This article will be especially relevant for those who sell clothes or accessories through Instagram. There are many ways to get a diverse grid, which is a big trend in 2021. Sometimes you won’t even need to organize photo shoots.
How you can amass images with people for your business profile:
- Ask your clients to share visuals. If you explore the accounts of large stores, you’ll notice people in almost every post, and they are mostly all different people. This trick works well for the aesthetics of the profile because the feed turns out to be varied and viewers will want to open each post.
The easiest way to amass images of people using your products is to collect them from customers who have bought something from you. User-generated content will be a social proof encouraging new visitors to try your goods.
- Use third-party content for the feed. In order to diversify the content in your profile, you can use not only photos taken by you but also someone else’s visuals that you can simply download from Instagram. For example, it can be fashion shows, vintage photography, archives, screenshots from movies and TV shows, etc. If you use such content, make sure you mention the source.
- Arrange photo shoots for Instagram. You can take pictures of yourself or invite models. Many people think that it is expensive and difficult, but in this article, you will find a simple guide that will allow you to achieve brilliant results with less effort.
Essentially, you don’t always need to look for professional and expensive models for shooting. By the way, many shops post images of one the same model for Instagram, and even for a website catalog it can look stylish.
Offer cooperation to influencers or novice models on barter terms. Some will be happy to work for just professional pictures for their portfolio.
Next, we will review in detail top ideas of poses and locations that are in trend. You can find such pics in the accounts of influencers. With the help of these insights you can easily make a mood board that will facilitate the whole process so the result will meet your expectations.
Instagrammable ideas for photos with people
Look at the image formats that are trendy now on IG. It will help you to get ideas and a clear understanding of the result you want.
Feed posts references:
NO-HEAD SHOT
You can easily do this in the mirror in your store, at home, in a dressing room, studio, etc. The most wonderful thing about this type of photo is that the model, or you, do not have to do makeup and hairstyling. Shots with no head but with a human figure will perfectly diversify the grid layout and show your products from the best angle.
MIRROR SELFIE
The simplest way to depict your items on a model is by getting shots in front of a mirror. If you sell hand-made clothes, use this way of showing your works.
SHOT FROM BEHIND
Simply change the angle and take a shot from the back. This way you will depict your items in a new and distinct way.
SQUATTING
Extremely easy and on-trend position for your feed that will help to depict shoes, anklets and legs.
DETAILS
There’s no need to show the whole scene with many details. Zoom in the image to show what is important. For example, this is a good way to demonstrate accessories in action on a human body.
SELFIE/PORTRAIT
People tend to react to selfies a lot, so we advise you to include some to your feed.
Unusual locations for Instagrammable photoshoots:
You don't always need to rent a photo studio or live in a gorgeous place – let the creativity flow from unexpected spots:
PHONE BOOTH
You can find a phone booth in almost every city. Try to experiment with this location, even if it doesn't seem aesthetic at first sight. The final shoot may be brilliant thanks to contrast.
USE PROJECTIONS
With the help of this device, you can reproduce any background for an image. It gives so much freedom and is very simple to achieve. You can rent it and just find a white wall.
ART GALLERY
If there’s even a small gallery in your city, check on it to get awesome photos for Instagram. Usually, galleries are occupied with good light and artworks will be an aesthetic background for your products.
LIBRARY OR BOOK SHOP
This location is also easy to find and it will create rhythmic composition thanks to shelves and books. Experiment with libraries and bookshops for your next photo shoot.
BATHROOM
Sometimes you don’t even need to leave your apartment to obtain an Instagrammable photo for a business account. Bathrooms, candles, and flowers may be photogenic. Also, you can play with water and foam.
Checklists before photoshoot
In 2021 a photoshoot for a business Instagram can be as simple as ABC.
Nevertheless, when you need to get prepared for a creative process with a team, certain instructions are vital. Here is our checklist before shooting people based on our experience:
- Moodboard and concept. You can explore the detailed guide on how to research before photoshoots and create mood boards. With a well-done mood board, you will be more confident in the final result. But it can be even better because the creative process is a box of surprises. Also, it will help you to present ideas to the team (photographer, make-up artist, models) and find props beforehand.
- Pick the location. Insta images can be taken at home in the mirror in the hall. But if you want more creative shots, research the locations beforehand. It can be a city park, a cafe, a rented studio, laundry, mall, etc. Just make sure you know where you want to go with the team before the photo shoot.
- Prepare the equipment & props. Charge your phone/camera, take an extra battery, rent what is missing if needed. Usually for photo shoots you may require a ring light/reflector/tripod/advanced camera. Explore photo rental services in your city; it’s much cheaper and simpler than buying all the stuff.
- Select models. If you are not taking images of yourself, it’s not a problem (with a tripod you can produce top-level photos). But when you need models, consider free options first. They can be:
- Amateur models that work to build a portfolio (you can ask them to cooperate for free or in exchange for your product).
- Your clients (these people are loyal to your brand and can take part for a discount, for example).
- Your friends (don’t be ashamed to ask people you know to take part in the project. Share your mood board on social media and some of your friends/followers may respond).
- Members of your team (why not ask a photogenic accountant to take part? It’s so flattering).
- Provide models with instructions. Pro models won’t need them. But if you aim to organize a low-cost photo shoot, ask your models to obey these rules – they guarantee minimum efforts while editing.
Model preparation checklist:
- Hair. Ask models to arrive with clean hair but not washed on the day of shooting. Freshly washed hair will be challenging to style.
- Nails. As a rule toes and fingernails must be without nail polish or with a neutral manicure/pedicure. Of course, it depends on the style of your shooting and the result you want. But imagine how messy nails may screw up the final results.
- Skin/Makeup. The skin should be clean, with no makeup or neutral makeup. If models should do the makeup on their own, provide examples and directions.
- Underwear. Ask them to bring at least black, white, and skin-colored (nude) if you will take photos of clothes. Also, they may need a strapless bra – bra-straps are an absolute no-go more often than not.
- Freshness. If you are planning to be in front of the camera, ensure you put your best face forward by getting a full night's rest and refraining from alcohol the night before. Be sure to drink enough water the night before and the day of.
- High-heeled shoes. If you don’t have shoes of all sizes, ask the model to bring their own.
- Go-to beauty supplies. If there’s no pro makeup artist on a shoot, ask models to bring a beauty bag with a daily foundation and other makeup products.
- Hair ties, bobby pins, and other hair accessories. A range of hair accessories ensures smooth pre-shoot prep and helps to create various looks.
- Be on time or earlier. Timing is crucial, especially if you rent a paid studio where other clients will come according to a schedule. It’s better to arrive 20-30 minutes earlier, if possible. Models will have more time to select outfits and complete hair & make-up if needed.
If you need to take commercial photos of your products for Instagram, explore the article How to sell products through Instagram: commercial product photography set up checklist.
