5 Essential Tips to Transform Your Partner into the Ultimate Instagram Boyfriend

We’ve all been there: you’re ready for the perfect shot, but your partner’s photography skills just aren’t cutting it. Welcome to the life of an Instagram Boyfriend.

Whether you’re capturing the perfect shot of your partner, friend, or family member, these five tips will help you improve your photography game and ensure you nail those Instagram-worthy shots every time. 

What is an Instagram Boyfriend?

If you’ve ever found yourself tasked with taking photos for someone’s feed, congratulations—you’re an Instagram Boyfriend. While I may be single, my 2023 travels with seven girlfriends around Europe gave me plenty of practice. As a photographer, I had to learn how to satisfy their high standards, and I’m sharing my top five Instagram boyfriend tips to help you do the same! 

1. Master Lighting: Keep Your Subject in Perfect Focus 

Lighting is the first rule of photography. Since iPhones don’t offer complex settings, you need to make the most of natural light. In harsh sunlight, tap to focus on your subject, then slide the exposure down slightly to prevent overexposure. For low-light settings, do the opposite—bump the exposure up. Taking control of exposure can make a huge difference, ensuring your subject is visible without losing details. 

2. Choose a Beautiful, Clutter-Free Background

A stunning background is key. Look for aesthetic spots and avoid cluttered compositions. By keeping the background simple, you’ll make sure the focus stays on your subject without distractions. Whether you’re at the beach or in a chic café, choose locations that add to the photo without overpowering it. 

3. Capture Candid Moments: Don’t Wait to Be Asked 

The best Instagram photos are often candid. Start snapping even before your subject asks—capture them as they walk, sip on a drink, or check their phone. Genuine moments feel more engaging, so be proactive. Remember, most people have a camera roll full of candid shots, so it’s time to return the favour and get creative. 

4. Provide Gentle Feedback for Flawless Shots

Honesty is essential, but tact is key. If something isn’t right (like stray hair or a wardrobe malfunction), gently let them know. Show them a preview of the shot to give them the chance to adjust. This feedback ensures that the final images are exactly what they want without crossing the line into being too critical. 

5. Take Plenty of Photos: More is Always Better 

OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTIONS. When you think you have enough photos, take a few more. Aim for around 50–100 shots to ensure you have plenty of options. From facial expressions to hair placement, little details matter. You may not see the differences, but trust that your subject will. And remember, photos can always be deleted—having too many options is a good problem to have. 

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’re taking photos for your significant other, friend, or family member, these five tips can help transform you into the ultimate Instagram Boyfriend. With practice, you’ll be taking pictures that look professional and capture the perfect moments every time. 

For more photography and social media tips, stay tuned to the AMPR blog!