📷 How I Edit Photos for Instagram
by The Everyday Edit
Editing Instagram photos is more than filters—it's about bringing your mood, aesthetic, and story to life. Whether I’m capturing a cozy flat lay or a sunny afternoon outfit, I follow a simple editing process that keeps my feed cohesive and authentic. Here’s how I do it:
1. Start with Natural Light ☀️
Before editing even begins, lighting is key. I always shoot during golden hour or near a window with soft light. Natural lighting makes skin look fresh and colors pop, so you won’t need heavy filters later. If the light is too harsh, a sheer curtain does wonders.
2. Use Lightroom Mobile for Base Edits 🎛️
I use the free Lightroom Mobile app to adjust exposure, contrast, and color tones. I usually brighten slightly, drop highlights, and bump up the shadows to soften the image. Then I warm up the temperature for that creamy, inviting vibe.
3. Play with Presets for Consistency 🎨
Presets are lifesavers for building a cohesive feed. I’ve created a few of my own, but you can also buy great ones on Etsy. They give you a consistent aesthetic with just one click, especially if you shoot in the same lighting and location often.
4. Detail Polish with Retouching Tools ✨
Sometimes I use Retouch or Facetune to clean up a smudge or smooth out a wrinkle in the background—not to change my face! The goal is to enhance, not erase. I want my photos to be real, just a little more polished.
5. Final Touch in Instagram or VSCO 📱
Before I post, I might add a subtle sharpen or a final tweak in Instagram’s built-in editor or VSCO. This step helps unify the photo with others on my grid and lets me preview how it flows with everything else.
✨ Two Products I Swear By for Photo Quality:
Phone Tripod with Bluetooth Remote – For hands-free shots and better angles. Buy on Amazon
Portable LED Ring Light Clip – Adds flattering light when natural light isn’t enough. Buy on Amazon
