There’s nothing quite like a well-styled outfit to get those Insta likes rolling in. But what to do when you don’t have an actual photographer at hand to take your #OOTD? (that’s Outfit Of The Day, duh). It can be super awkward to try and get your entire look into a cool angle that’s going to fit on your grid all by yourself. Are we right?
Enter Rosie Butcher. This is one lady who nails the art of an #OOTD time and time again, creating a feed that is as stylish as it is cheery (follow her now for proof: @rosieannbutcher ). Read on for Rosie’s pro advice…
When did you start doing the Instagram #OOTD?
I downloaded the app when it first launched and used it in the same way as most people did at the start: posting pictures of friends, weekends, parties… I’m a very visual person so I was excited to share my personal pictures and photography work. Slowly, I started to post more behind the scenes images and shots of what I was wearing so the account grew very naturally.
How does your photography background help your #OOTD?
I do have an eye for a good photo or background, I guess, and I know how I want my pictures to look, which has helped build up a certain aesthetic. I take self portraits at home (I haven’t dared do this out in the street yet!) so it’s usually my boyfriend or a friend who takes my outfit pictures when out and about.
I’ll line up the picture so it’s in the angle I want, then all they have to do is click. As a photographer myself, it can be frustrating at times as I have such a clear idea of what I want the photos to look like. It can be hard to get the right movement and angles when I’m not behind the camera.
What’s your advice for building a following?
It hasn’t been a conscious process necessarily. I’ll post a picture of my outfit almost every day and enjoy chatting to people in the comments. What I love most about Instagram is that you can chat to like-minded people from all over the world. So staying engaged with the online community has helped.
Tell us your tips for an Insta-worthy #OOTD shot…
It’s all about the lighting. You can either go very dramatic and play with light and shadows or try and make the light as soft as possible. My favourite lighting is in the shade on a sunny day or inside facing a window.
How do you nail that #OOTD pose?
With many attempts! I like candid looking snaps, although this is something I’m still working on. The best tip is for your photographer to click the shutter as fast as possible and while they do that, stay in action with small movements. There is always at least one in there that’s useable! When it comes to an OOTD, always choose an outfit that you feel super confident in and that will radiate through the screen.
“The best tip is for your photographer to click the shutter as fast as possible and while they do that, stay in action with small movements.”
What do you look for in terms of a backdrop for your #OOTD?
I always take note of the colours of my outfit to match the colours of the background. I’ll look for a fairly neutral background with an interesting element, whether it’s a nice stone wall, brick work, a door, or a railing. I won’t stand too close to it so as it’s not too distracting. I’ll then walk towards the camera at a bit of an angle to give the image some dimension. It’s also a good idea for the background to give a good representation of the city or place you’re in.
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How do you edit your photos?
I love to edit all my Instagram snaps on my phone using the Lightroom app. It makes it feel like a hobby as opposed to working on the images in a desktop program that I use for my professional photography work. I don’t do much to them except for tweak the exposure and contrast. VSCO is also handy for adding a colour grade if I’m feeling fancy.
What Insta brands should we know about?
My current favourites are…@sisterhoodthe, @sezane, @arketofficial, @freepeopleuk, and @leonandharper.
Any advice for avoiding being an Insta cliché?
I’m going to come at you with a cliché quote now! But just be unapologetically you. Don’t do or wear or post things just because you think it’s what other people want to see. We are all individuals and it’s important to show your own personality. I recommend using Instagram as a place to build a like-minded community rather then just strive for the likes.
“We are all individuals and it’s important to show your own personality.”
Do Instagram Insights inform your content?
Oooh yes, I love analytics! I find it fascinating to know that 93% of my following are women and a similar age to myself. I also check how many people click through to my website. It’s really important to me that people want to keep clicking through to it as Instagram helps with furthering my business.
So how does IG help your career?
Instagram has allowed me to build a stepping stone to my website, which is home to my photography portfolio and my blog. It means I can showcase my portfolio and give people an insight to my personality and what it would be like to work with me. It is a fabulous marketing tool that doesn’t feel like work and lets me reach more potential clients from all over the world.
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Do you plan your #OOTD content in advance?
I do – I use the Planoly app just before I post to check the image goes with my feed or that it’s not too similar to the previous image I posted. I also don’t want to have two still life images on top of each other in the grid. A visually pleasing profile can make all the difference.
I also have a work profile (@rosiebutcherphoto) where I only post my very best work. It has a stronger theme so that as soon as people see those first nine squares, they get an instant feel of my photography style. It’s the best shop window to your work.
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How should brands work with influencers?
I hope brands can see the content creators they work with as a filter. The influencer will have a concentrated audience who trusts and listens to their opinions so it has to be an authentic match. I get a lot of emails from brands who clearly haven’t looked at my profile or what I’m about so sadly I have to say no because I know my community wouldn’t be interested and it would be a waste of time for all of us. It is so important to only work with brands who you really love or believe in. And in the same way, brands should only work with influencers they really love, too.
“It is so important to only work with brands who you really love or believe in.”
Finally, how do you use IG as a positive platform?
On the whole, I find Instagram to be a really positive place, especially compared to some of the other less visuals social media platforms. I’m sure to follow people who inspire me, whose stories I like to hear and whose work I admire, accounts who make me laugh and brands I want to support. Don’t follow people who don’t make you feel good, encourage the positivity in people and take heed of the old saying: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all.”
