Social media is something that excites and terrifies us and these platforms can be a source of happiness and depression. I'm not a social media star or anything but I do have a routine I've fallen into so I'll share my small bit of experience.
I started posting pictures of my outfits on Instagram in high school and have continued to use #todayimwearing (#ootd) to this day. It's really interesting to see how it has evolved and I'm very grateful for the people who continue to support them. However, it's not always an easy or fun time. This might come as a shock to you (since I continue to post pictures of myself) but it gives me a lot of anxiety to take these photos. It's often in public and I'm obviously not a model so it can be a sort of awkward situation. I've "employed" everyone from my classmates to my dad to take my picture but I have to give a shout out to my incredibly patient boyfriend who luckily puts up with my high maintenance self. It usually takes SEVERAL tries to get a shot that I'm willing to post. And after all that there's sometimes the issue of regret; posting an outfit and realizing I'm not as proud of it as I thought I was. Instagram can become solely about likes, followers, and re-grams which is toxic and unrewarding. There is a reason that I keep doing it though. I love getting to share my passion and connecting with others through that. I've gotten some really nice feedback from people and that's a wonderful feeling but I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that at the end of the day what you post to social media should be for you, and not the approval of others. When all is said and done I'm most excited about my photos because I like them and it's fun to show others that.
These photos below are some examples of ones that I thought were really successful and not so much. The two photos on the right are both of outfits I felt really good in. They are also in good light and a nice composition. Those two things are everything. The two photos on the left are not as strong in my opinion in all of the areas I just discussed. It can be a little crazy to realize all that goes into an Instagram picture but it can really make a difference.
I love this color for a background, especially against my mostly neutral outfit!
Unfortunately the lighting was less in my favor for this one. I also wish I would have added a jacket or another clothing element.
This is one of my favorite photos because it was sort of spur of the moment! I think that it looks like I'm (somewhat) at ease which is always nice.
Again the lighting! This picture was taken in direct sunlight which I have learned is not good. This outfit was fun but could have benefitted from a different background.