In this article, along with my photos, I would like to discuss workflow and various points to note with regards to Instagram.

Workflow

The photos I am posting to Instagram are mostly taken with cell phone cameras.

I would like to explain in as simple terms as possible, the process of uploading a digital camera photo to Instagram.

1. Using a computer to edit the photo.

Edit photos with image-editing software. Trimming is also available on Instagram, so trim it there and decide the exact composition.

Since the image is stored at 640X640 on Instagram, if it’s 1000 pixels at the time of writing, that should be enough. However, I like a little more leeway, so I write it at 2500×2500 pixels. (even though this is probably a waste of disk space).

2. Forwarding from PC to smartphone

Since there is no way to post photos directly to Instagram from your computer, you first have to send the image to your phone before uploading it.

The best way to forward them without them getting automatically resized is to use Dropbox.

3. Editing with Instagram

The appearance of the photo differs when viewed on a PC with its large screen size compared to that of a smartphone, so the final image adjustment should be done in Instagram.

I mostly use LUX, sharpness, contrast, and saturation. LUX is especially good, and it yields good results in most cases.

I try to make sure I use one of Instagram’s big features, filters. I use SIERRA about 75% of the time.

4. Captions and tags

I try to make sure I use captions. It is good practice for putting titles to photos.

Tags can also be considered a big feature of Instagram.I don’t mean dousing photos blindly with them, but if you use tags appropriately, you will be more likely to be read by people other than your usual followers.

Points to keep in mind

The things I pay attention to when I post on Instagram.

1. Consistency

Your account’s content should be consistent.

In my Instagram account (neji_maki_dori）the photos （Lost Places) have a sense of consistency. Though the photos are quite varied, they all share the same perspective. It’s fun because when you look at it you can see there is some kind of theme but you don’t know exactly what it is （the image below is from the feed of the Iconosquare web service）

2. Getting a decent looking feed.

To be aware of the appearance when viewed as a feed.

Though it’s tempting to post photos of the same subject endlessly once you think you have found a good one, this is not recommended.

3. Square format

Sticking to the square configuration.

Square photos are most suitable for Instagram. Though there is software that will force photos into square format by adding white space, there are times when small photos become even smaller, so this is not the best way to go about it.

Lastly

Though I have tried to explain my way of using Instagram in the simplest possible terms, of course this is not the necessarily the only way. It should at best be taken as an option among others.

Follow （wa）

Lost places chronicles
Twitter / Instagram / Flickr / Tumblr

The Shime coal mine shaft when he saw it in 2006 was an inspiration for him starting to take photos.
2013 Group Exhibition “Ruins Exhibition 6” (Saikarou gallery)
2014 Group exhibition 「Ruins Exhibition ７」（Saikarou gallery）
Duo exhibition “intersection” (Design Festa Gallery)
Group Exhibition「Haikyou-ten (ruins) Vol.1」（Gallery cafe bar LIS）
Below is a list of future exhibitions
Group Exhibition “The most powerful instagram exhibition” （Photons Art Gallery）
2015.6.15-6.21
Group exhibition (Saikarou Gallery)
2015.6.15-6.28
Individual exhibition “Lost places: Puranisufia (Olympus Gallery)
Tokyo Meet ：2015.10.30-11.4
Osaka Meet：2015.12.4-12.10