This is part 2 of my Instagram editing post that I started last week. Whether I am shooting a flatly or an ootd, lighting and framing need to be on point. I got into the habit ( which I still fail at ) of looking at my Instagram as a whole rather than each photo individually. 

Here are some rules I've set up for myself whenever I take photos:

1. Lighting

Natural lighting. Always! I learned this the hard way. It makes for the softest lines and the best colour for your photos. This is why I tend to shoot in the early mornings or the late evenings when the sun isn't at it's highest peak. 

2. Background 

A clean white background has become my go-to, especially for my flatly. Whatever colour preference you have, make it nice and clean. 

3. Angles

Know what angles work best for you or whatever you are shooting. 

4. Framing

Play around with the shot. I normally take around 20+ photos before finding the perfect one that I want to use. Not all photos look good in the center so feel free to play around with it and trust me when I say that it will create something interesting. 

There you have it lovelies my Instagram photo editing tips. 

1. Lighting

2. Background 

3. Angles

4. Framing

Jia

So you want to start a blog, but don't know where to start. I would be lying if I said that starting a blog is simple. Blogging is a job. A full-time job. I like to think of it as my job away from my job. I know that it seems like an insane way to think, but it's how I keep my head clear and focused. I don't have to stand on my feet and I can actually enjoy a glass of wine ( or a smoothie ) as I work. Please, if you are underage do NOT drink. I am not promoting giving alcohol to minors!

1

Organize

Organization must be your main goal. If you don't work over the weekend at your normal day job, use the free time over the weekend as an opportunity to organize your bogging life. Whether you use a calendar ( I use a handwritten planner ) or a notebook ( different journals for different ideas ). Take the time to decide how many outfit posts you want to do, lifestyle etc.

2

Shoot In Advance

After organizing your posts, you should soon begin shooting the content that you have came up with. I tend to shoot in the morning and early evenings, which are the best times to shoot in my opinion.

3

Schedule The Posts

I always schedule my posts in the early evening. I try to knock out at least 4 to 5 posts on the weekends to be published for the next week and a half. This is content that you don't have to worry about and if you have events that you need to attend, your main focus will be there, whilst you still have plenty of content queued up in your scheduled posts. 

4

Solidify A Set Date

Decide what days you would like to schedule your posts. Let your followers know so they can stay up to date, which encourages followers to be committed to reading your posts. 

5

Write Down Your Ideas

Carrying around a journal in your bag to record inspiration and ideas is a great way to stay creative. When you start blogging daily you will need ideas regularly because, let's be real, ideas can come at any time. This way, you can write them down and once you get home, you can start working on the post right away.

Everyone always goes through funks, and I am no exception. So, I came up with a list of ways to lift your mood for the New Year ( you can also do this monthly if you want ).

1. Try not to overthink. 

I am super guilty of this and whenever I do this I tend to have panic attacks, which are never fun.

2. Book some travel time. 

A change of scenery is always a good thing ( NYC counts ). This is a great way to spark creativity.

3. Work Out

This is one activity I haven't had a chance to do since the year started, but for some reason I am losing weight, possibly due to eating healthier.

4. Enjoy your food.

I am a sucker for this. As a blogger even though I try to snap some pictures of my food, I honestly just want to eat it instead. ( Ps I love chocolate ).

5. Interact. 

Make plans to see your friends often. Yes, you are all adults with busy lives, but make sure to plan some time away to hang out with them.

6. Pamper yourself. 

Baths, Candles, Mani/Pedi's etc.

7. Mini projects. 

Throw yourself into some home projects. Spring cleaning, clean out your wardrobe, revamp your wardrobe etc.

8. Films or Television. 

I have been binge watching 'The Big Bang Theory' for the dry humor, of course.

9. Treat yourself. 

Anything from a new top, flowers or even a new book are just a few ways to treat yourself.

10. Look out for others. 

Sometimes it is good to take the attention off of yourself and turn it toward someone else. Think about ways that you can help them.

I hope that this helps you guys become happier individuals.

There is something about Winter in Washington DC that I just don't understand. The weather has definitely been making us her b**** lately and I hate it. The weather goes from 30 degrees one day and the following day rises to 60 degrees. What the hell is going on!?

Anyways, I wanted to recap some of the blog posts last year and I saw that you guys really liked my informative blog posts. I also know what you guys like to see as far as style wise but remember, style is forever changing.

My schedule has been pretty hectic lately and to be honest, I haven't had an actual moment to sit down and breathe, let alone time to think about what blog posts I want to write for you guys. Trust me when I say that I have a lot to share with all of you. I will be getting back to my regular blogging schedule soon. With everything that I have planned and happening behind the scenes, I will be bringing some amazing new content that you guys will flip out about!

Sorry that this post is so short but I promise that the next blog post will be better!

Shop My Look Below:

Shearling Coat: F21

Tee: H&M

BF Jeans: F21

Cardigan: F21

Booties: H&M

Fedora: F21

Bag: F21