Hey, y’all! I get so many questions via DM on Instagram asking about my photos. So I’m here to share some tips on how to take a poppin photo for your IG feed or if you just want to look cute for yourself that's fine too! I’m all about owning your confidence. I came along way with my confidence and it changed my perspective on life and how I view myself. You can read more here Creating content and taking photos is apart of my lifestyle now. It does take time so don't beat yourself up trying to be perfect. The more you practice the more you will get comfortable. If you think you need a fancy camera you don't. You can use your iPhone and still get the job done. I’m all about using what you have until you can get more.

HOW TO TAKE POPPIN PHOTOS FOR IG

THINK ABOUT LOCATION

Before I start taking pictures I always think about the location. I like to tell a story with all of my photos and create a vibe. I like simple but something that will make me pop out. My main goal is to focus on my outfit. I like to inspire people with my style while embracing confidence and women empowerment. My go to’s are usually street shots and blank walls. The photos included in this post were shot on top of a garage rooftop. We selected this location because of the city view, space and it was a ton of brown brick that can make our outfit pop.

UTLIZE PROPS

When I started taking photos I struggled with my hands. What do you do with your hands? lol PROPS! I learned this in dreaspeaks photography class shout out to her! Having a prop in your hand can take your pictures up a notch. My go-to is a purse or a chair because it adds character and gives you something to do with your hands.

ANGLES

Always clean your phone camera lens because it can collect dust and take away from the quality. Also, try to avoid zooming in especially if you use an iPhone it may decrease the quality. If you don’t have anyone to take your pictures that okay you can order a mobile tripod on amazon for the low. If you take a photo of someone else please don't just stand in front of them and start clicking away. If you shoot an upper-body shot (face to waist area) make sure you find the light that can bounce off the person's face while angling the phone. Sometimes I sit on the ground and aim the camera to the sky or I will angle the camera from the side view. If I take a photo directly in front of the person I may tilt the phone a little. Get comfortable with the camera and creative with your shots and you will see a difference. You can angle your phone on the tripod too but I prefer taking photos with my friends because I can verbally direct them.

POSES

Find one pose that you're comfortable with and master it before moving on to the next. When I first started shooting content I would always pose with my head tilted back. I don't know why but I felt comfortable and once I mastered that I started stepping out of my comfort zone. Here are some examples: Place one hand in your pocket and one on your head or Look away from the camera while giving expression. Get to know your body and the way it moves. Pinterest is my go-to when trying to find inspiration. Don't forget to show off your personality! This is where the confidence comes in work the camera like it's your runway.

All of the pictures in this post was shot with an IPhone 11 on portrait mode and I edit my photos on a preset created on the VSCO app. This gives my photos a cohesive feed look.

SHOP MY LOOK

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