Everything to Include in Your First Instagram Post

Setting up an Instagram account might be the best thing you can do as a photographer, for a number of reasons. 

For starters, it helps to connect you with fellow photography enthusiasts. Secondly, we’re the best photo book maker for Instagram photo books, meaning you can quickly and easily convert your pictures into print. And lastly, it can help you improve as a photographer.

Instagram: The Ultimate Education Platform

That last point is perhaps the most important. It doesn't matter if you’re an amateur, a wannabe professional, or a professional, every photographer is on a constant quest to improve. 

The only way to do that is to become immersed in a photography network, sharing your posts, obtaining feedback, looking at other people's work, and learning, learning, learning. In terms of a photography education platform, you’ve got to say Instagram is your best bet.

But to become a part of the right community, it is first important to introduce yourself. You can’t just walk into a stranger’s party and expect everyone to be accommodating. 

You’ve got to tell them who you are, what you do, why you’re there, and what you’re looking for. If you do this right, the world of Instagram will welcome you with open arms. If you do it wrong, you’ll always be relegated to the sidelines, looking in, but never actively participating in the fun.

It all starts with that first post. The dreaded post, as we like to call it. The post that can go one way or the other. We can’t tell you how to create an instant hit of a post, of course. 

Social media remains a dark art even 14 years down the road. But we can tell you how to give yourself the best shot of success. With this in mind, here’s everything to include in your first Instagram post and why it’s so important to remember them.

• Not Your Best Picture, But Your Picture

The first thing you should note is that your first Instagram picture doesn’t have to be your best picture. Novelists don’t start a book with their best line or chapter. They set the scene, draw you in, and make you understand what it is that you’re reading. In this way, don’t spend ages looking through your camera roll trying to find quality. 

Instead, look for the pictures that are the best example of what you’re all about. Close-ups, portraits, horizon shots, interesting colors, strange filters, tilted angles, whatever you specialise in, make sure it’s on display. You know what you’re like as a photographer and what you try to achieve in your work, but no one else on Instagram does!

• Your Personality Without Words

Following on from this, make sure you’re showing your personality as well as your skills and techniques. The best photographers are the ones that tell a story, not just about the world in front of them, but a story about themselves. 

Their wishes, their viewpoints, their life. All of this should be in the image you choose and should portray to the viewer who you are without having to read a word.

• But Also Words!

That being said, you should include words too! It’s no secret that Instagram likes thought-through, quality content, and this includes an interesting and entertaining caption to go with your photo. If you’re not sure of what to say, use your head.

That’s not us being rude, by the way! Literally, think back to what you were considering while taking the picture and put those thoughts into your caption. It doesn’t have to be the next War & Peace. Something short and sweet is absolutely fine, and it’ll be a whole lot better than leaving the caption box blank.

• Don’t Forget Hashtags

Once all of this is done, you have to consider how this is going to reach your audience. The trick to getting a reaction is to add around seven hashtags that will both broaden and target your audience. This should include the usual suspects: #photography, #photooftheday, #instagram. But you should also include hashtags that are more specific to your niche. 

If you’re into docuphotography, use a docuphotography hashtag. If you’re into wildlife photography, use a hashtag about wildlife, or even better, hashtag the animal in your post. The further you can narrow it down – while still including hashtags that commonly reach a wide audience – the better chance you have of attaining some engaged followers.

• Liking and Replying

Lastly, never take any engagement for granted. If someone has left a comment, make sure to give it a like and to reply to their comment. Even if it’s a simple: ‘Cool!’ By replying to a comment like this, you’re demonstrating that you’re active on your account and appreciative of any reactions. 

It might seem like a small thing, but the more you do this, the more you will open a dialogue and begin nurturing your very own little photography group. That’s what Instagram is all about, after all!