How To Take The Perfect Instagram #OOTD

There's nothing better than styling an outfit that makes you feel great and confident. So, why wouldn't you want to share it with your internet friends? Capturing that Instagram worthy #OOTD shot can be challenging at first, but here are some tips so that you capture that perfect pic every time.

First off, you should know what you want to highlight in your picture. Is it the entire look, or just a perfectly stacked necklace pairing? I categorized my OOTD shots in 3 groups. So, let’s break it down.

1 . A Full Body Look!

This is perfect if your look is cohesive from the top to the bottom! Creating an outfit that is picture perfect is worth a highlight done like this.

2. Just the Outfit

This style shot is perfect if you’re tired and have bags under your eyes, or if you want the focus to be entirely on the outfit! Having a little bit of your hair showing will make the skeptics stop when they realize this outfit is 100% your own.

3. Details

Details is a close up shot that focus on one part of the look. This shot is a headless shot from shoulders to right above your waistline and could be highlighting jewelry, a print or embellishments.

Now, let’s talk about backgrounds. Backgrounds must accentuate, not take away from your outfit. It's important when taking an #OOTD that the main focus is the look. When taking a full body shot, finding a background that matches the aesthetic of the outfit is is a huge contributor to the success of the flick. If you have a busy outfit don't use a busy background (ie. a colorful mural with a lot going on). If you are really trying to make the look stand out stick to a solid colorful wall. If you are looking for a picture with a little more depth, try for an action shot and take it out to the street. (This works better on less busy streets.)  

Practice posing in the outfit. Everyone knows that for every 100 photos only about five (if even) will make it pass the cut. To optimize the output of workable photos, practice your posing beforehand in a mirror. It’s important for you to know what poses work best for different outfits. By doing this before you can spend more time working with good poses so you don't waste your time with ones that might not be so flattering.  Next time you are posing for an OOTD try theses poses:

1. Knee pop

2. Cross the legs

3. Lean against a wall

4. Action shot walking.  

5. Sitting on a bench or couch.

6. Hands in Pocket

7. Play with Hair

The best way to conquer an awkward shot is to accessorize. If you find yourself starting at the camera unsure where to place your hands, use a accessory to keep them occupied. Style a bag, a cute pair of sunnies, or even a jacket to throw over the shoulder. Not only have you solved the awkward hand problem but you also have elevated the #OOTD!

Always make sure to check in with the photographer! By checking in every couple photos you are able to see what does and does not work. There is nothing worse than looking at you pictures after the fact and realizing your pants were bunched in a very unflattering way. Avoid that, and be critical when evaluating shot by shot. After assessing every couple photos, make sure you play with camera angles and poses to ensure you get the best one!

Now go out, style a look, grab a friend and take those OOTD shots! Don't forget to tag @theedgemag and #elonOOTD.