Top 10: Bookstagram Tips & Tricks
Hey Catastrophes!
This week has certainly been a busy one for posting! But I am here to bring you 10 bookstagram hacks to help you make your account’s photos gorgeous. Bookstagram can be time consuming and if you want it to be – money consuming. But it doesn’t have to be. This post is brought to you by Breitling Watch who make strong, sturdy watches which again, look gorgeous. dreamy sigh Okay, let’s get down to business! I’m going to link an example from my own Instagram account so you can follow on and see what I mean with all of my hacks.
#1: Creative Backgrounds
When I started bookstagram, I loved people’s backgrounds and backdrops – but I didn’t have the kind of money to invest in buying a backdrop. Instead, I had to make do. A white desk or any other surface makes a lovely background. Bedsheets, also are a great idea! But if you really don’t have a pretty looking surface or white bedsheets you can get creative with it – wrapping paper, clothes and carpets work too. I’ve even used my yoga mat as a background before! Clothes are my favourite go to.
#2 Nature is a free resource!
Venturing outside and snapping lovely pictures can be great as well! Some gardens are absolutely beautiful, and the changing seasons offer us a lot of great settings for snaps as well. You do have to be brave enough to take photos of a book when someone is watching. But once you get over that hump, the opportunities are endless.ย
#3 Finding Items to Feature in Photos
Some people think you have to buy merch or props to feature in photos. But you don’t have to! Look around the house first. Do you own any pretty candles? Or other odd bits and pieces? Flowers and even food look beautiful in photos too. I try to use things I already own, and then I am always thinking before I throw something away: would this look good in a bookstagram photo?
#4 Commenting & Interaction
Interaction is key to building a strong and steady following – almost as important as the photos! In your caption, don’t just drop a lot of hashtags and then move on. Maybe say something about the book you’re featuring, the process of taking the photo or anything about your life. I always try and ask a book-related (and sometimes just a random) question at the end of my caption to get a conversation going. I also take the time to read other people’s captions and comment on their photos. A bit of take, a bit of give.
#5 Don’t be Random
Random isn’t ALWAYS bad, don’t get me wrong. But when it comes to flatlays featuring a book I try to make the objects relate to what the book is about, or even just the cover. (This is sometimes easier said than done, because I also try and base my photos on items I already own.) And example below is one of my earlier flatlays, which was a summer-y, very girl-y, early teen read. I put my bikini in it and other blue summer vibe items.
#6 Follow Accounts that Inspire You
Your feed is something you’ll always see in Instagram. I love following my friends but also accounts which inspire me to be creative and challenge me to take new photos all the time! Some of my favourites are Bookishbronte, Gatsby_books and Xenatine. But there are so many more out there for you to discover!
#7 Get Edit Creative!
Editing is pretty much my new favourite thing to experiment with. But the being the student I am, I wanted to avoid paying for Photoshop. So I taught myself how to edit with a combination of Microsoft Powerpoint and Pixlr Editor! I have behind the scenes regularly on my instagram stories so make sure you follow me to not miss out on one, if you’re curious about how they work. The results can look like this!
#8 More Editing, but In App
Don’t forget to edit within the instagram app as well! Editing manually is better than slapping on a filter (but this is a personal opinion) because it gives me more control! I change things like brightness, sharpness, warmth, etc. It’s not because of a bad camera but more so to improve the photo quality. I actually have a ghost instagram account which is private so that I can edit my photos in app and see what it would look like on my grid before I post. You can see what a difference it makes down below! Ssh, don’t tell anyone! I’ve never divulged that to anyone before.
#9 Building Book Monuments!
Do you have a lot of books? You can make all sorts of shapes, monuments and towers with books to add something unique to your photos. They might take more time but the results can be so worth it!
#10 Don’t let the Algorithm get you Down
I know, the Instagram algorithm is rubbish and even though it keeps changing, it is mostly getting more rubbish. And complaining every now and again is fair. But let’s not complain forever, shall we? Instagram, especially bookstagram, should be fun! If it isn’t fun anymore and it is a bit too much about the likes and numbers, take a break. If you’re not having fun, it isn’t worth it.
But trust me, we all are still with you when you say the algorithm is the worst.
So that’s it! I hope you find some of these tips and tricks useful or inspiring!
Olivia’s Question: Do you use bookstagram? What kind of photos do you post?ย
Psst! This is a sponsored post.ย
Olivia-Savannah x
I haven’t posted anything on my bookstagram in AGES but this was such a good post. I’m only sorry it’s taken me so many months to get to it, because maybe it would have encouraged me to get back to bookstagram earlier!
I try to keep my photos simple, with things I already own. Sometimes I feel like I go too simple, but I also don’t want to spend on props I won’t use for anything else…
I think there is nothing wrong with keeping the photos simple but yes, there is no need to go overboard! Some people really like the minimalist style in booktube as well. I hope things start to go better with bookstagram for you if you want to keep posting. But don’t feel any need to! Everyone has different interests and if bookstagram isn’t your to your taste it’s all good. You have book blogging ^.^
Awesome tips, and thank you! I am literally totally new to Instagram- like in the last couple weeks ha ha- so these tips will be totally helpful to me. ๐
I’m glad you’re new to bookstagram and found this post because it’s perfect for people like you. Have fun exploring the platform ๐
I bought a wooden crate to use as a background for book photos, and some mini-light strings also. I just need to start doing more with it! Great tips! And I always love all your photos, you are so creative!
Ooh, string lights look SO good in bookstagram photos! Have fun getting creative with your new props ๐ Thank you <3
This is great advice. I am only just getting the hang of instagram, it was totally alien to me at first.
I am glad you’re getting used to it! Anything new does take some time to understand, that’s fair!
I have always meant to write a post about Bookstagram and now I don’t have to because this one is perfect. I feel frustrated when people say you can’t do Bookstagram without tons of time and money. It isn’t true. If you have a table or bed by a window, a smartphone and a house full of stuff, you are all set. I often use library books or ebooks for my photos. I always scrounge props from all over the house. And while I love those photos that take hours to set up I actually like the simpler and more candid photos just as well.
You should still write one! I would love to hear your tips and how it is for someone else as well. I agree, it is really frustrating to hear that. You can really work with what you have already. And yes, no need to buy new books! I can see how people get that impression but honestly it can go beyond that. Glad you agree <3
These are fabulous tips Olivia! I do much more bookstagram in the summer because you are SO right about nature! Oh, and I have definitely used clothes too- flowy skirts are the best for this I find haha. And I am not a huge fan of the filters either, I rather just do it all myself. You are definitely MUCH more creative than I am though, I think that’s one of the reasons I have such a hard time with it, I can’t think like, outside the box!
Yes, it’s so lovely when plants and nature can really help make photos beautiful! I know people take great snow pictures but I am always too nervous about ruining the book in the process for that :/ I agree, DIY editing is the best way to go ๐ Your photos are still lovely!
Love your tips! I use bookstagram but I don’t post as many photos as I’d like.
It can take time though, so that is understandable! I hope these tips helped and you’ll be able to post more often ๐
I love this and I love your tips, you make bookstagram sounds quite easy and not as dreading as I thought it’d be! I’m not on bookstagram mainly because I lack the time to do it all I think – if I started, I would want to do it right and…that would take a lot of time that I don’t have, I think, but still I admire bookstagrammers so, so much, with all of their creativity and everything they do. Such a stunning work ๐ Will remember this post for sure though if I ever want to start it out ๐ x
Yes, bookstagram can be quite time consuming in some cases. But if you do want to start out, it can also be not too pressing. Kind of like blogging – you set your pace and whoever follows you just have to either deal with it or appreciate what you can give. But yes, bookstagrammers are so creative! I love looking at bookish photos ๐
Lovely tips Olivia! Till date I have only purchased some flowers for bookstagram. I use a white bed sheet for my pics now but sometimes when I am in hurry I use anything ๐ But I make sure to keep the same filter every time and it gives me a synchronized feed.
I love your editings btw ๐
Thank you! I think flowers are the prop I spend the most money for in bookstagram, and I sort of love flowers anyway so I am always happy to have them in my house afterwards. Ah, white sheets are such a win, but I don’t have any myself ๐ They are so handy for photos! I love how you always have a theme going on. And thanks again <3
These are really great tips! I tend to go to the dollar store and buy random items for props but I have used my Little Ones sunglasses and even shoes before to add them to my photos.
Aww that is so adorable! Having little items around the house is always handy, but the dollar store also sounds like a cheap and useful place to shop for more ๐
I love the style of your photos, especially how you Alice In Wonderland yourself tiny to fit in the books. You’ve a great eye for inventive images!
Hehehe thank you! I call her my mini me ^.^
I’ve mostly given up on being a great Bookstagramer because I just don’t have that creative eye, but I still read these types of posts thinking I might improve someday! ๐
You never know! I hope these tips helped and maybe just try and experiment and see where things take you! Regardless, I still love your colourful shelfie shots ๐
OI LOVE you #4! because that’s exactly what I do. I am totally a hermit in IG!!! I seriously need to wok on my IG social skills!
It can be so hard to do this, but I promise commenting and interaction goes a long way. You can do it ๐ You’re already the boss at that with blogging ๐
Awesome Tips! I struggle hard making my pictures more appealing but love how creative and pretty your book post are!
Tori @ In Tori Lex
It can be difficult! I hope these tips helped you some. Thank you <3
I always love the pictures with amazing props, which coordinate with the story or cover. It’s times like those I wish I was more of a collector.
Being a hoarder and collector can be handy from time to time, but then sometimes minimalist tendecies are really good too! I am glad you like those kind of photos though, because I tend to do them ๐
I aim to make so much use out of the warm weather for my bookstagram photos!
I hope you managed to! Outdoor photos are so much fun ^.^
I always enjoy reading your tips. I’m taking a break from social media. I feel a need to socialize outside of my phone at the moment. No doubt I will return soon…
I don’t blame you! Sometimes social media can get overwhelming and unplugging is so healthy. I hope you enjoyed your time away ๐
Cool! great tips, thanks.
You’re welcome x
Thanks for these useful tips Olivia!!!
You’re welcome <3
I’m terrible at taking photos so I guess bookstagram isn’t for me ๐ But I’m always in awe of other people’s amazing photos! And this is an awesome post. Your tips are excellent.
I still like seeing the blog updates come through so I remember to check out your blog! And you never know, it could work for you. Practice always leads to improvement ๐
These are great tips! I haven’t done much bookstagram in a while because I’m abroad and don’t have any of my books with me, but when I did do it, I never spent money on it. I always utilized what I had in my house. I was just starting to get a lot better at bookstagram, too. I was just never good at interacting, which was probably my main downfall.
Thanks for the tips!
– Lefty @ The Left-Handed Book Lover
It is hard to do bookstagram while traveling, which is why I try to either bring my kindle (ebook photos work too!) or at least one book. I’m all for keeping things cost-free so I definitely approve of not spending money in it. I hope you got back into bookstagram when you got home and enjoy trying to interact more ^.^
I LOVE nature photos on bookstagram, but unfortunately, I live in the city and there are little to no plants at all around my area. ๐ And editing is always exciting!!! I love seeing what bookish photos look like before and after edits. โฅ
Aimee @ Aimee, Always
Nature photos are so pretty but they are definitely hard to do when you live in the city!! Do you have any nature-ish parks or so around? Sharing before and afters of edits is also so fun ๐
Thanks for this post! Itโs helpful. Iโm terrible at bookstagram, but I love your account. I havenโt spent any money on photo stuff. I take pictures on my phone and find props by scrounging through the drawers at my parentsโ house.
I think you don’t do too badly at bookstagram at all! I really like seeing your photos and that you include questions as well. I’m all for keeping bookstagram cost-free ๐
Ahh I LOVE your tips and agree so so much! I think it’s actually quite easy to keep bookstagram low-budget…the most I spend is a few dollars on second-hand flowers.๐And I make a lot of my own props too which is so much fun! But like my family will make a pretty dessert and I’ll be all: “I NEED IT FOR A PHOTO.”๐Priorities. Also editing is so great and interaction is a must! I’ve also found doing Stories tends to drive more traffic to my posts, so I’ve started utilising that too!
Ahh the queen of bookstagram is commenting on my tips post DD: I am glad you like them! I do agree that it isn’t difficult to keep bookstagram low budget and I feel like more people need to know it! A lot of people tell me they can’t bookstagram because they don’t want to buy props D: Your paper crafted props are so beautiful. Food in a photo is so nice but I usually end up eating it :'( I put my life on stories and I don’t know if my followers hate it or love it yet ๐
Great post! I’ve been taking more book photos lately, though I don’t actually use Instagram. I’m thinking of reopening my account, but I have some reasons why I’m not sure that I will. I’d still like if I could sometimes take pretty pictures for my blog/Twitter/Pinterest/etc. though! So thanks for these tips ๐
I’ve literally been use shirts as backgrounds for some photos lately, haha. Unfortunately I did get rid of a lot and put a lot in storage recently cuz I don’t have much space where I live, so I used to have a ton of knick-knacks and craft stuff and whatnot, but not anymore :-/ So I’m low on props and at the end up packing things up I managed to grab some scrapbooking papers at least to maybe use for backgrounds lol. But yes, I love when people actually use items that relate to the book! Or at the very least items that match color-wise. Some years ago I read a gymnastics book and it was an ebook, but I used my kindle and took a photo using my old grips and chalk and gym stuff and that was fun lol.
You don’t have to have a bookstagram account to take pictures! It’s entirely up to you and what you feel comfortable with. Just know you’d have one new follower for sure if you did go that route <3 But it’s always nice to use them for the blog and social media though.
Yeah, my prop supply is a bit limited as a student too because student rooms aren’t really big so there is not much space at all! But you can make magic out of what few props we can fit into our space! Scrapbooking papers are a great idea for backgrounds. That photo does sound fun ๐
Ohhh lovely tips, Olivia! ๐
I still havent made a bookstagram account ๐ but I can still take the picture ones to have nice twitter/posts pictures! However my mac donโt have powerpoint (dont wanna pay for it..) so eeeh im not sure how I could edit them mmh. Maybe the mac ยซย copyย ยป of it would work? And I dont even need in app, I can do that directly in my pictureโs folder thing on my computer!
I follow you on instagram though! Even if it isn’t book specific ๐ But yes, you don’t have to have an Instagram account to make pretty pictures! You can do it for anything. Ah, well, pixlr.com is a free website for editing. I haven’t tried it for the features I use Powerpoint for but you can do a lot with that! I have heard Gimp is good for free editing too, but I tried it and couldn’t figure how it worked from trial and error alone so I gave up ๐
Great tips and Great post! Thanks for pulling all these together ๐ They are really helpful!
I’m glad you found these helpful and I hope you can enjoy using them ^.^