Instagram is a marketing powerhouse and it is full of avid readers. For authors Instagram is the perfect platform for enticing new readers, interacting with existing fans, and promoting your books. It's checked daily by thousands of book reviewers, online book clubs, bookstores, literary agents, and publishers. However, the popular platform continues to be daunting for many authors. The main problem: creating visual content that will attract readers. Take a quick scroll through Instagram and you’ll see plenty of stunning photographs. Each one arranged and filtered to perfection. Instagram is a visual social media and to stand out you need to post visually attractive content.
At this point you might be thinking:
I don’t take good photographs
I don’t have time to set up Instagram photos.
I don’t have the money to invest in photography.
And how can I make writing photo-worthy?
Not to fear! We’re going to look at some quick tips you can use to channel your inner photographer, using only the mobile phone camera you have on hand.
So how can you take better Instagram pictures?
1. Plan Ahead
Before you press that shutter button take a moment to consider what you want to share with your readers. Ask yourself: Is this photo interesting, exciting, or relevant to my readers?
When you aim and shoot consider the kind of picture you want to take, the natural light available, and point of interest.
It’s best to use the camera on your phone rather than shoot directly through the Instagram app. So, take some time to get familiar with your phone camera. Play around with different angles. If you are using an iPhone try out the grid feature to line up your shot (you’ll find it under Settings). Tap on the screen to adjust the exposure and focal point.
2. Use Natural Light
Lighting is the foundation of a good photo. Too much light can mean your photo looks washed out and overexposed. Too little and your photo will end up dark and grainy. Use natural lighting rather than flash whenever possible to avoid flattening out the colors and consider the time of day. Sunrise and sunset are the ‘golden hours’ for taking photographs when the sunlight is indirect and softer. Experiment with the exposure on your phone by moving around and taping on different parts of the screen to change the focus point.
3. Composition
Composition refers to the way that elements are arranged in your photograph. It’s how you frame your image and what you choose to include or omit from the shot. For the perfect composition think about what you want the photo to say. What is the focal point? Where does the viewer’s eye go first?
Possibly the best-known composition technique is the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is achieved by dividing up the frame into 9 equal rectangles (3 across and 3 down). Most phones include the capacity to display this grid. The idea is to place the focal point on the areas where the lines intersect (that is, slightly off-center) leading the viewer’s eye.
Another option is to use symmetry, placing your subject in the middle to balance out your image. Symmetry is a great way to make a simple subject more interesting.
Leaving some white space around your subject can heighten the focus and create a sense of simplicity. Look for leading lines in your images, those elements that draw the viewer’s eye and add depth. These can be anything from a meandering garden path to patterns to waves.
Play with different vantage points. Try shooting from above or below. Get close to your subject or increasing the distance. Look for interesting backgrounds, textures, patterns, and colors.
This is your chance to be creative so have fun with it and don’t worry about making your photographs perfect.
4. Make it Cohesive
Try to visualize your Instagram feed as a whole, rather than a collection of separate photographs. By seeing your Instagram as a mosaic you can draw your images together with a cohesive feel. Your Instagram aesthetic is like a theme, that fits the personality of your writing.
So take a moment to think about your author branding. Do you want something bright and colorful to fit your romantic fiction books? Or are you a horror author looking from something dark and moody? Your Instagram should complement the overall personality of your author brand.
Think about how your images tie with your genre and your book covers. Consider what colors you will use, the overall feel of your photos, and the type of content you will be posting. Select your filters and editing tools based on the look you are aiming for. Free apps such as PLANN and Preview can help you visualize how your feed will look as a whole. Stick with an aesthetic that feels like a good fit for your writing voice.
Need more Instagram tips for Authors, check out:
Instagram for Authors: 11 Tips to Grow Your Following & Sell More Books
