The Beginners’ Guide to Perfect Lightroom Export Settings for Instagram
The Beginners’ Guide to Perfect Lightroom Export Settings for Instagram. When you want to showcase your new products perfectly, you instantly hop on to some social media app. Right?
PSSST!! There is a youtube video at the bottom of the article, in case you prefer that method of learning.
However, the question is which social media app is best when it comes to boosting business online?
The answer to all of the social media perplexity is Instagram!
Without a doubt, Instagram is taking over our hearts, minds, and mobile phones. The reason is that it is the absolutely perfect platform to upload and share pictures. Let’s not forget that this app is for the “new” generation as it lets them interact in a way that no other app fulfills.
The Problem with “Our” Uploaded Images
But, despite all these favors Instagram provides, there is still something that itches our minds. And what is that? In fact, you will ring the bell yourselves.
Did your picture look gloomy and blurry when you uploaded it? Did the picture quality fell down a million times after you put it on your feed?
Yup, we can all relate to this problem. And although Instagram provides a better image appearance than most apps, it still changes how our images look.
All of this is due to the algorithm of Instagram. But don’t lose hope; we are here to save your images for you. Want to know how to post pictures that look top-notch? Use Lightroom for your photographs.
What next?
Read below, and it is assured you will not regret every single word of it.
Instagram Guidelines
Let’s talk about our favorite app Instagram. What does it do to make the pictures blurry and of lesser quality?
Basically, Instagram has its own guidelines for posting pictures. Once you upload your photos on Instagram, it has some specific recommended guidelines for the images, and our images are converted into the version fixed by those specific recommended guidelines.
Image Ratios
The first thing that should be noted is that Instagram has fixed image ratios for uploading the images. We cannot upload greater than those ratios and can certainly not upload lesser than those ratios. Plus, even if we do upload them, Instagram fixes it to adjust to its recommended guidelines.
For Instagram, the ratios they use are between 1.91:1 and 4:5.
Image Cropping
The next thing the app does to our images is cropping them. Does it really crop them? Yes, it does.
It basically crops our image to fit 1080 pixels wide. When we upload our images on the app, if the width is greater than the specified one, it crops it and makes it fit 1080 pixels.
Image Compression Algorithm
What is the hype about this algorithm thing, and what is it exactly? The phenomenon of the adjustment of the image to fit the recommended guidelines is called the image compression algorithm. The images are compressed a few times when we upload them to our Instagram feed. It removes the sharpness of our images, makes them a little blurry, and hides the details of the pictures.
All of this process, which is done in the image compression algorithm, reduces the quality of the images we upload. Indeed, that isn’t warm-hearted to our pictures!
Why Does This Happen?
It is evident that the app does not do it on purpose. The truth is that almost every app, no matter what it is, compresses the image. When we process our image in different apps on our mobile phone, the image quality drops down with each step we perform.
Let’s take the example that when you click an image from a professional camera, you use messenger to transfer it to your mobile phone. After we download it into our mobile phones and then process it in any app like Snapseed and Lightroom, it reduces the quality of the image.
So, what should be done to avoid this unwanted sticky situation? Take my advice and minimize the number of steps of editing you perform on your picture. Trust me, it will not only save your time, but it will also be saved your picture from being ugly and disoriented.
The Myth Of Compression
As the compression topic has been going around for quite a long time, many people have wanted to run through the chambers of picture destruction. They somehow are finding ways to fool the algorithm or trick it so that it would not crop or resize their pictures to fit Instagram.
According to people, if you upload 75% of the picture’s quality instead of 100% quality, the picture is skipped from the compression algorithm, and it appears just as it is. Many people have been trying this method.
On the other hand, another thing that has been a trend was to upload the image lower than 500kb. Why? The answer is just the same as before. To skip the compression process of Instagram. Admit it, if someone tells you to try this for better quality pictures, wouldn’t you have done it yourselves too?
What Is The Truth?
The curtain lifts and the truth reveals itself no matter what the conditions. Even though maximum people are trying to trick the Instagram algorithm, the question that holds power is, does it really work?
Drum roll!
A big NO! It certainly does not work and can’t be used to merely satisfy the heart. The truth is, no matter what you do, no matter what pictures you choose, and no matter what the pixels and quality of the pictures are, you cannot run from reality, which is the Instagram compression algorithm.
You can do whatever you want, but in the end, you’ll have to bow down before the app you use to post your favorite pictures.
Improving Performance
Why does the app have this algorithm, and why does it crop the pictures?
The answer is simple yet has depth in it; to improve app performance. The reason the app goes through the process of clearing the images, although it can be frustrating, is that when images are being loaded, the slow loading hinders the performance, and the users start to lose interest. Now that is something that the app managers do not want to happen.
So what do they choose to do instead? They lower the picture resolution or quality to provide a smooth flow of the app without the long loading duration. I know this will ruin your pictures slightly, but at least your app runs smoothly. You can’t everything in everything, right?
How To Get The Best Image Quality On Instagram?
Even after everything that we have discussed above, there is still a way to get high-quality pictures on Instagram. Don’t believe me? Well, what if I told you just the right steps to ensure that your pictures come out “picture perfect” and of extremely high quality on Instagram too?
I know it sounds too real, too good, but this guide will tell you how to achieve these photos with a little help from Lightroom. Believe me; a little effort goes a long way. Proven and tested!
Camera Shooting Settings
The preparation starts when you lay your eyes on the subject to take the picture with your camera. I know it sounds a bit dramatic but isn’t dramatic pictures the best?
You can’t just click the picture and expect it to look like a killer picture on Instagram when you haven’t modified it, especially for the app. You need to make sure each step you make is according to the needs of the app.
Well then, if it is settled that we are doing everything “insta-worthy,” here are a few things you must know before putting that finger on the shutter:
Deciding A Shutter Speed
If you have been doing photography before, you must know the relation between shutter speed and the movement of the object. But if you are new to this, don’t be stressed as we are going to tell you the standards for the shutter speed, and you can make them your go-to setting easily.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful? You only have to remember two shutter speeds, and you are good to go famous on Instagram. That is how easy it is!
For Moving Objects – 1/400sec
Do your moving objects always come out blurry and out of the frame?
The problem could be in your shutter speed! That is why you need to adjust your shutter speed specifically for moving objects.
The optimum shutter speed for moving objects is 1/400 seconds. But how does this help in taking pictures? Well, if your shutter speed is at 1/400 sec, it would be easier to adjust your focus multiple times in order to get the right picture.
Quick Moving Objects – 1/1000sec
What about the objects which are at a relatively higher speed and impossible to capture without blurring the boundary of the subject? Indeed, taking pictures of high-velocity things such as race cars, rainfall, droplets, explosions, etc., are challenging to handle, especially when your shutter speed isn’t according to your need.
That is why it is suggested that you maintain your shutter speed at 1/1000 second. This will allow you to change your focus again and again without taking much time. You can fix your lens just as the object moves, and it would capture a perfect picture.
For Shooting Landscapes, Use A Multiplier
Now, what about that beautiful skyscraper you just saw on the way to town? What about that landmark that was a treat for swollen eyes? What about the sky that was filled with colors of the rainbow?
Relax! You can definitely capture the moment with perfection. Just find out the shutter speed for it. The trick is to use a multiplier for the shutter. If the distance is 150mm, try using 1/300sec. If space is 300mm, try 1/600sec. Got it?
Camera Focus
The setting for camera focus is simple, and you have to remember only two things. If you are capturing a moving object, use the AF-continuous frame. And if you are capturing a still object, use the AF-single focus. That’s it!
Lightroom Export Settings
Now that you have created your desired picture with the best pixels and the perfect quality, the next step is to edit it to enhance and embellish it. It would make the picture look out of this world, and you will be amazed at your own skills! Let’s get to it, shall we?
The Basics Of Sharpening The Photo
Sharpening is the most essential step of editing the photo. It not only improves the quality of the picture on a lot of levels, but it also makes sure that the details are prominent and everything appears clear.
But make sure don’t overdo the sharpening or else it would look noisy. Let’s get into the depth of sharpening to make sure everything is on point:
The Variables Of Sharpening
What do you want to sharpen in the picture? What is the story of the picture?
The sharpening process is not the same for every picture. Some pictures need to sharpening and some of them needless.
On the other hand, there is a special instruction for you if you want to upload the picture on Instagram. Always sharpen slightly more than actually needed. Why? If you upload it on Instagram, it would slightly decrease the quality, and it would look like it is less sharpened than you did. And if you can maintain the balance between the two, there is nothing else you need.
What Should Be Avoided
A clear picture looks great! But do you know what doesn’t? It’s an over-sharpened picture!
The edges look over-exposed, and the picture looks grainy. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it and maintain a balance like told before.
Adequate Sharpening For The Purpose Of The Photo
What’s the purpose of your photo? Which thing caught your glance when you were looking at a particular item? That thing is the purpose of your photo. It’s the reason you clicked the shutter in the first place.
Now what you need to do is to sharpen the purpose of the picture. It means that the focal object should be sharpened more than the other intricate details. The foreground of the picture containing the subject should be in focus, whereas the background should be a little blurred.
OR, you could either do a radial blur and focus on the subject, which is the easiest way out.
Lightroom Sharpening
Instead of going through everything one by one and figuring what would be the right fit for everything, we have done that step for you. You can thank me later! But for now, you must keep a few things in mind.
It already has 25
The standard sharpening effect of the app has 25 fixed on it. It’s the adequate amount needed as it is neither too much neither too little. It means that it is just the right amount.
Hold alt
When you are sharpening the picture, make sure that you are holding the Alt key while doing it. It will show you the picture’s lights and grays, and you can see the amount of sharpness clearly.
The Best Cropping Size
Now that you have sharpened your images, the next step is to crop the image. You might ask, why do I need to crop my perfect picture? It is because you need to crop it to fit precisely to the Instagram app.
Want to achieve that excellent Instagram look? Follow these simple tips:
Always Keep The Cropping ratio 4:5
Although Instagram provides a whole range of options, the best cropping size is 4:5. The square crop also works fine, but if you want a professional appearance, 4:5 is the best choice for you!
Selecting The Color Space
Although the latest color gamut is the P3 color gamut, it is not available in each of the devices. What should be done to make sure this doesn’t become an obstacle in your color and vibrance of the picture?
Always select the RGB gamut. It is the most common color gamut, and your picture will look equally impressive on every device.
Selecting The Best Image Size For Instagram
Now comes the last step of editing. That was a long process! Wasn’t it? But it is undoubtedly worth it!
Just select the right side of the picture, which is 1080 pixels for Instagram. And if you want to make sure the quality doesn’t decrease, you can double the amount, and you are good to go.
Lo and Behold!
The final step is to upload the picture by transferring it to your mobile. And what’s left?
After uploading the picture, admire the beauty, share it with friends, and wait for the world to cherish that masterpiece. It is indeed a hefty long process and requires patience to make sure each and every step is perfect. But in the end, you will certainly not regret it once you see the results!
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