@FrancoJTorres

The Joy of Instagramming

If you’re using Instagram, no doubt, you’re having a blast taking pics. If you want to take your photography to the next level, one way you can do it is making good use of hashtags. Somewhere along the way, Instagram borrowed the hashtag concept from twitter, allowing it’s users to tag their photos in a way that makes them searchable. Over time, some of these hashtags have become standardized and are used to tag photos with a specific theme. Here are eight note-worthy hashtags you should know about.

#jumpstagram

This is a fun and quirky photo that requires two people and the right technique to get right. It’s best when taken low near the ground and has to be timed just right. A few weeks ago, Instagram published a blog post on how to do it. Image by: @croyable

#onthetable 

It’s not hard to take a pic of the food you’re eating, except when you’re starving. But it takes some skill to make it look pretty. This hashtag is meant for those who don’t mind taking some time to share your meal with style. Take this shot directly from above.  Image by: @cesart

#fromwhereistand

People like to show off their feet & shoes. Well, this is the perfect excuse for you to do so. The idea behind #fromwhereistand is to photograph something on the ground in front of you while showing off your fabulous feet and/or shoes. Image by: @casadilla

#artinmylatte

Drink coffee much? Probably. I mean, who doesn’t go to Starbucks. Well, there’s a hashtag for coffee lovers too. So next time you buy a latte with art in it, take a pic, jazz it up and instagram it. Here’s a shot by Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom.

#caughtgramming

Friends like to instagram together while they hang out or laze about someplace quiet. So, next time you’re out instagramming with your bud or  budette, catch them in the act. It’s easy enough. Just do it real sneaky-like for a perfect shot. Image by: @robinmay

#throughmyeyes

Well, not everyone is four-eyed, but if you are (and even if you’re not), consider this shot. Show your friends the world through your eyes. Just make sure your eyewear is clean, or at least, clean enough for a close-up. Image by: @chrisconnolly

#symmetry

Symmetry is beauty. And there’s plenty of it in both the natural world and the places we call home. It comes in different colors, shapes and sizes, and there’s countless ways to achieve it. Look around, you’re sure to find it somewhere. Image by, me: @francojtorres

#lighttrail

Now we’re getting into something that requires the use of another app to achieve the desired effect. A light trail can be generated with the use of an app like Slow Shutter Cam. You can take beautiful photographs of water, light or even people in movement. Image by: @radnoski

So there you have it kids. These are just eight hashtags that interested me. But there are more out there you can use. A quick and easy way to get into these “standardized” hashtags is to follow Instagram and participate in the weekend hashtag projects they do. Or you could follow top instagrammers for ideas. Most of the images I included here are from accomplished users I follow who know their stuff. Cheers.