Blogger Tips: How-To Bookstagram 101

The Bookstagram community has risen in popularity over the past couple of years and I can definitely see why. There is a certain appeal to looking at the aesthetics of bookish pictures and revisiting old favorites, seeking out new books to read, and seeing books in various places all over the world. I myself decided to join Bookstagram over a couple of years ago and I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the people in the bookish community I’ve met. Today I’d thought I could share some tips of how to do Bookstagram while being on a budget  as well).

Welcome to Bookstagram 101!

Assess all the items you own before purchasing new stuff.

I’ve learned over the course of years that almost anything can be used for a good prop or setting for an Instagram photo. This includes: coffee mugs, wooden tables, seasonal decorations, home decor, small trinkets, figurines, Funko pop figures, etc. I’ve also cut back on book buying so instead I love to use library books and books from my shelves as props.  Not only is it cost-effective, but   you can even do throwback posts to some of your favorite reads.

Choose a Theme (Or Don’t)

Some Bookstagrammers may choose to use one particular theme or not. If you’d like to have a theme, stick to a setting or props that will be your focal point for your series of photos. I personally don’t use theme for my Bookstagram, but sometimes I’ll stick to a theme for reading challenges or themed reading celebration weeks/months.(see above pictures for my theme I used for Banned Books Week) It’s all up to you!

Natural Lighting is Best 

 Don’t forget that lamps and overhead lights are helpful for background lighting so that your photo won’t come out too dark. I always try to take pictures on sunny days, but sometimes it’s hard since I live in a State where overcast cloudy days are the norm. If the photo is still too dark, try using Instagram filters/editing settings or even a photo editing app/website.

Take Multiple Pictures at Once

This not only helps to ensure that you have the best shot available when it comes to one single photo, but also when you have a busy schedule and want to post regularly, so try to take as many shots as you can. It’s easier when you have a backlog of photos and then post them whenever you’d like to share new content. I choose to schedule mine to correspond (sometimes) with posts on the blog, but I know when my schedule gets too busy I can post them whenever I have free time.

Utilize Your Location Setting to the Fullest

I usually set aside 20 to 30 minutes on a weekend when I’m busy or whenever I see a photo opportunity (ex. café, park- see above pictures) I try to take as many books with me that I can use to take different photos at that particular place. Even at home, I look for new spots where I can take some fun bookish photos.

Places to Buy Props

Discount and craft stores are your best friend! I’m on a tight budget and Bookstagram is more of a hobby for me and a place to share bookish thoughts/promote the blog. I always look for clearance bins and aisles. Some of my favorite places to find cheap and reusable props are Dollar Tree, Joann’s, and Michael’s. I always try to find things I can reuse in other photos such as a strand of mini-lights that way I get the most use and money out of  my purchase.

Photo Editors

Here are some of my favorite photo editors to use:

• Be Funky: BeFunky Photo Editor lets you apply photo effects, edit photos, and create photo collages with collage maker.
• Canva: Online graphic design platform which offers free access to a wide assortment of design tools and options for layouts.

Have Fun!

Bookstagram is supposed to be fun! The photo doesn’t have to be perfect or overly saturated with props. It can be as simple a picture of a book on a blanket. I will say it did take me a while to get the hang of Bookstagram when I initially started, but I find that it’s always fun to experiment with different types of photo styles. Don’t stress out if you don’t get the photo right the first time, just practice and try again.

Those are my how-to tips on Bookstagram! I hope they are helpful to you. And most importantly, remember to have fun! What are  some of your  Bookstagram tips? Share them in the comment section below!