It’s time to face the facts: Teens are better than you at Instagram.
So how exactly do these baby millennials and gen Z kids get so good at taking pictures so fast? Well, read on if you want to know their secrets!
1. Their photos follow a theme
Notice how some Instagram feeds look cleaner and have a certain tasteful vibe? This is because the younger generation have aesthetics. They know there’s a trick to it: which is to not post randomly. They post unique pictures with a ‘bigger picture in mind’ that is, to set an atmosphere, when viewed individually or as a group.
How do they achieve this? Easy, they just choose and stick to a certain aesthetic or look. Think photos with a similar theme or filter.
Source: Instagram
For instance, the 16-year-old instagrammer below likes to run his pics through a VSCO filter, so they have a sense of continuity. It also looks polished and colourful, without being garish.
Another way for your Instagram to look polished is to follow a colour palette. Your feed will look infinitely more pleasing when the colours complement each other!
Source: cupcake_aisyah
2. They don’t do multiple collages
With instagram’s new feature, you don’t have to post collages anymore, and yet, some people still do.
Source: Instagram
So how do you know the limit for collages? Well, if viewers have to squint to see faces in the photos, then it’s time to stop lah. Plus, collages usually don’t blend well when you look at your feed as a whole. So stick to single images!
3. They use white spaces to ‘declutter’ their feed
Source: Instagram
Minimalism is key! Whenever your feed get a little busy (which usually happens after events and group hangouts), remember to give it a little ‘breathing room’ by adding shots with a lot of white space.
Source: 4rifdanial
Think of your feed as your home. If you have too many vibrant colours without neutrals, it will look too cluttered. So, space out your colourful shots for a cleaner, simpler feed.
4. Two words: good lighting
Want to take gorgeous pics and still use the hashtag #nofilter? Take your photography sessions outside! Improve your feed’s quality by making sure all your shots are well-lit.
Source: littlemisskhan
Good natural lighting will definitely give a professional flair to your #ootds!
Source: 4rifdanial
5. They don’t take themselves too seriously
Tired of all the ordinary poses? Attempt new, unconventional ones! Just make sure you’re careful! You wouldn’t want to break a bone for an Instagram picture right?
Source: lingbigyong
There’s no need to caption your posts too seriously as well, because we all love ourselves some quirky messages right? Also, feel free to express yourself! There is no shame with being different! In fact, it’s a plus point!
Source: Instagram
For you makeup addicts, instagram is the perfect platform for you to try out unique looks that’s a bit difficult to pull off in everyday life. Use your hobby to create #makeupoftheday selfies that would really stand out from the rest.
6. They use creativity to give their pics ‘epic‘ vibes
Feel like you’re never in wanderlust places to take epic shots? Who says so? The instagrammer below was in school when he found out that if he tilted his phone on the hill at a certain angle, he could get a really cool shot of himself and the otherwise, ordinary trees at his school.
Source: Instagram
So your next epic shot does not have to be while you’re on a vacation to Peru. Try observing your surroundings and experiment a little with angles and lighting. Your random trips to the park or the mamak stall could be a work of art, if you capture it at a right angle!
7. They go all out with their #ootds
Don’t have to be shy shy lah. The tag literally means Outfit of the Day’, so don’t be afraid to find gorgeous backgrounds to match your lovely outfit. Aesthetic backdrops really adds to the overall vibes of your look, so put in a little effort at finding the right places to take your #ootds.
Source: cupcake_aisyah
Also, don’t be afraid to strike those vogue poses you only see on magazines and TV. Quit worrying about what people would think and just have fun with it. If you got it, flaunt it, right?
8. They put effort in group shots to really show #squadgoals
Source: Instagram
Really, life is too short to just be taking ordinary pictures all the time. Up the ante by taking unique, fun photos that show who you truly are, both as an individual and a group!
Also read: 6 Malaysian Instagrammers That Will Give You Absolute Wanderlust for Malaysia
