Instagram is fun way to share photo moments with family and friends. It is a mobile app, where you snap a photo, transform it by adding a filter and share it.
Are you in Instagram? Is your dog in Instagram?
Sugar and I are on Instagram as @GoldenWoofs
When I created our account 3yrs ago (Instagram just started), Golden Woofs was a private account. As Instagram has gained popularity, I made Golden Woofs public. Also, Instagram hit big since purchased by Facebook.
Since I upgraded my iPhone, I became active in Instagram. In the process, I also learned some basic iPhone photography. I’m sharing what I learned …
7 Do’s of Instagram: Photo Edition
1) Use your phone camera and not Instagram.
2) Set your camera mode to square.
3) Use a photo editing app. My 3 favorites are Camera +, SnapSeed, and Fotor.
Camera + can be an overwhelming app but its great for focus and exposure purposes. It offers tons of cool effects/filters.
SnapSeed (which is own by Google) is my favorite photo editing as it provides a lot of options and adjustments. It makes a photo pop just using minimal photo tweaks.
Fotor is a simple easy app to use for beginners. It offers lots of photo effects.
4) Instagram is suppose to be “instant” sharing moments but you have an option to stamp your photo with your brand using Phonto or iWatermark apps
Phonto is a free simple app that allows you to add text or image (your brand/logo).
Paid app of iWatermark lets you save multiple photo/text/graphic watermark.
Watermarking images for Instagram is an extra step. It is an important step you may want to consider. It helps to protect your images/content, and promote your blog/brand and product marketing efforts. Once you have created a watermark especially on iWatermark it is a quick step.
5) Use additional Instagram filter for the final upload
My favorite Instagram filters are Valencia and Sierra which I often use especially if I share the photo in FB.
6) Wisely use hashtags!
You can use Instagram “Explore” tool to check active hashtags or check top-hashtags
If you forgot to add hashtags on your posted photo, you can easily add hashtags in the comment area.
When sharing it on FB/Twitter: remove and/or use only a few and appropriate hashtags.
To eliminate re-tying hashtags, save hashtags on your text app. Use the command select all and copy when you post your photo on Instagram.
7) Install emoji> app and use it when you like and comment on a photo.
I love taking daily photos of Sugar and Instagram has become an extension of our blog. I’m able to share candid fun moments from Sugar’s day. Being in Instagram, I’ve met many dog (Golden Retriever) lovers which lead to new blog readers and several brands have connected with us.
Give Instagram a try …
Next post will be about Do’s of Instagram: Video Edition
I will have to see if the Android store has any of those apps. I always wondered how people got those fancy pictures. The Instagram filters are cool but pretty limited.
Thank you Sugar! I have been looking for some photo apps to help with my IG. Was going to ask which one you used for your watermarks. Love your Instagram photos! I’ve grown a lot recently, but am still looking to grow even more with it. These tips are perfect.
We don’t even have a mobile phone.
XXXOOO Bella & Roxy
we have had it for a long time too but have never really used it…bit like twitter…we don’t use that much either
Thanks for some wonderful tips! I love Instagram, it’s my favourite social media site. I love looking at your pics, you’ve created such a great account 🙂
As a photographer wanna be, I love Instagram. And all those other apps you mentioned are awesome too. Your photos on Instagram are always so wonderful.
Morning sweet friend. Sit down for this news…the old gray mare still has a flip phone…but she is considering her options to upgrade. This is helpful
Hugs madi your bff
We don’t have an account or a decent mobile phone but we are sure they are some top tips Sugar. Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
I really appreciate this but how do you get your photo to appear on Instagram from your camera? I have an iphone and it doesn’t list Instagram as a “share” option.
forget it, I just answered my own question lol
Thank you for the great tips Sugar! I always enjoy seeing your smiling face on my Instagram stream! I need to learn those apps.
Thanks so much for all these tips. Using a watermark on my pictures is one thing I need to do and wasn’t how using a smart phone (should have known there was an app!). I will be checking out the apps you suggested to see if they are Andriod friendly. I love, love Snapseed. It has become my go-to photo editor even when using my digital camera. I can share the pictures from my Samsung Camera to my Samsung phone and use the editing features of Snapseed.
Thanks for the tips and various apps to use!
Thank you for these tips, my Mummy doesn’t have such a clever phone as yours but it would be lovely if the photos she takes of me were even more golden..BOL!
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the in instagram tips!! We just started using it a couple months ago but have not really explored it very much! So I am so glad you shared this post!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I could kiss you right now. I have been searching everywhere for a free app that will allow me to add my watermark/stamp to my images and found nothing. Thank you so much for this post! I’m so excited to be able to use my watermark again! 🙂
Also, forgot to mention, there is a free photo editing app called VSCO Cam that I absolutely love. Lots of editing possibilities available in that app. You should check it out, you might like it. 🙂
Golden Welcome 🙂 How SWEET! Golden Kisses from Sugar
Yes, I’ve have VSCO installed too … its great for scenery. Yes, lots of great photo editing apps. ,pawsome DSLR alternative. Golden Woofs
We don’t have an Instagram account yet but we have been pondering it!
We LOVE Instagram and your photos/the way you use Instagram for photos and videos Sugar!
Thanks so much for this Sugar. We just started getting more active on Instagram, so these tips will be helpful!
You are too funny Sugar
Lily & Edward
Thanks so much for the great advice Sugar! I’ve downloaded all the free apps. We wondered how you did all of those hashtags now we know so we’ll start trying that too. Now, if IG would just help me pose for photos! Love Dolly
We have instagram since November and use it from time to time, but we aren’ big fans of doing things on our phone. We think maybe now with warmer weather we will use it bit more, but it is still more fun using the laptop. You guys do really well with the phone.
Pawsome tips Sugar thank you so much for doing this. I have a instagram acct and am starting to use it more.
Now that I’m a new user on Instagram I have a lot to learn. Luckily my blog-and-Instagram-using daughter is visiting this week and task #1 will be watermarking photos…
Great tips, thanks Sugar! Checking out those other apps now!
Those are great tips. I wish they had a way to up load photos from my PC to Instagram. I don’t always have my phone handy.
Oh my. I’m lucky I upload a photo, never mind all those extra steps! LOL
Thanks for this post and sharing these tips. I haven’t gotten into Instagram but see it’s value and potential. I just feel like I don’t have time to add another social network but I guess I should play with it.
Thanks so much for these tips. I just joined Instagram a few weeks ago and am loving it so far. I take photos of the animals basically every day and it’s nice that they are no longer just trapped in my phone!
I am definitely going to try out some of the watermarking apps you suggested as well!
Thank you Sugar’s Mom for all of the great tips! We are joining Instagram in the next couple of weeks and this gives us a head start.