Tips for Taking Great Instagram Photos

Instagram’s wildly popular app helps you share your travel photos with the world. With that kind of posterity on the line, it’s helpful to know a few basics guaranteed to help you take better shots.

Learn the rule of thirds

Knowing some basic composition principles can take your photos to the next level. Add a bit of artistry with the rule of thirds, which dictates that your photo’s subject should be slightly off center. For more on this, as well as some great examples, visit the Digital Photography School’s blog on the topic.

Take the photo with your camera app first

Using your phone’s built-in camera app to take a photo, rather than taking a picture through the Instagram, enhances the photo’s quality.

Use other apps to help

Other apps out there have more — and better — filters and editing features. Some of the best are VSCO Cam, Camera+ and Diptic. Most of these apps are free or require a minimal investment of just a dollar or two.

Invest in gear

External hardware attachments like olloclip add elements like fisheye, wide angle and macro capabilities, giving you even more tools to work with for unique photos.