Tag: how to start a photography instagram

How To Start A Photography Instagram

On July 9, 2020

Social media is a crucial platform for budding photographers and creatives who are looking to put themselves out there. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat are all great platforms for photographers who want to share their work with the world, but they can be tricky to leverage when they’re not used properly. From using the right captions and hashtags to posting at the right time of day, we’ve outlined some of the best Instagram photography account tips to help get you started. So if you want to find out how to start a photography Instagram, keep on reading.

How To Start A Photography Business On Instagram

First things first: Before learning how to start a photography Instagram, you need to define your niche. What kind of content do you want to post? Is there a certain angle you want to take, to tell a story about, or to portray

Instagram is an online space that you can use to develop your brand’s profile. Use your personal feed to create a central theme, whether that’s based around a specific subject (like people, travel, or food) or a particular style of photography that you enjoy (e.g. black and white, film, or portrait). Most Instagram followers expect a photography account to maintain a cohesive aesthetic, so be sure to stick to your theme by using similar filters, subjects and techniques.

Also, make sure you choose a catchy and memorable username that your followers will remember. Choosing a handle that relates to you personally, or that’s relevant to your work, will help create a more consistent image of your brand. Be sure to include a link out to your photography blog, too.

Instagram Photography Tips

Whether you’re shooting on your mobile or you’re equipped with a high-tech camera, the following Instagram photography tips will help you achieve the best results:

Use natural lighting techniques. Good lighting is the foundation of any good photo. Avoid using flash in favor of natural light as it can wash out the subject and remove the depth from your shot.
Don’t overexpose your shots. It’s possible to brighten up a dark photo using editing techniques, but you’ll find it hard to fix a photo that’s already overexposed. Adjust the exposure on your phone by tapping your finger on the brightest part of the frame.
Follow the rule of thirds. This is one of the most common composition principles that help photographers balance their shots. Essentially, you divide your image into a 3×3 grid and then align your subject along the grid lines to create balance.
Constantly change your viewpoint. To achieve more interesting photos, taking several shots from different positions and angles will help provide fresh outlooks, even if you’re shooting the same view or subject.
Frame your subject. Instead of zooming right in to capture a shot of your subject, consider leaving some space around the focal point to add more visual interest.

Edits and Filters

Instagram is completely devoted to visual media, so there’s no hiding any blurred, pixelated content. If you start off with a higher quality photo, you’re likely to end up with a higher quality result. When it comes to choosing a filter for your photos, try not to over-edit. The aim is to enhance the existing qualities of your photo and make it look effortlessly beautiful.

Editing photos using multiple apps might distort your original image and decrease its quality, so where possible, make your adjustments in just one place. And as we mentioned earlier, try to stick to similar filters and editing techniques to make your feed cohesive.

Instagram Posting Tips For Business

So you’ve figured out how to take the best photos for Instagram. But why are your photos not getting the likes and comments they deserve?

One of the most important parts of learning how to start a photography Instagram is figuring when and how to post. What is the best time to upload a photo? What are the best Instagram captions for photographers? And which Instagram hashtags for photography should you use? Find out our top Instagram posting tips for businesses below.

What’s the best time to post photography on Instagram?

To achieve the most interaction and engagement on your posts, it’s important to understand what the best time to post photography on Instagram is. Most users are likely to engage with content outside of standard working hours, so posting at around 7:00-9:00 AM or 5:00-7:00 PM is often your best bet. Generally, posting between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM during weekdays will provide solid engagement, but you will see peak performance at different times throughout the week. If you’ve got a business account set up on Instagram, play around with the ‘Insights’ feature to help you find the best time to engage with your followers.

What are the best Instagram captions for photographers?

Followers will often spend more time looking at a post if there is an engaging caption to accompany it. The best Instagram captions for photographers often include a brief story or explanation behind the image, allowing readers to mentally engage with the post. Think of your captions as a chance to develop a personal connection with your followers, and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to respond in the comments.

If you’re struggling to think of a caption, use a captivating quote that’s relevant to the image. But try to use these sparingly, as followers are less likely to engage in the comments if they can’t relate to the caption.

What are the best Instagram hashtags for photography?

Adding hashtags to your posts will help drive more engagement and make your content visible to more people. By tagging your posts with certain keywords, you can ensure that your photos will come up when users are searching for a specific term. Make sure that you’re using hashtags that users are searching for rather than making up your own as popular hashtags can drive up engagement. Some of the most popular Instagram hashtags for photography are:

#PicOfTheDay
#InstaPhoto
#PhotoOfTheDay
#photographylife
#photographylovers

There you have it: our top tips on how to start a photography Instagram! Hopefully we’ve inspired you to get snapping and sharing with your followers.

Want to display your favorite photos at home? With a Nixplay digital frame, you can transfer your photos from social media directly to your home. And if you’re looking for a private place to store your personal photos off the internet, a digital frame is your best bet. Our range of digital photo frames come with ample storage, so you can share any private memories that you don’t wish to share online with those who are closest to you – the perfect device for a professional photographer. Browse the collection online today!

Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

How to Start a Photography Blog

By Alice Murray

On July 3, 2020

In Photography

Every creative professional has probably been asked the same question at one point in their career: “Why don’t you start a blog?

If you’re looking to build an online presence, starting a blog is the perfect way to add a little personality to your portfolio. As a photographer, your voice, passion, and identity are revealed in your approach to the art. With a photography blog, you can showcase your favorite snapshots in a public space where you can also discuss your techniques, the gear you use, and the projects you will undertake.

The thought may seem a little daunting at first, as you begin to wonder how to approach it. But don’t worry. We’ve pulled together some top tips on how to start a photography blog to help you exhibit your talent. Find out how to start your own photography blog, how to make money with a photography blog, and more below.

How To Start A Photo Blog

We’ve outlined the most important steps on how to blog photography on your own website to help get you started.

The Build
First things first, you need to build your blog from scratch. Here is a brief overview of the steps you need to take when setting up a photography blog:

Register a domain name – this is the “address” to your new “home” on the internet.
Set up website hosting
Install the software/CMS from your chosen blog site, e.g. WordPress
Choose a theme

If you can afford it, we recommend that you host your own blog. This means that you pay for your web server and website domain (it typically costs $10-$15 a month), and though you might pay a bit more, you can rest easy knowing that you own your own content and blog website.

The Design

Before choosing a theme for your blog, think about your content. Make sure it will naturally suit your chosen theme while reflecting your personality. Opting for a customizable theme is always preferable so you can make any necessary changes.

When choosing the design of your blog, also consider sticking to one column. This view typically offers the best reader experience and makes it “mobile optimized”, so your audience can read on their phones, whenever and wherever. This is important, as most web surfers are now accessing the internet from their phones and tablets. Also, try to keep your menu bar streamlined with as little options as possible to make it easier for the user to navigate.

The Content

When you start your first photography blog, it’s important to upload regular content to keep up with demand. So on the days that you can’t make it out for a special trip, ensure you’re still using your camera around your local area. And even if you may specialize in landscape or architectural photography, make sure you also include the odd portrait or a shot of something personal so that you can humanize your blog and give your readers a glimpse of the person behind the camera.

If you want to avoid posting your personal memories online but still want a way to showcase them and share them with loved ones, a Nixplay frame is your best bet. Simply display your snaps in your own home and share them with family and friends.

But a photography blog isn’t just about achieving the perfect shot. Add value by providing top tips on lighting, effects, or your favorite equipment. You could also take a more journalistic approach by expressing your opinions on a topic, or telling a story about what you saw through the viewfinder. Find the style that works best for you.

Your photography blog offers a place for you to curate and display your favorite shots, where readers can learn more about you and your work. But you don’t just have to post your own work on your blog. Why not share some insights with your readers, and make a post about your favorite artists? Just remember to give credit where credit is due, and acknowledge the other person behind the camera.

Before creating and posting content, you should consider your audience. Who are you targeting? What message do you want to send to your readers? Nailing down your target audience is a crucial part of setting up a photography blog that is destined for success.

Top Tips For Setting Up A Photography Blog

Discover our top tips on how to start a photography blog successfully:

Choose the right equipment for the job. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a photography kit out there for you.
Think of a catchy domain name or handle. Think of one that users will remember and relate to.
If you’re starting out with a free blog like Wix or WordPress, you may want to consider upgrading to a professional account once your blog has gained some traction.
Never take your blog too seriously. Your photography blog is your personal playground, a place for you to share your photos, ideas, links, and inspiration. With technology, there are no limits.
Don’t get too hung up on stats like page views. These figures may fluctuate often, so checking them every day may make you feel unmotivated.

Just getting your skills started? Discover our top tips on how to get started in photography, from choosing the right equipment to taking the perfect shot.

How To Make Money With A Photography Blog

Professional photography is a competitive field, but there are several ways to monetize your blog so you can earn some dollars on the side. You can run display ads or sell your artwork, and there are photography sites available that will help you connect with potential buyers.

Then, once you’ve built up your audience, consider running photography workshops. You can engage with your readers, share your skills, and gain some extra cash. These might be online workshops or they might take place in your studio.

How To Start A Photography Instagram

If you’re wondering how to start a photography business on Instagram, you should approach it in a way similar to approaching a photography blog. However, followers often expect an Instagram feed to maintain a cohesive style or subject matter. Users typically decide whether to follow an account based on their latest nine images, so make sure that the top of your feed represents you and your style. Also use plenty of relevant, popular hashtags, follow similar accounts, and link out to your blog from your profile bio to gain more traffic.

And that’s how to start a photography blog! Hopefully, we’ve encouraged you to get started on setting up a photography blog to showcase your favorite snaps. If you’re looking for the best place to store your photos off the internet, perhaps you have some more private, personal photos that you don’t wish to share online, a digital frame is your best bet. For a completely personal solution, Nixplay digital photo frames come with ample storage, so you can share your favorite private memories with those who are closest to you, making it the perfect device for a professional photographer. Browse the collection online today.

Top Tips For Starting Out In Photography

How To Get Started In Photography: Top Tips

By Alice Murray

On June 11, 2020

In Photography

There’s never been a better time to pick up a new hobby. Whether it’s cooking, arts and crafts, learning a new language, or writing your own book, enhancing your personal skills in something you love is never a waste of time. And if what you love involves capturing memories, seeing the art in natural landscapes, or working with cool new gadgets, studying photography should be at the top of your to-do list.

Want to know how to get started in photography? Read our guide on photography tips for beginners, how to start a photography blog and which photography equipment you’ll need to make the most of your new favorite pastime.

someone using photography equipment for beginners

Basic Photography Tips For Beginners

While we mostly just use our phones to embrace our inner photographers, in reality, it takes a little more than that to go from a snap-happy amateur to a fully-fledged photography expert. And as they say, if it were easy, everyone would quit their day job and live off their hobby!

Just like any art, photography has to be learned and practiced—a lot. It is a trial and error process; we all start at the bottom and build our way up.

1. Choose The Right Photography Equipment

Before even starting to focus on what’s in front of you, you need to think more about what you’re using. Which photography equipment should you invest in when you’re doing photography as a hobby?

When you’re just getting started, you’ll want to choose user-friendly, simple photography equipment that is high-quality, but also easy to use. That doesn’t mean you need to go all out and instantly buy lighting, backdrops, and a whole bunch of props. At the very least, you will need a decent camera, a camera strap, an SD memory card with lots of storage space, a camera cleaning kit, and a photography bag. If you’re feeling really adventurous, a tripod is also a great purchase to make for achieving a smooth, still camera shot—especially when outdoors.

The tricky part of course, is deciding which camera to buy. As a beginner—or if you’re just doing photography as a hobby – a bridge camera is a great compromise to more expensive DSLRs and lenses. This will allow you to get an impressive zoom range but at a fraction of the cost of a DSLR camera with a telephoto lens. Most bridge cameras also have a variety of features, including full manual controls, shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, color balance, and metering. You can pick one up for as little as $100, which is a fair price to pay when you’re investing in your skillset.

2. Don’t Limit Yourself To One Style Of Photography

When thinking about how to get started in photography, you’ll likely be tempted to just focus on one type of photography that appeals to you. Of course, if you like portrait photography, then you should do that, but you should always keep your mind open to exploring other possibilities. This means working your way up and trying your hand at a variety of different styles, such as landscape, wildlife, still life, architecture, or even fashion.

A good place to start is by thinking about what you enjoy, or what brings out the emotional side of you. The more personal the photography is to you, the more likely you are to find your true muse.

3. Don’t Underestimate Photo Editing

While you’re learning how to take the perfect shot, how to master the art of angles, and how to capture the best lighting, you also need to know how to edit a photo once you’ve taken it. This is where post-processing comes in.

When you’re doing photography as a hobby or even just trying to grasp the most basic photography tips, you might underestimate the power of post-processing and editing—something that can truly make or break an image. Once you learn how to master software like Lightroom and Photoshop, your photography will become more like a start-to-end process, because you will automatically think about post-production.

If you want to get started using Photoshop, the best way to learn is to just play around, watch tutorials, and understand all the different tools at your disposal. Having the ability to edit and enhance your pictures can spell the difference between a great shot and a masterpiece.

4. Start A Photography Blog

What good is taking hundreds of mesmerizing and awe-inspiring photos if you’ve got nowhere to put them? By creating a blog, you can do much more than just upload your pictures. You can include captions and write descriptions that discuss the processes and techniques you used. Aside from being a great way to document your progress, it also gives like-minded people the boost to try it themselves.

If you’re wondering how to start a photography blog, you could first opt for creating a free blog on Wix or WordPress to initially build up your following and map out your blog style. Once you’ve noticed some traction on your blog, you might want to consider upgrading to a professional account. Starting a blog is an effective way to expand your network, gain followers, and work on your online presence. When you eventually upgrade to a paid offering, you can ditch the standard website handle and develop your very own website.

If you’re looking for a more powerful and unique way to display your photos around your own home, or if you’re looking for a way to share your photos with friends and family, you can’t go wrong with a Nixplay Frame. Not only will it allow you to show off your hard work in HD quality, but you’ll also be able to share it on several social media platforms. With Nixplay, you can arrange and organize your pictures in specific themed playlists, and you can even connect it to Google Home and Alexa devices so you can easily browse through your photos using just your voice! Displaying and sharing photos has never been more special.

5. Don’t Ignore Instagram

Speaking of social media, Instagram is one of the most obvious tools to utilize when you’re getting started in photography. If you’re wondering how to start a photography Instagram, or how to make the most of it, it’s not overly complicated. Once you’ve created your photography profile with a catchy handle, you can simply start uploading your photos. To gain more followers, try using popular hashtags, following lots of other relevant profiles, and linking out to your blog from your profile bio.

The higher the quality of your photos, the higher your engagement will be. And the more work you put into improving your Instagram presence, the better the outcome. That means spending a lot of your spare time liking, commenting, and reaching out to other Instagram users, posting at the busiest times of the day, creating effective captions, and most importantly, using the best filters and effects for your photos.

Hopefully our photography tips for beginners have encouraged you to get started. So, what are you waiting for? The camera is ready and the world is waiting! And if you’re looking for the best place to store your photos once you’ve switched the camera off, a Nixplay Frame is the way to go. Browse our collection today.