How to Take Instagrammable Photos of Your Home: A Guide

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram and admiring perfectly styled and shot interiors, you may have wondered how to make your own home photos look as polished. Creating “Instagrammable” home photos isn’t about having a picture-perfect space or expensive decor but rather about learning some styling tricks, mastering lighting, and honing your photography skills. Here’s a guide to help you transform your home into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece and snapshots that pop!

Declutter and Style Before You Shoot

The first step in creating an Instagrammable photo of your home is to style it. A well-styled space looks more polished and inviting, which translates beautifully on camera. Before you take out your phone or camera, take a few minutes to declutter. Even if you have a beautiful space, clutter can distract from your decor. Remove unnecessary items like remotes, chargers, or excess knick-knacks. Keep things minimal so that focal pieces can stand out. Arrange objects with purpose by placing items like books, plants, or decorative pieces in groups of three or five. Odd numbers tend to look more natural and aesthetically pleasing. For a cozy look, add layers with throw pillows, blankets, and rugs. This adds depth and interest to your photos.

Use natural elements like plants, branches, or flowers to bring life and colour to your scene. Fresh greenery is a small detail that can make a huge difference!

Understand Lighting Basics

Lighting is the single most important factor in photography, especially for interiors. Natural light is almost always preferable, as it gives your photos a soft, authentic look without harsh shadows. Morning or late afternoon lighting creates soft shadows that can give your photos a warm, inviting glow. Midday light is often too harsh for indoor photos. Turn off overhead lights, as indoor lights can create unwanted shadows and change the colour tone of your photos. Try turning off overhead lights and relying on natural light from windows instead. If you have strong sunlight streaming in, sheer curtains can diffuse it, creating a softer and more flattering light for your photos.

If you’re shooting at night or in low-light conditions, use a soft, adjustable lamp and avoid direct flash as it can make the room look flat or harsh.

Choose the Right Angles and Perspectives

Angles can make or break a photo. Straight-on shots are great for capturing a balanced view of a room, while creative angles can add personality and interest. Shooting from a lower angle can create a cozy, inviting feel by emphasizing furniture and decor details. If you want to show more of the room, take a step back and try a slightly wider shot. A wide angle can make even a small space look more open and airy. Don’t limit yourself to just eye-level shots. Try taking photos from above to highlight a beautifully set dining table or an artful arrangement on a coffee table. Try not to tilt your camera too much when shooting. Keeping your phone or camera level to the room’s horizon will result in a cleaner, more professional look.

Frame Your Shot Thoughtfully

Composition is key to creating an engaging photo. Think of the frame as a canvas—what do you want to showcase, and where do you want the viewer’s eyes to focus? Imagine breaking down the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Placing your focal points (like a plant, piece of furniture, or artwork) along these lines or at their intersections creates a balanced and visually appealing composition. Look for natural lines within your home that draw the viewer’s eye toward a focal point. This could be anything from the lines of a rug to the structure of a staircase. Add depth to your photo by including elements in the foreground and background. For example, place a small plant or decorative object near the camera with the rest of the room in the background.

Edit with Subtlety and Purpose

Editing can enhance your photos but keep it subtle to maintain a natural look. Adjust brightness to make the room look airy, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much brightness can wash out details. Add a touch of contrast to make colours pop. Sharpening can add a crisp feel, while clarity gives the image depth and detail. But again, subtlety is key; too much can make the photo look artificial. Slightly increasing warmth can give your photos a cozy look. However, avoid making your photos overly saturated—this can make colours look unrealistic. Popular apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and VSCO have easy-to-use tools to adjust lighting, colour, and contrast.

Showcase Details

Don’t feel like every shot has to show an entire room. Sometimes, close-up shots of specific decor details—like a beautiful vase, a stack of books, or a textured throw—can create an intimate, inviting feel. Highlight unique elements like the grain of a wooden table, the soft texture of a rug, or the pattern on your pillows. Texture adds dimension and draws people in. A series of detail shots that fit a theme—like greenery in different parts of the home, cozy nooks, or your favourite artwork—creates a cohesive story on your Instagram feed.

Use Props Wisely

Adding props can enhance your photo, but too many can make it look busy. Stick with a few well-chosen items that add to the story of your space. Stack a few books with interesting covers to add colour and personality. For a lifestyle feel, place a coffee cup, a candle, or a cozy blanket in the frame. Greenery is an easy, natural way to bring life to your photos. A bouquet of fresh flowers or a few potted plants can add colour and vibrancy.

Find Inspiration and Be Creative

Browse Instagram or Pinterest to find inspiration for how others capture their homes. Look at details like composition, lighting, and styling in photos that stand out to you, and think about how you can apply those techniques in your own space. Experiment with different angles, compositions, and lighting setups until you find a style that resonates with you.

Creating Instagrammable photos of your home is all about practice and exploration. The more you experiment and refine your style, the better your photos will look. And remember, the goal is to capture your home in a way that feels authentic to you—imperfections and all!

We hope you have found our guide on how to take Instagrammable photos of your home useful. You’ll soon be taking instagrammable photos of your own home in no time!

Featured Image by Zandria Ross from Pixabay