Raising your Instagram game is all about visuals, and the good news? You don’t need a fancy camera or Insta-husband to do it. The secret is all in the editing.
Long gone are the days of slapping on a Lark filter and hoping for the best. To make your pics stand out, it’s worth looking outside of Instagram and to the joys of photography apps.
Not an editing pro? No problem! We asked these top ’grammers to reveal their fave Instagram filters and insider tips and tricks…
#1 Colourtone
I alwaaays edit my photos before sharing. My absolute favourite editing app, which I recommend to everyone, is Colourtone. The range of filters available is fantastic. It was created by professional photographer Bonnie Cee and is full of premium presets so get experimenting. I love that you can create your own variations in order to get a result that’s bespoke to you. It’s also handy to use the Camera in-app so you can record videos or take photos with real time filters to see how the final results will look while on the go.
Use the camera in-app to record videos or take photos with real time filters” – @amberrosephoto
#2 Adobe Lightroom
Mastering even basic skills on Lightroom is so worth it to give your photos a more professional finish. My skills are self-taught and I’ve spent time developing five presets that I use as a base for all my photos, before making some tweaks depending on the specific shot. I occasionally Facetune if I want to desaturate or slightly edit the colours and clarity in specific areas, as I find it more user-friendly than Lightroom for selective edits. – @livblankson
#3 VSCO Cam
I like to edit Instagram pics I take on my phone using VSCO Cam — it’s entirely free and I love the minimalist and modern feel it gives my images. You can find loads of different vibes to suit your style because building a consistent Instagram aesthetic really does help. If I’m sharing images on my blog too, I edit on Photoshop using saved presets. It’s quick and always means I get the same feel to my photos. – @alice_tate
#4 A Color Story
I shoot using a mix of my Canon 6D and M50 as well as an iPhone XR. The Lightroom app is great for basic edits, especially if it’s a cloudy day or I need to selectively brighten part of the photo. I then inject a dose of colour using A Color Story. You can buy filter packs that have been designed by influencers (my faves are Pop and Candy Minimal) and it works on video, too. – @iamkristabel
