15 Tips on How to Take a Great Instagram Outfit Photo

Taking a great outfit photo for Instagram with your smartphone, in my case iPhone, is the most frequently asked question I get. There are many round-ups on how to take a great Instagram photo online, I think I’ve read most of them. ONE thing I noticed missing from those posts is my #1 tip below.

The first half of this list are technical tips because that will set you up for quality images. The second half of my list is how to capture the best angles for your body and outfit.

For more photo/video creating tips plus the best apps to use CLICK HERE.

CLEAN YOUR LENS

You won’t believe how smudgy your phone gets from handling it all day long. You always want the highest quality photo and that starts with a clean lens. Clean the lens on your smartphone/iPhone, front (selfies) and back, with a sunglass/eyeglass cloth cleaner.

SKIP THE ZOOM

Why? Because the resolution breaks down when you zoom on a smartphone/iPhone, meaning the photo will not be as sharp and will pixelate. Just get closer to your subject or ask your photo taker to get closer to you. Remember, you ALWAYS want the sharpest image possible.

LIGHTING IS KEY

If you can’t find good lighting then either find another spot or skip taking a photo. I know that sounds harsh but seriously, if want quality photos that grab attention on Instagram then you don’t want to post photos that are grainy, dark or use the flash which always leads to unexpected demon eyes and other photo blips.

THE BEST TIME OF DAY

If you plan on shooting outside the best time is either very early morning as sun is rising or during the later afternoon when the sun is starting to set. This rule applies for shooting indoors. Shoot near a window where the sun in shining through.

I’ve shot at all times of the day and night to test out lighting. Unless you have a professional photographer or know how to edit in Lightroom then it’s best to shoot early morning or late afternoon.

USE DEFAULT SETTINGS

Don’t custom set your phone camera, keep the default settings. You can always use a photo app to customize your photos after. Why? Because you want to get maximum quality out of your phone camera and any technical tweaks you do will lead to less clarity and sharpness.

FULL BODY PHOTOS

For head-to-toe outfit photo, have the person taking your picture hold the camera lower. They should hold the camera phone around their stomach area. Ask them to slightly, and I mean slightly, tilt the camera phone up at an angle. This will make your body look taller and leaner.

EXPOSURE TRICK

If the image in your screen appears to be dark, have the person taking your photo press on the darkest area of the screen to brighten up the exposure (for iPhone users). If nothing changes then move to a different spot that has better lighting. Be aware of too many shadows on your face.

If you have photos that are slightly underexposed (dark) you can brighten them up by using Lightroom mobile app or Snapseed app.

CONTINUOUS OR BURST PHOTOS

Most camera phones have continuous shooting if you hold down the button and don’t let go. This can capture your movements, like walking.

WALKING PHOTOS

If you plan to take walking or running images, don’t walk/run. fast. Step forward slowly a few times and do it over again. Have your photo taker use continuous or burst to capture movement.

BEST BODY ANGLE

A slight 3/4 turn of you body is usually most flattering in full body images. Meaning somewhere between front to full side profile turn while standing in front of the camera phone. Practice in front of a mirror, to see what angles are your most flattering, then use those when taking photos.

SITTING PRETTY

Sitting down photos are best when the photo is taken from holding the camera up higher and pointing down. Not too high because that will make you look like you have a big head and little body. Not good.

UP CLOSE

Detail shots of your outfit should be taken with the camera phone as close as possible.

BEST FACE POSES

Face poses that work well – looking straight into the lens with a smile (teeth or no teeth), looking over the photo takers left or right shoulder for a candid type shot, and looking down at your feet but don’t tilt your head down completely, just a slight head tilt with eyes closed.

THE UPPER HALF

Upper body shots are best when taken with the camera phone pointing straight towards you, no angling. But you can give the camera phone a slight tilt to the right or left to give your photo more interest. See below left and right photos with tilt. The middle photo is straight on.

SHOEFIE

Shoe shots are best when you include some leg from below the knee. It’s also easier to get a good angle if you’re sitting on something and then cross your legs or prop them up on something, like a chair or table.

Here’s an article with tutorials on the 11 Best Photo and Video Apps to use for Instagram >> CLICK HERE to read more.

Editor in Chief
MVL

Maria Von Losch is the founder and EIC of The Savvy Life. She's also a Brand Coach and Mentor for entrepreneurs. She's obsessed with all things beauty, especially skincare. Her fave past time is exploring around town with her hubby. She's also a great cook and can whip up a healthyish and tasty meal in 30 minutes.

MVL

Editor-in-Chief

Maria Von Losch is the founder and EIC of The Savvy Life. She's also a Brand Coach and Mentor for entrepreneurs. She's obsessed with all things beauty, especially skincare. Her fave past time is exploring around town with her hubby. She's also a great cook and can whip up a healthyish and tasty meal in 30 minutes.

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