images to look unique, I recommend trying some of the less frequently used ones.
In my opinion, two of thebest Instagram filtersare Simple and Soft Light. You can also use the more popular filters and alter the slider, so their effect is less intense.
You should experiment with the different filters available and only use the ones that actually appeal to you. Using one just because it’s less popular makes no sense if you don’t like it.
3Create Your Own Filters
In addition to using filters within the Instagram app, you can always create your own Instagram-style filters in other photo editing apps. As I mentioned in this guide onhow to get Instagram-style filters on your smartphone, Lightroom is the best option in this respect. You can save your styles as presets and quickly apply them to all of your images.
Other tools, such as Canva, will also enable you to create your own filters or use pre-designed ones within the app. However, you might not be able to save these—so it’s worth checking to ensure that you’re able to save them if you wish to use them multiple times.
4Take Photos From Unique Angles
Another often-overlooked way totake more interesting photosis to simply place your camera in a different position. This isn’t just limited to smartphones, you’re able to apply this tip to all cameras.
One of my favorite examples is crouching down to get a more unique perspective. Doing this also lets me get closer to subjects like puddles. you may also hold your device above the subject if possible.
Think about your specific situation and experiment to find out what works best for you. Looking for unique perspectives, such as between two buildings, is another idea to consider.
5Learn Your Smartphone Camera’s Different Modes
Many people only really know how to use Auto Mode on their smartphone cameras, and this may hold you back if your goal is to take more unique pictures. Even if you adjust the brightness manually, you’ll automatically stand out.
Some smartphones have more features than others, and regardless of your device, I suggest learning as much as you can about each mode. You should also understand how different filters work with your device.
As a starting point, consider exclusively using one of your camera modes for one week to one month. Then, move on to another. You’ll learn a lot about your device during that time.
6Add Your Favorite Music
Instagram now has a feature that lets you add music to your photos and not just Reels. Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of this tool, but it can help your images stand out. Your music taste is likely unique to you, and adding tracks that fit the mood of your photo will evoke more emotions in the viewer.
You’ll find several popular songs on Instagram, meaning that it’s highly likely you’ll find the specific track you’re looking for. And if you don’t, you’ll still find viable alternatives. Just make sure that you don’t use these songs elsewhere, such as on YouTube, because you could risk a copyright strike on those platforms.
We’ve got a guide outlininghow to add music to your Instagram carousels.
7Think About Composition in a 4:5 Format
While you can use other aspect ratios on Instagram, I think that 4:5 looks the best. So, I would recommend thinking about your composition in a 4:5 format if you’re taking pictures specifically for Instagram (or you plan on posting them there).
Thinking in a 4:5 format means understanding that you will crop much of the picture. So, you should leave more space at the top and bottom of your photos. An easy way to do this is by capturing more of the sky and ground than you’ll most likely need.
Of course, you should also take pictures with a portrait orientation. While you can crop landscape photos, the quality decrease will be more evident.
8Use Different Camera Apps to Add Effects
One of the best things about having a smartphone these days is that so many third-party camera apps exist. Many of these will let you quickly alter your image style in several ways, such as adding film effects. You’ll find a lot for free, but others are paid.
In addition to using different camera apps, your smartphone’s native photos app will often let you adjust aspects like brightness, contrast, and saturation after taking your picture. So, it’s not a huge deal if you forgot to use one of those apps or didn’t find one that works for you. Consider checking out thesesmartphone camera apps for better photosas a starting point.
Simple tweaks will make your photos look more unique for Instagram, and I recommend implementing at least a couple of these tips. At the very least, doing the opposite of everyone else will give you better results. Consider also using some of Instagram’s in-app features and third-party tools if you think you need them.
