How I Shoot For Instagram

I’ve been working on my Instagram for about six months now, and I’m really enjoying it. It was something I always wanted to try but was unsure whether I could do it and now I’ve started it and seen it grow, I’ve got a real sense of achievement from it.

I wanted to share exactly how I shoot, because before I started it was something I was really curious about with the various accounts I saw and something I was always interested to know!

Unlike quite a few other bloggers I follow, I’m not a student and I don’t do blogging full time – I work a normal 9-5 job doing marketing for a wholesale fashion brand.

Me unhelpfully art directing my boyfriend

This does make shooting a bit difficult, just because between working 35 odd hours a week and still having a life there’s not much time to get some images!

I think the most important thing to make the most of your time is planning. I learned this from doing photoshoots with my job, that it can all be very hectic and if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing it can be a bit of a mess.

So with this in mind, I try to plan outfits and what locations to shoot them in and what accessories I’ll put with them. I try not to shoot more than three outfits in one go, because my boyfriend is the photographer and it can get a bit tiresome – and you can really tell in the images!

Cropped detail picture

With each outfit, I try to get a full length and cropped shot so I can have one that shows off my full outfit and one that can show off the details.

I don’t currently have a professional camera, but I’m researching and hoping to buy one very soon (any suggestion of good models would be appreciated!) so at the minute I just use my iPhone 6 to shoot, which does have a few limitations.

Full outfit shot

Now it’s summer, the longer daylight hours are a lifesaver…I started Instagram in November so we only had weekends to work around and it was a lot to do. But now the evenings are longer, I’m able to get home and chill out and still get one or two outfits done in the evenings we’re free which makes things a lot easier.

If you ever see a nice photo opp, then take the picture - selfie or otherwise!

If you don’t have anything in particular you want or need to get shot, it’s handy to take images on your phone (and have your boyfriend there to take them) because when you’re just ready to go out somewhere you can always get a good snap to share on Instagram.

What I didn’t realise, is how many shots it can take to get the right look. I’m pretty critical, so if my necklace is a bit wonky or my hair is out of place I will need another image – and don’t even get me started on people in the background...

One of the many reject pictures where I was NOT ready.

But don’t be afraid to take loads of images until you’re happy with the final product – because once you’ve got changed and moved from location you can’t get another picture, and that is real levels of frustration.

It can be hard, especially as my boyfriend as much as I appreciate what he does, he doesn’t have any photography experience. So it’s all a big learning curve to try and art direct and perfect what I’m seeing in my head. Plus all those photos on my phone DEFINITELY makes me look like a narcissistic psycho for anyone who sees my camera roll who doesn’t know what I do…

The endless images of myself in my deleted images...

Now this part may not be shooting per se, but editing is really key and can make or break a photo in my opinion.

I’ve started using a dusty retro filter on my images recently, and I’m really in love with the difference its made to my images. But as well as that, making sure my images are light enough and the colours really pop is so important. Google’s SnapSeed is a real lifesaver for editing and is the best out there in my experience!

before editing...

After editing

I’m still learning and adapting how I work, as I’m still relatively new to this! But I hope this is helpful to someone out there who’s thinking of starting blogging or Instagram. Just do it or you’ll only regret it!

My Summer Wishlist: Co-ords & Two Pieces

1. Topshop Floral Print Wide Leg Suit

(Not my own image – property of Topshop)

I just love love LOVE this suit…it’s been a while since I’ve treated myself to a real stand out Topshop piece but I’m very tempted with this co-ord.

I’ve been looking for a perfect pyjama style suit since the warmer weather’s been coming – they’re so relaxed and I think are more comfortable in the warmer weather than more structured suits.

I’d work this with my trusty Fila trainers and a bumbag with a slogan tee to edge up the feminine florals.

Find this suit on Topshop here

2. Missguided White Side Stripe Suit

 (Not my own image – property of Missguided)

I already have a pair of sporty popper trousers from Miss Pap which I really love, so this suit is just a perfect move on from that style.

I really like the sporty stripes featuring on a lot of items at the minute with the athluxe trend, and this style in the crisp white is so gorgeous.

Find this suit on Missguided here and here

3. Lola May Black Flower Print Co-Ord

(Not my own image – property of Lola May)

This look is just so summery, Lola May do so many pieces that are exactly my style and I’m obsessed with this two piece for my holiday to Croatia in July.

I love co-ords because you can really get so much wear out of them; wearing them together or separately. I know that top would become a real wardrobe staple of mine with or without the skirt which is just a bonus!

Find this co-ord on Lola May here

4. Pretty Little Thing Cycle Short Co-Ord

 (Not my own image – property of Pretty Little Thing)

I’m really feeling this cycle short trend at the minute, and anything in a nude or neutral palette is really catching my eye.

I’m not 100% sure if this look will suit me, as it’s a bit out of my usual style but with PLT being so reasonably priced, I’m more than happy to give it a go!

I’d pair this with trainers and an oversized denim jacket for a real Kim K sort of vibe.

Find this two piece on Pretty Little Thing here and here

5. Missy Empire Asher Lilac Co-Ord

 (Not my own image – property of Missy Empire)

Lilac really is the colour of the moment, and this two piece is so gorgeous. Pastels really work on my skin because I’m paler, and wide leg trousers are a really flattering fit so it’s always a winner!

Because it’s quite simple, you can really dress this look up or down with some accessories and killer heels or just with a casual jacket for day to day.

Find this co-ord on Missy Empire here

6. Zara Peplum Style Yellow Suit

 (Not my own image – property of Zara)

Yellow is everywhere at the minute, and if you’ve been following me on my Instagram you’ll remember THAT yellow puffa that I could not let go of over winter.

Now I’ve fully grieved that it’s too warm to wear that for a little while…I need a new yellow obsession and this suit is perfect.

It’s a bit more structured than the other two suits I’ve listed, but the bright mustard yellow with the peplum details just sets it apart and I’m obsessed with it!

Find this suit on Zara here and here