2. Compositional tips<\/h2>\nUse the grid<\/h3>\n
One of the easiest ways to level up your photo skills is to take advantage of grid lines. Your smartphone has a setting that allows you to turn this feature on:<\/p>\n
The benefit of the grid is, it allows you to intuitively follow the rule of thirds<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n The rule is a compositional technique that involves dividing an image into thirds and positioning your subject within one of those areas.<\/p>\n Adding lines to your composition is a great way to lead the eye through the image, creating visual interest. Easy choices include things like train tracks, rivers, and roads.<\/p>\n As you can see, the photo below directs you to the people in the background. Because the lines converge, there\u2019s a bit more interest than if the composition were to just have one line leading to the people.<\/p>\n Framing means you\u2019re arranging your photo in a way that allows you to outline your subject with something in the environment. The frame helps to highlight your subject and draws the viewer into the image.<\/p>\n Negative spacer is a term that refers to the areas around the subject of an image. The empty space, like in the photo below, makes your subject stand out. Things like a wide, open sky, a large body of water, and so on, can elicit a powerful reaction for viewers.<\/p>\n Lighting is the main thing to consider when you\u2019re snapping shots for the gram or otherwise. While you can crop your way into a better composition, add filters, and special effects, you can\u2019t edit away a poorly lit photo.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to avoid low lighting and areas with super bright reflections. If you\u2019re shooting on a phone, you don\u2019t have the advantage of high ISO speeds, which allow cameras to take indoor photos without a flash.<\/p>\n Instead, take advantage of natural light. Smartphone photos that use flash don\u2019t always look so hot. Instead, they may negatively alter colors or wash out your subject. In the daytime\u2014indoor photos work best near a window, without any additional sources of artificial light, which can make your photos look yellow.<\/p>\n When shooting outdoors, the golden hour is your BFF.<\/p>\n The golden hour, or the period just before sunset or right after sunrise, is responsible for those dreamy, sun-kissed shots. During this time, the sun is closest to the horizon, and light must travel through more atmosphere<\/span><\/a>\u2014which softens the light. Thus creating a more flattering effect.<\/p>\n Okay, beyond things like nailing the lighting and composition from your phone, there\u2019s a trick to turning your social feeds into an influencer level curation.<\/p>\n Filters are kind of divisive in the realm of digital photography. Used correctly, they enhance an image and add some cool effects. If you\u2019re using your iPhone or Instagram\u2019s built-in filters, you\u2019re using the same preset options that millions of other people are using.<\/p>\n Lightroom rules because while it\u2019s a professional-grade tool, it\u2019s also super easy to understand. The app comes with a wide range of features from lighting adjustments to gradients, allowing you to tweak your photos into something truly amazing.<\/p>\n You can even create your own filters and apply them to your next round of pics for a more customized appearance.<\/p>\n VSCO is an easy-to-use app that many Instagrammers swear by. The app comes equipped with a selection of pre-set filters. You can use the built-in options, of course, but our recommendation is finding one you like and making custom tweaks. You can save your favorite filters, too. This way, you can use your favorite settings over and over again\u2014saving time and allowing you to create a cohesive look on social media.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, the VSCO community is a great source of inspiration for those just starting out.<\/p>\n![\"grid\"](\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/Rule-of-Thirds-300x241.png\")
<\/p>\nUse leading lines<\/h3>\n
![\"leading](\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/leading-lines-300x214.png\")
<\/p>\nFrame your subject<\/h3>\n
![\"frame](\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/framing-145x300.png\")
<\/p>\nTake advantage of negative space<\/h3>\n
3. Lighting stuff<\/h2>\n
4. Editing your pics<\/h2>\n
Filters<\/h3>\n
Lightroom<\/h3>\n
VSCO<\/h3>\n
![\"VSCO\"](\"https:\/\/images.sftcdn.net\/images\/t_optimized,f_auto\/p\/2ac58800-9b31-11e6-8609-00163ed833e7\/995468954\/vsco-cam-logo.png\"){kind=logo}
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