How influencers manage to take that perfect spontaneous photo
When you open Instagram, it’s always the same photos that catch your attention: the spontaneous photos. You know, someone who seems totally in her own world, doesn’t realize there’s a camera pointed at her and still looks effortlessly beautiful. As you scroll through my friend’s camera roll you’ll see plenty of those kinds of candids. Only one important detail is usually missing: the beautiful part. I always manage to have one eye closed, my arm in a weird angle, or a strand of hair in my mouth. A successful candid just needs a little direction, and that’s nothing your favorite influencers don’t already do. This is how you and your photographer can create the perfect “accidental” photo by being just a little unspontaneous.
For the one behind the camera
Let’s start with the photographer. Because nine times out of ten, it’s just an untrained boyfriend who would rather be doing anything else than taking photos. The most important thing to impress upon him: better too many photos than too few. Nothing is as painful as posing in public for minutes, feeling like everyone is staring at you, only to see just six photos in return.
Another rule: don’t zoom in. Anything that falls outside the frame you’ll never get back, while you can always crop later. Better too much background than too little, and to help your photographer with that, you can attach training wheels. At least that’s what I call the grid function on your phone camera. According to the rule of thirds, you usually want to place yourself on one of the vertical lines instead of right in the middle. And for the perfectly balanced shot, you also want to stand in the bottom two boxes with plenty of space above your head.
Is every photo ruined by the glare of the sun? Then it’s time for a simple but life-changing trick: have your photographer create a sort of “cap” over the lens with his free hand to create shade. This way, you won’t be bothered by that impossibly bright sunlight in a second.
For the one being photographed
And then the most exciting part: posing as if you’re not posing. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make it look like you are. One of them is to keep moving continuously, because standing still and posing gives off family group photo vibes. If you have no idea what to do with your hands: pretend you’re busy with something. Look for something in your bag, just put on your sunglasses, tie your hair back, take a sip of your coffee (or wine). Even just reaching for your glass while laughing can be enough. Your clothing can also join in on the acting. Straighten your blazer, pretend you’re adjusting your heel, or play with your sleeve. This way, you make your photo so much less awkward in a second. Walking also always works well, because movement automatically looks natural. Once you’ve mastered the art of moving, for example, sit on a step, a curb, or the edge of a bench. Lean against a wall or a lamppost as if you’re waiting for someone who is tying their shoelaces.
And if after all these tips it still looks off? Position your photographer exactly where you want him and take a test shot first. Then the photographer will immediately see what you have in mind and you’ll have your dream Instagram feed in no time.
