An “aesthetic” photo on Instagram refers to an image that’s not just visually pleasing, but also cohesive with a broader visual theme or style. These images often feature harmonious color palettes, thoughtful composition, and a consistent mood that resonates with viewers.
The impact of aesthetic editing on Instagram success cannot be overstated. According to a study by Hootsuite, posts with high aesthetic quality receive 38% more engagement on average compared to those without. Furthermore, accounts with a consistent aesthetic theme tend to grow their follower base 2.5 times faster than those without a coherent visual identity.
Take for instance the account of travel photographer @muradosmann, known for his “Follow Me To” series. His distinctive style and consistent editing have helped him amass over 4 million followers. Similarly, the minimalist food photography of @symmetrybreakfast has attracted over 740,000 followers, showcasing the power of a well-defined aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Photos
Before diving into editing, it’s crucial to start with high-quality images that align with your intended aesthetic. Consider the rule of thirds when composing your shots, placing key elements along the imaginary lines that divide your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in aesthetic photography. Soft, natural light often works best for creating a pleasing ambiance. The “golden hour” – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset – is particularly favored by photographers for its warm, flattering light.
When selecting subject matter, think about what resonates with your target audience and aligns with your personal brand. Travel scenes, artfully arranged food, fashion flat lays, and minimalist architecture are all popular choices on Instagram.
Essential Editing Tools
To create aesthetic photos, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s a comparison of some popular editing apps:
| App | Best For | Key Features | Price |
| Adobe Lightroom Mobile | Advanced editing | Powerful color grading, presets | Free with paid options |
| VSCO | Filters and presets | Film-like filters, social features | Free with paid options |
| Snapseed | Versatile editing | Selective adjustments, healing tool | Free |
| Canva | Graphic design elements | Templates, text overlays | Free with paid options |
For desktop editing, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom remain industry standards, offering unparalleled control over your images.
Basic Editing Techniques
Start your editing process with these fundamental adjustments:
- Crop and straighten your image to improve composition and remove distractions.
- Adjust exposure to ensure your image isn’t too dark or bright. A slight boost in brightness can often make an image more appealing on mobile screens.
- Fine-tune highlights and shadows to add depth. Lowering highlights and raising shadows can create a soft, balanced look popular in many Instagram aesthetics.
- Modify saturation and vibrance to enhance colors without making them appear unnatural.
- Adjust white balance to correct any color casts and set the overall mood of your image.
Color Correction and Grading
Color is perhaps the most crucial element in creating an aesthetic Instagram feed. Understanding color theory can help you create harmonious and visually pleasing images. Consider using a color wheel to find complementary or analogous color schemes that work well together.
Many successful Instagram accounts stick to a specific color palette. For instance, @theslowtraveler uses a muted, warm color scheme across her posts, creating a cohesive and instantly recognizable feed.
When using presets or filters, aim for consistency. You might create your own preset or use a purchased one, but apply it with care, adjusting the intensity to suit each individual image while maintaining overall cohesion.
Advanced Editing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques:
- Use selective adjustments to enhance specific areas of your image without affecting others.
- Remove distractions or blemishes using healing or clone tools.
- Add textures or overlays to create depth and interest. Websites like Unsplash offer free textures you can experiment with.
- Try double exposure effects by blending two images together. This can create a dreamy, artistic look.
- Use sharpening tools judiciously to enhance details without introducing noise.
Creating a Consistent Instagram Feed
Consistency is key to a successful aesthetic Instagram account. Plan your grid layout using apps like UNUM or Later, which allow you to visualize how your posts will look together before publishing.
Consider alternating between close-up and wide shots, or mixing content types (e.g., portraits, landscapes, and details) in a regular pattern. This creates visual interest while maintaining consistency.
Batch edit your photos to ensure a cohesive look across multiple posts. This not only saves time but also helps maintain a consistent style.
Optimizing Images for Instagram
Instagram recommends uploading custom images that are 1080 pixels wide. For optimal quality, edit your images at a larger size, then downsize them for upload. This helps retain sharpness and detail.
Consider the way your image will appear in different Instagram formats:
- Square (1:1 ratio): 1080×1080 pixels
- Portrait (4:5 ratio): 1080×1350 pixels
- Landscape (1.91:1 ratio): 1080×566 pixels
Use sharpening tools after resizing to ensure your image looks crisp on mobile devices.
Wrapping Up
Editing aesthetic pictures for Instagram is both an art and a science. It requires a keen eye for composition and color, technical skill with editing tools, and an understanding of your audience and personal brand.
Remember, the most successful Instagram aesthetics are those that feel authentic and consistent. Don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your own unique style. With practice and patience, you’ll be creating stunning, cohesive Instagram feeds that captivate your audience and express your creative vision.
Key Takeaways:
- Start with high-quality, well-composed photos
- Develop a consistent color palette and editing style
- Use appropriate tools and techniques for your desired aesthetic
- Plan your feed for overall visual cohesion
- Be mindful of the ethical implications of your editing choices
Happy editing!
