How I Edit a Photo for Instagram
How I Edit a Photo For Instagram
I always get the question: HOW do you edit a photo for Instagram?
I don’t do much, and I do just about the exact same thing every time I do.  I always use  the VSCOCam app to edit my iPhone photos for Instagram. I’m a creature of habit and it just fits my aesthetic. So today, I am going to take you step by step while I edit a photo for Instagram that I posted a few weeks ago.
Here is the original photo, straight out of my iPhone:
It was raining outside and I was moody. I wanted this photo to be moody, but still be me, and that directed me when I edited the photo.
The first thing I did was bring the photo into the VSCOCam app and apply my favorite go-to filter F2:
Moodiness achieved!
Now for a few tweaks: I almost always tweak the exact same way each time I edit a photo
+1 exposure
+1 contrast
+1 sharpen
This time, I messed with the highlights just a bit, to take the glare off of my face and to tone down the white of my shirt and the blinds so that the highlights are not blown.
And with that I was done!
The key to building a cohesive or uniform looking Instagram feed is to always edit all of your photos the same way. That’s not to say you have to do the exact same thing every time, because due to the nature of photos, you can’t always do that. But the key is to do similar things like:
- use the same 2 or 3 filters
- follow the same steps every time
- in other words: develop a editing routine
If you want to learn more about Instagram, developing your unique look for Instagram and growing your Instagram community, don’t forget to sign up for my FREE Instagram class!
It’s only going to be available until the end of the year. It will come back, but it won’t be FREE! Check it out! And be sure to follow me on Instagram @lashawnwiltz
Is the VSOCam an app? Thanks for the tip. I like the same filter too, but I usually use the IG filter.
yes, VSCOCam is an app. It’s Free!
Thanks for sharing. Your pics are awesome.
I like that you’ve narrowed your editing down to a few steps. I’m still working on developing a cohesive look… There are times when I like dark and moody and times when I’m all happy happy joy joy. I did sign up for your class though!
Why thank you!
I love seeing how other people edit their photos! Your steps are fantastic and I definitely like the idea of always using the same filters to develop a cohesiveness in my feed. Great tips!
Thank you! Thanks for stopping by!
I love that VSCO cam you know it. I usually upload a pic or two from my big boy on my phone and then edit with vsco cam. F2 is my favorite and I have another one too that’s good I can’t think of it.
These are really great tips. I always use Instagram and I don’t have much knowledge on how to edit my photos. I would surely try your tips next time I post a new picture. 🙂
I’m a huge fan of VSCO too! It takes better pictures than the iphone native camera app too. I’d be lost without it.
I’ve never heard of this app but I love it! What a drastic difference it made to your image! I need to go look it up since I want to improve my Instagram pics! Love all the filter option they have.
It looks very much like a film photograph too when using those filters! I love ti!
I need a smartphone app to edit my photos for instagram. My phone is a Samsung, which has a different operating system (Android) than the iPhone. I am going to see what they have in comparison to this app you’re using.
I use a Samsung and use VSCO as well. You can share right to Instagram from it.
I usually edit my photos by how I feel at the moment and what looks good. I really never thought to have a similar editing process to keep things looking like they belong together. That’s such a great idea and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it, lol. Thanks for the tips!
I use several different photo editors between my phone, tablet, and laptop, but I do love the built in features of Instagram – they offer some nice filters 🙂 Thank you for some of these awesome tips on editing, we greatly appreciate it! 🙂
Thanks for giving us a quick lesson on photo editing. I love how you made it so your picture told a deeper story. I felt the moodiness in the after photo. I think all photos should be able to tell a story through some form of editing. Many people edit or use filters to change their appearance but I think it should be used as an expression piece. Thank you for sharing awesome knowledge I will use it in the future.
I love Instagram but it has been a BEAR for me! These are great tips and i’m signing up for your class.!
yay!!
I have a few apps I like to use but I don’t think I have Vsco cam yet. I should check it out because your pics are bomb!
I was just thinking about downloading the VSCO cam app again. I feel like this post is a sign that I definitely should. 🙂