Overcoming the Challenges of Being an IG Boyfriend: Tips for Communication and Creativity
We've all been there - scrolling through Instagram and seeing the cringe-worthy photos that your friends' significant others took. As the designated "Instagram Boyfriend," it can be tough to know what your partner wants and how to deliver it. Why do IG boyfriends take bad photos, and how can you empower someone to take better photos?
One of the main reasons why some IG boyfriends struggle to take good photos is simply a lack of experience. They may not be familiar with photography techniques like framing or composition and may not understand what their partner wants from the photo shoot. However, they can still learn; they can take stunning photos with guidance.
Another reason is a lack of confidence. Perhaps their partner may not like the photos they take because they feel self-conscious about their photography skills. This lack of confidence can be a barrier to taking good photos, but it can be overcome with positive reinforcement and encouragement.
Below are some tips that gave me a solid foundation for taking great photos.
1) Set Expectations
It's essential to understand your partner's vision for the photo shoot. This involves clear communication about what they want to achieve and what specific shots they want. By setting clear expectations, you'll have a goal to work towards and be able to deliver the photos your partner wants. As I reflect on my own experiences, here are some things that could help you establish clear expectations:
Talk with your partner before the shoot and ask their input on what they want to capture.
Create an inspiration or mood board with the poses and angles your partner wants to achieve.
Make sure you understand their vision and ask for clarification if needed.
2) Encourage Creativity
As an IG boyfriend, you can get creative and experiment with different angles, lighting, and poses. You can take more memorable photos by empowering yourself to try new things. To get your creative juices flowing, try these ideas:
Take risks and experiment with new things.
Play around with different angles and lighting to create a unique look.
Use your eye for aesthetics to capture shots that reflect your personality and style.
3) Provide Positive Feedback
Positive feedback is essential to boosting your confidence and keeping you motivated to take great photos. Make sure you celebrate your successes, no matter how small they seem, and use them as motivation to keep improving. Some ways to give positive feedback include:
Praise yourself for your hard work and effort.
Celebrate the photos that turned out well.
Share the shots you took with your partner and get their input.
4) Give Yourself Time to Learn
Taking great photos takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself as you develop your skills. Remember that it's a process; the more you practice, the better you'll get. How I kickstarted my learning process was to:
Follow photographers on social and watch their tutorials
Practice by recreating some of your favorite photos that I researched
Be open to making small adjustments and trying again after making mistakes
Taking great photos as an IG boyfriend takes work. Still, with a little bit of communication, feedback, and support, you can become an amazing photographer and make your partner's Instagram feed shine. Do not forget to have fun and enjoy the process; your photos will reflect the love and joy you share with each other.
