Instagram Boyfriend 101
Calling all Instagram boyfriends and wannabe Instagram boyfriends! This one’s for you.
Pandemic or not (prefer the latter, but here we are), sometimes you don’t have your trusty photographer to help you capture content and you must rely on someone else to snap Insta-worthy photos. The social media world has dubbed this individual the “Instagram Boyfriend”: this is your designated personal photog, whether it’s your significant other, roommate, parent, friend, or sibling. In the time of quarantine, it’s whoever you’re self-isolating with (if you’re alone, I have another post coming soon for you!). The problem? Your Instagram Boyfriend may not be the best behind the camera. So why not equip ‘em with an arsenal of tips to get you the best shot every time?
For all intents and purposes, we’ll refer to the person taking your photos as IGBF. Let’s dig in!
PULL INSPIRATION Before you shoot, source inspiration to show your IGBF. This will help them to understand the look you’re going for, whether it’s a certain pose, framing, or lighting you’re looking to achieve. When your IGBF can see your vision, it helps speed up the process a bit.
LIGHTING Source your location based on the available light. For the most even light, stand near a window if inside, or in open shade** if outside. (**Open shade is a shady area that is not covered by any sort of overhang directly blocking the sky, for example shade created by the side of a building) Generally speaking, the best time of day to shoot outside is the hour before the sun sets or the hour after the sun rises (often referred to as golden hour). When shooting inside, the subject should be facing the light source, aka the window, for the most even light. If the subject is in front of the window, they will be backlit which can make editing more challenging.
PREP You should have everything ready to go when you ask your IGBF to take your photo or video, from props to outfits to set-up. They’re doing you a favor, so you want to respect their time by getting the shot as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once your IGBF is inevitably bored/over it, their mood will affect you, which can visibly show in your face and body language, so it’s to both of your benefit to get ‘er done!
FRAMING Before asking your IGBF to start snapping pics, have them stand/sit/pose where you plan to so you can frame up the image. Next, take a sample photo to show them your vision for the photo. Ensure your IGBF knows how to get your shot in focus, whether that’s tapping your phone screen on the subject or in-camera on a DSLR. If there is anything specific you need in the shot, like a product label to face a certain way, make sure they know so that they can direct you.
ANGLES Encourage your IGBF to try out several different angles at the beginning to give you a variety. Shooting just above your subject at a slightly downward angle can make someone appear shorter/thinner, whereas shooting just below at a slight upward angle will elongate the legs. Try a few straight on at eye level as well. Once you review the initial photos, pick out which angles you like best, that way if you need them to take more they can focus on a few narrowed shots.
SLOW MOTION When posing, it helps to keep it moving making slight head movements, playing with your hair, or using a prop. However, keep in mind when shooting on a phone that the shutter speed is not that of a DSLR camera and your IGBF may not be adapting as quickly to your rapid movements, so you’ll want to make these movements a bit slower to ensure no blur (unless that’s what you’re going for #artsy). Your IGBF can hold down the shutter button (the circle you click to take a photo on a smartphone) to capture photos at a higher rate of speed.
PATIENCE! Your IGBF is likely not a professional photographer, so be patient with them as they get the hang of not only taking the photo but getting to know the angles you like. Good things take time, so don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t go perfectly the first few tries. You’ll learn what direction you need to give your IGBF and how to best work together as these tips become second nature to them.
I hope these tips help your aspiring IGBF become the best photog they can be! Have questions? Shoot me a DM on Instagram @paigebabilla.
Good luck, can’t wait to see what you create!