Back in 2010 when Instagram first launched, most of the photos on the platform were taken with low-quality smartphones using the in-app camera. These days, those posts look unacceptably blurry and pixelated compared to the mix of high-quality amateur and professionally processed photos found on the site. Along with information about how to purchase affordable instagram likes and how to take good photos is one of the most frequently requested pieces of advice. This article will set people on the right path toward being better Instagram photographers.

Tip #1: Take Advantage of Natural Light

Lighting is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining whether a photograph will come out great or its subject will look washed out or too dark to capture any real attention. Taking advantage of natural light can require doing a little bit of homework.

For new indoor locations, it might mean figuring out when and where the sun shines through the windows. The early morning and sunset hours tend to cast a soft glow, while the afternoon sun tends to be too harsh, blowing out a photo’s white areas.

Content creators using their smartphones to take photos can make up for some lighting issues by just taking a few moments to experiment. Tap on different focus areas to see how it changes the light and shadows, adjust the brightness using the slider, and be patient.

Tip #2: Create Interest with Multiple Layers

While it’s true that a minimalistic look is in vogue in many circles, adding layers can still lend visual interest to any photo. Try mixing in a variety of textures, experimenting with where to place the subject, and focusing the viewer’s gaze on different areas of the photo. Smartphones often have a portrait mode available that makes it easier to create depth and choose whether to distinguish the focus point more actively by blurring the background.

Tip #3: Use Continuous Bursts

It’s common for people to snap one or two photos during an event, but professionals know that this isn’t the best way to go about capturing good photos of people or objects in motion. The way to do that is by using continuous bursts to capture many images in a short amount of time. That way, photographers can sort through the photos later to get rid of any that capture unusual expressions or poor lighting. With more than one opportunity to get the perfect shot, the end result is almost always more visually engaging.

Tip #4: Follow the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds refers to a well-known principle of composition that governs balancing images. It’s easy to implement. Just divide the image into a 3×3 grid, then align the subjects of the photo along those grid lines.

Some photos look best when the subject is fully centered. Others create extra visual interest with balanced asymmetry, placing the subject off-center and balancing it out with another object, usually in the background.

Tip #5: Break the Rules and Mix Up Angles

Take full advantage of the gridlines on smartphones and digital cameras. They make it easier not just to line up straight shots but also to create angles. It’s usually best to match up key photo elements in parallel with the gridlines to create cleaner sightlines, but don’t be afraid to experiment.

Try stepping back to examine the view from multiple angles and deliberately avoiding gridline parallels. When using this approach, though, remember that minor deviations will only be annoying. It takes a major deviation from the conventional gridlines to create visual interest.

Tip #6: Make Data-Driven Decisions

Serious content creators and social media marketers shouldn’t just be posting photos at random. They should be taking the time to make sure each photo reflects the brand and niche and trying to make data-driven decisions when it comes to subjects.

Don’t just think about content. It’s also important to look at things like whether there were any people in the frame, what kind of lighting the photographer used, whether the photos were symmetrical, and how people are engaging with the posts. Seek out patterns, then use those to inform Instagram photos.

Keep Trying Until It Works

As long as Instagram photographers are staying on brand, there’s little harm in branching out to see what works and what doesn’t. Try implementing the tips above and taking notes about how people respond. Just keep in mind that there are also other factors at play, such as when the photos are posted, who the creator’s target audience is and how they typically interact with content, and whether the creator is actively engaging with their followers.