How To Achieve The Perfect Instagram Feed

My most asked question recently is how to make your Instagram profile look good, so I thought I might do a little blog post showing you how I create my Instagram feed themes.

One of the most important things to consider when creating a cohesive Instagram feed is to have a consistent color scheme and aesthetic that aligns with your brand image.

This is crucial for building a solid brand image and identity on social media.

This can be achieved by using editing apps and planning tools available on social media.

Keeping the overall theme in mind while using these tools can help create a cohesive and visually appealing social media presence with a consistent overall theme.

There are eight steps I go through to curate my Instagram feeds that I will explain so you can also do it and achieve your goals.

These steps are:

1. Research the theme
2. Plan your shots
3. Shooting time 
4. Photo selection 
5. Editing (with Flourish Presets) 
6. Plan the feed order ahead
7. Check the Quality
8. Post 

STEP 1. RESEARCH YOUR FOLLOWERS AND PROPOSED LAYOUT

I don't take shots and randomly post them; I plan my feed.

This step, for me, is the most crucial; this is the step where I look for inspiration and what I feel like creating for my upcoming feed.

For the last tip, I always try to think outside the box and create something unique and eye-catching.

What atmosphere am I looking for? This step will give me Instagram feed ideas, and it doesn't take much time.

This is how I do it :

• I get an idea of the look I want to create: what type of colors? / What atmosphere do I wish to create
• I research places/looks/inspirations on Instagram / Pinterest and save them in mood boards. I collect as many images which fit with what I have in mind with the goal I want to create until I feel satisfied with the quantity.
• I analyzed the photos on the mood board with all the atmosphere which inspired me and looked for the component of the inspiration: is it close-up photos, are there props (flowers, hats, objects), is it taken at a specific time of the year? What I am looking for there is the similarities in all these photos. They have guidelines in the joint because I put them together. But I need to find what it is to reproduce it.
• Where do I find this around me? Do I need to take a trip to this place? I look around in my environment and try to find the components of my upcoming feed. That can be a specific color of a wall, a coffee shop, a particular monument, etc...
• I save the locations in google maps per list with the specific area of what I found is worth shooting as I don't want to waste time when it will be time to hit.

I know that I am done with this step when I achieve the stage where I have one main idea and concept that I can identify and reproduce, improving the look of your feed. It can be simple.

For example, let me show you the concept I had for some of my feeds  

STEP 2. PLAN YOUR SHOTS

I PLAN A SHOT LIST (CHECK PINTEREST/FACEBOOK)

I plan the shots I will do and organize myself to shoot during the days I allow for shooting time.

I make sure to ton down the lighting to achieve the desired effect.

I will gather around the different ways close to each other and plan an itinerary to shoot these places in a specific order.

I also consider if the place is super busy at certain hours.

Is the light great at the best time of the day? Is the place always open?

I research and plan with it.

I PAY ATTENTION TO SHOOTING HOURS

I will shoot during daylight if I want a bright hue look on my feed.

 

If I want something more warm and moody, I might shoot at the golden hour or sunset with bright colors.

I PLAN WHAT OUTFITS I WILL WEAR AHEAD

I will look in my wardrobe and dig for the clothing I will use for the shots referring to my moldboard.

I then buy any other clothing I need to fit perfectly the mood I want to create or props and accessories.

As a small business owner, it's essential to create a unique and memorable experience for customers, and attention to detail can make all the difference in the success of your small business.

Having incoherent colors or clothing styles can throw off a photo.

Adding a pop of color can help tie the image together and make it more visually appealing.

I usually stick to basic outfits I can keep reusing for other themes. 

I then match the outfits I want to wear with the locations, mixing 2-5 companies with different places to create a unique style.

I can always rely on my trusty denim jacket to complete any outfit if I ever need an easy fix.

Remember, you don't need a different outfit for all the places you go.

My result on this step is clear shooting ideas with locations and props I will need.

The easiest way to achieve this is by creating a detailed shot list and storyboard, which will help you visualize the final product and ensure you have all the necessary elements for an easy fix.

STEP 3. SHOOTING TIME!

This step is now more accessible with my previous work; I only need to follow the list. 

• I try to vary as much as possible the kind of photos, portrait / entire body length / upper body/details / close up /landscape when I shoot somewhere.
• I try to vary my posing and try different angles.
• I can change outfits on the spot to create a different shooting moment and repeat step 1 with varying angles of the place.

I am done shooting when I have checked the shot list with various pausing and angles.

STEP 4. SELECTION

• I look over the best shots and only keep a few to edit; otherwise, it will be overwhelming. I try to keep 2-3 photos of a place I shot or more if I have close-ups or landscape shots.
• I make a first selection to narrow down my photos, and then in the end, I try to keep several images of a multiple of 3, as the Instagram feed line contains three photos. I select at least nine pictures to create a 3 x 3 grid feed. It is my minimum. If I don't have nine shots, I will keep on shooting to add more, or I will keep these photos to transition with another future mood board.

I end up with a selection of photos that are ready to be processed for editing in a reasonable amount (enough pictures and not too many)

STEP 5. EDITING TIME WITH FLOURISH PRESETS! / PHOTOSHOP

I use Lightroom Classic desktop as we shoot with a professional camera, but this step can be done in the free Lightroom app.

The interface is simply more condensed and less easy to work with, but you can organize it quite easily to simplify the process by rating your photos and using drag and drop to filter them to keep your selection.

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CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PRESET THAT WILL FIT THE EXISTING COLORS IN MY PHOTOS

I cannot completely change the colors of a photo and do miracles with a simple preset.

This is why we did all the steps above before editing.

The presets are here to keep a consistent and professional look on your photos to unite and unify them as a themed feed: this is the secret to having a good Instagram theme with a cohesive and visually appealing Instagram grid layout.

If I wanted to create a light feed that is bright and airy, a great way to achieve this is to find in my shot list places with white tones - white outfits - minimal looking shots.

And I will choose editing that will sublimate my shots and keep the white tones harmonious.

I could not turn a shot with a black wall behind me white.

So one of the secrets to keeping a consistent feed is to shoot places with the colors you want to create in your feed and find an editor to boost the colors in your photos.

EDIT WITH YOUR AESTHETIC

• I edited my first photo and created a preset to get a similar look on all my photos. I tend to use1 one to 3 different presets, which will adapt best to my upcoming feed. I then adjust the preset on each image if it needs to be lighter / more colorful / cooler-warmer.
• I go back and forth on the library display of Lightroom and then select the one which stands out weirdly to adjust more.
• The use of the preset will be the ultimate unifying tool. You can take your photos in the same spot and have a different color palette because the light and your position keep changing.
• This is when the preset comes in handy because it gives you the same editing base, and you can work on it on each photo to adapt it perfectly.
• I might be biased, but I think here at Flourish Presets that we have the best darn presets to help you perfectly achieve any look with the luxury of professional edits in a few clicks!  

I know I am done with this step when all my photos look like they align with the same color and atmosphere.

STEP 6. PLAN THE FEED ORDER

 I USE AN APP TO CLASSIFY MY FEED

I use the free Preview app to plan my feed with my edited photos.

You have other apps that do it; I am used to this one.

These Instagram feed apps allow you to have an idea of your future feed to organize the posting order of your shots.

It's super simple to upload the photos in the app, and then you have to play around to put them in an aesthetic order.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE IT LOOK NICE

• I try to create a diagonal structure where strong or lighter colors follow up in a diagonal.
• I avoid putting the same outfit next to or on top of each other in the feed and vary the businesses by spacing up.
• I vary the places and shot.
• I vary the pausing and alternate close-ups / full body shots/details / upper body/portraits. Try mixing it up to see what your audience responds to best.
• If I realize some shots are a bit off and don't fit, I eliminate them
• I try to keep the feed as a multiple of 3 to have a nice block 

STEP 7. I DO A QUALITY REVIEW

I review my photos in the Preview app

• I look over my photos in my complete grid in the app and will pick the images that don't seem to fit.
• Too dark?
• Too saturated compared to the other photos?
• Not enough contrast? Does the photo look flat?
• I edited it again in Lightroom, adjusted it until it matched the rest of the feed perfectly, and replaced the previous edit with this new version.
• Again there are hundreds of presets here at Flourish Presets, and we guarantee to have one that fits your mood, aesthetic, or vibes perfectly.
• I keep doing this until the grid is perfect.

STEP 8. POST!

• Enjoy the benefits of increased engagement and a gorgeous-looking feed!
• Pro-Tip: Be sure to respond to every comment to keep engagement high!

Creating a visually appealing Instagram feed

A visually appealing Instagram feed has become increasingly important in today's digital age.

With millions of users scrolling through the app daily, capturing their attention and standing out from the crowd is crucial.

A well-curated feed enhances your brand, attracts more followers, and increases engagement.

One of the critical aspects to consider when creating a perfect Instagram feed is the arrangement of photos.

Consistency in theme and aesthetic

Consistency in theme and aesthetics is vital to creating a perfect Instagram feed.

A cohesive look makes your feed visually appealing and helps establish your brand.

Choose a theme that aligns with your style and interests, whether minimalistic, colorful, or rustic.

Stick to a color palette that complements your chosen theme, and use it consistently in your photos.

This will create a harmonious visual experience for your followers when they visit your profile.

Additionally, please pay attention to the composition of each photo and how they fit together on your grid.

Choosing a color palette for your grid/reels

Choosing the right color palette for your Instagram feed is crucial in creating a visually appealing and cohesive aesthetic.

Start by considering the mood and vibe you want to convey through your feed.

Do you want it to be vibrant, bold, or soft and pastel? Once you sense the desired atmosphere, please select a color scheme that aligns with it.

To create a harmonious look, choose colors that complement each other. Look for shades that are within the same family or have similar undertones.

This will ensure that your photos blend seamlessly together on your grid.

Lightroom Codes, Lightroom Color Correction Presets, Lightroom Color Grading Presets & Beyond

Lightroom Codes, Lightroom Color Correction Presets, and Lightroom Color Grading are powerful tools that can elevate the aesthetic of your Instagram feed.

With Lightroom Codes, you can easily apply specific settings to your photos, ensuring color correction and overall look consistency.

Utilizing pre-made Lightroom Color Correction Presets saves time and adds a professional touch to your images.

Additionally, Lightroom Color Grading allows you to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your photos by adjusting tones and hues.

By incorporating these techniques into your editing process, you can create a visually stunning Instagram feed that captivates the hearts of your audience.

 

The Best Lightroom Desktop Presets

Moody Lightroom Desktop Presets

Boho Cream Lightroom Desktop Presets

Bright & Airy Lightroom Desktop Presets

Insta Mom Lightroom Desktop Presets

FAQs

What are the elements of a perfect Instagram feed?

The elements of a perfect Instagram feed include consistent color schemes, cohesive composition, high-quality images, engaging captions, and a clear theme or aesthetic. Curating content that reflects your brand or personal style and resonates with your target audience is important.

Conclusion

To create the perfect Instagram feed, focus on two key elements: color palette and composition.

Choose a theme - colorful or rustic - and stick to a complementary color palette throughout your photos.

This will create a harmonious visual experience for your followers.

Pay attention to the composition of each photo and how they fit together on your grid.

Use presets or filters to maintain a consistent look.

Additionally, ensure high-quality photos, engaging captions, strategic use of hashtags, and a consistent posting schedule.

With these elements, you can create an aesthetically pleasing and engaging Instagram feed that attracts and retains followers.

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