Tips For Improving Your Instagram Photos

I mentioned on Facebook this week that I have developed an obsession with Instagram. I love being able to share quick and easy sneak peeks into what's going on at JAA, without feeling the pressure of writing a blog post about it. Lately, I have been working on improving the quality of my Instagram feed and I thought I'd share what I take into consideration before hitting that little "share" button that sends my photos to your feed.

1. Throw in some photos from your "good camera" - I know it's extra work to send photos from your good camera to your photo to upload them to Instagram. And sure, the iPhone takes decent photos on it's own. But, in my opinion, the quality of the iPhone photo will never reach the quality of an actual camera (at least not anytime soon). I used to take iPhone photos of new products and post them on Instagram. Then I realized that I put so much time and effort into taking my product photos for my shop, why would I want to promote my products with an Instagram photo? The photos from my shop are so much better, brighter, sharper. 
2.  Avoid low light photos as much as possible - This is a rule for photography in general I think, but especially when it comes to iPhone photos. You know what I'm talking about, those dark images that pop up on your feed with a grainy, yellow cast over them? Not purty. I now try to wait until the next to take snap a shot of whatever I wanted to share the night before. If you can't avoid a night time shot, trying to include some pretty lights or candles.
3. Use editing apps - If you do find yourself in low light situations, there are editing apps that can really help the quality of a so-so image. I currently use Pic-Tap-Go on almost all of my photos, regardless if they are darkly lit or not. Getting used to the app can take some time but I really like the amount of options they have and it can improve the look of your photos greatly. I also occasionally use the PixFx app if I want to add effects to my photos.  
4. Lay off on the pet photos - First off, let me say I am completely guilty of this. I'm also probably completely guilty of clicking "Like" on all of your pet photos. But for me, personally, I am trying to chillax on how much Penny cuteness I share with the world. I feel like, in the past, my Penny photos have dominated my feed, and as much as I love her, that's not what I want my business Instagram profile to be so focused on. Of course, I will never have enough self control to completely stop sharing my floppy eared mutt via iPhone, but I'm taking baby steps to cut down the quantity a bit.
5. Instagram sales in moderation: I am all for using Instagram as an advertising tool (obviously). And yes, it's an easy way to try to quickly sell something. Maybe a few things. But if you want to use your Instagram profile to sell items regularly (I've seen it done daily) I suggest creating a separate profile. This is based on the fact that people can specifically follow your Instagram sales profile if they have an interest in buying your items. For me, when I see Instagramers start to sell items daily in my feed, it's like I'm receiving e-mails from a list I didn't subscribe to. If you're not into making a new account specifically for selling items, I still recommend selling in moderation so followers don't feel spammed.  
I would love to hear more tips you have to share! Do you have any rules you try to follow when posting on social media? Or do you have a "loose thumb?"  
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