Author: Mars Salazar Page 4 of 29

Marianne is Nixplay's Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

How To Start A Photography Instagram

By Mars Salazar

On July 9, 2020

In Photography

Social media is a crucial platform for budding photographers and creatives who are looking to put themselves out there. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat are all great platforms for photographers who want to share their work with the world, but they can be tricky to leverage when they’re not used properly. From using the right captions and hashtags to posting at the right time of day, we’ve outlined some of the best Instagram photography account tips to help get you started. So if you want to find out how to start a photography Instagram, keep on reading.

How To Start A Photography Business On Instagram

First things first: Before learning how to start a photography Instagram, you need to define your niche. What kind of content do you want to post? Is there a certain angle you want to take, to tell a story about, or to portray

Instagram is an online space that you can use to develop your brand’s profile. Use your personal feed to create a central theme, whether that’s based around a specific subject (like people, travel, or food) or a particular style of photography that you enjoy (e.g. black and white, film, or portrait). Most Instagram followers expect a photography account to maintain a cohesive aesthetic, so be sure to stick to your theme by using similar filters, subjects and techniques.

Also, make sure you choose a catchy and memorable username that your followers will remember. Choosing a handle that relates to you personally, or that’s relevant to your work, will help create a more consistent image of your brand. Be sure to include a link out to your photography blog, too.

Instagram Photography Tips

Whether you’re shooting on your mobile or you’re equipped with a high-tech camera, the following Instagram photography tips will help you achieve the best results:

Use natural lighting techniques. Good lighting is the foundation of any good photo. Avoid using flash in favor of natural light as it can wash out the subject and remove the depth from your shot.
Don’t overexpose your shots. It’s possible to brighten up a dark photo using editing techniques, but you’ll find it hard to fix a photo that’s already overexposed. Adjust the exposure on your phone by tapping your finger on the brightest part of the frame.
Follow the rule of thirds. This is one of the most common composition principles that help photographers balance their shots. Essentially, you divide your image into a 3×3 grid and then align your subject along the grid lines to create balance.
Constantly change your viewpoint. To achieve more interesting photos, taking several shots from different positions and angles will help provide fresh outlooks, even if you’re shooting the same view or subject.
Frame your subject. Instead of zooming right in to capture a shot of your subject, consider leaving some space around the focal point to add more visual interest.

Edits and Filters

Instagram is completely devoted to visual media, so there’s no hiding any blurred, pixelated content. If you start off with a higher quality photo, you’re likely to end up with a higher quality result. When it comes to choosing a filter for your photos, try not to over-edit. The aim is to enhance the existing qualities of your photo and make it look effortlessly beautiful.

Editing photos using multiple apps might distort your original image and decrease its quality, so where possible, make your adjustments in just one place. And as we mentioned earlier, try to stick to similar filters and editing techniques to make your feed cohesive.

Instagram Posting Tips For Business

So you’ve figured out how to take the best photos for Instagram. But why are your photos not getting the likes and comments they deserve?

One of the most important parts of learning how to start a photography Instagram is figuring when and how to post. What is the best time to upload a photo? What are the best Instagram captions for photographers? And which Instagram hashtags for photography should you use? Find out our top Instagram posting tips for businesses below.

What’s the best time to post photography on Instagram?

To achieve the most interaction and engagement on your posts, it’s important to understand what the best time to post photography on Instagram is. Most users are likely to engage with content outside of standard working hours, so posting at around 7:00-9:00 AM or 5:00-7:00 PM is often your best bet. Generally, posting between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM during weekdays will provide solid engagement, but you will see peak performance at different times throughout the week. If you’ve got a business account set up on Instagram, play around with the ‘Insights’ feature to help you find the best time to engage with your followers.

What are the best Instagram captions for photographers?

Followers will often spend more time looking at a post if there is an engaging caption to accompany it. The best Instagram captions for photographers often include a brief story or explanation behind the image, allowing readers to mentally engage with the post. Think of your captions as a chance to develop a personal connection with your followers, and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to respond in the comments.

If you’re struggling to think of a caption, use a captivating quote that’s relevant to the image. But try to use these sparingly, as followers are less likely to engage in the comments if they can’t relate to the caption.

What are the best Instagram hashtags for photography?

Adding hashtags to your posts will help drive more engagement and make your content visible to more people. By tagging your posts with certain keywords, you can ensure that your photos will come up when users are searching for a specific term. Make sure that you’re using hashtags that users are searching for rather than making up your own as popular hashtags can drive up engagement. Some of the most popular Instagram hashtags for photography are:

#PicOfTheDay
#InstaPhoto
#PhotoOfTheDay
#photographylife
#photographylovers

There you have it: our top tips on how to start a photography Instagram! Hopefully we’ve inspired you to get snapping and sharing with your followers.

Want to display your favorite photos at home? With a Nixplay digital frame, you can transfer your photos from social media directly to your home. And if you’re looking for a private place to store your personal photos off the internet, a digital frame is your best bet. Our range of digital photo frames come with ample storage, so you can share any private memories that you don’t wish to share online with those who are closest to you – the perfect device for a professional photographer. Browse the collection online today!

Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

5 Fun Family Activities You Can Do This Summer

By Mars Salazar

On July 7, 2020

In Home & Interiors

Summer is in full swing! It’s the season of afternoons by the pool, lazy days spent reading a fun book, and, if you have kids, a couple of weeks spent running around bored, restless tots.

Here’s the thing: spending the summer with your kids need not be a stressful ordeal. Here are some fun activities you can do with the little ones, all guaranteed to keep boredom at bay.

1. Bake some cookies

It’s never too early to get your kids to be at home in the kitchen. Get them excited by making something the whole family will enjoy munching on, like chocolate chip cookies. Try a few recipes to discover your family’s favorite version, and encourage the little ones to experiment in the kitchen by identifying the differences among the recipes and the finished products.

2. Grow a garden

Get your hands dirty! Set aside a patch in your yard to plant herbs and tomatoes, or plant a citrus sapling to grow along with your kids. Teach the tots responsibility by giving them different assignments, such as watering and weeding, to keep the garden in top shape.

3. Have a photo shoot

Preserve your family’s summer memories with a photoshoot! The sunny weather and the enforced social distancing measures should make it easier to find a beautiful secluded spot where you and your family can take pictures. Strike a mix of candid moments and posed shots so you’ll have options to choose from.

Don’t forget to display the pictures on your Nixplay Frame! We’re having an exclusive Summer Sale on our UK and Germany sites, where you can enjoy up to 30% off selected frames. Shop now!

4. Get crafty

No classes mean more time to experiment with art projects! You can hone their creativity by making handprint paintings, creating collages from old magazines, and tie-dyeing old shirts. Older kids, meanwhile, can try writing and illustrating their own comics strips–It’s a great way to improve their storytelling and communication skills.

5. Have a backyard picnic

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and set up a picnic in your yard. Prepare picnic staples like sandwiches, chips, sliced fruit, and other finger food, and place them in a cooler for easy transport to your yard. You can eat on a patio table, or you can spread out a blanket on the grass for a proper picnic. Make the most of your picnic by leaving your gadgets inside the house for an unplugged afternoon.

Photo by Liana Mikah on Unsplash

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

Quick and Easy Dessert Ideas You Should Try This Summer

By Mars Salazar

On July 6, 2020

In Lifestyle

Sometimes, you just want to cap off your meal with a sweet treat. Sadly, most desserts require elaborate recipes that take forever to make. So we rounded up four quick and satisfying recipes you can make at home any time you want. Enjoy!

If you have 5 minutes: Microwaved Cereal Crispies

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon butter
½ cup cereal of your choice
4 large marshmallows

Directions:
Place the marshmallows and the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or mug. Microwave it for around 20 to 30 seconds, or until the butter has melted and the marshmallows have puffed up. Stir the marshmallows, slowly adding in the cereal.

If you have 10 minutes: Chocolate-Covered Oreos

Ingredients:

1 Pack of Oreos
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 teaspoons coconut oil
¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted (optional)

Directions:
Stir together the melted semisweet chocolate and the coconut oil (which serves to thin the chocolate and makes it easier to dip the chocolate). Dip each Oreo in the melted chocolate, then place the dipped chocolates on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Place the baking sheet in the fridge to set the chocolate. If you have a little more time, you can take out the Oreos after 10 minutes and drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Return it to the refrigerator.

If you have 15 minutes: Nutella Pops

Ingredients:

¼ cup Nutella
½ cup milk
1 cup whipped cream

Directions:
Whisk together the Nutella, milk, and whipped cream, then pour the mixture into paper cups. Cover each cup with foil and slice a small slit in the middle, then insert a wooden popsicle stick in the slit. Place the pops in the freezer to set.

If you have 30 minutes: Slow Cooker Cheesecake

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons melted butter
¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup of sugar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs
2 8-oz. blocks cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Grease a 6” springform pan and wrap it tightly with foil. Pour an inch of water into a 6-quart slow cooker, then place a coil of foil in the water. The coil will serve as a rack for the pan. To make the crust, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Press the mixture into the greased pan. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese using a mixer, slowly adding ½ cup sugar until fluffy. Add in the eggs, sour cream, flour, vanilla, and remaining ¼ salt. Pour the filling over the crust, then place the pan on top of the foil coil in the slow cooker. Place 3-4 paper towel sheets on the opening of the slow cooker to absorb the moisture, then put on the lid. Cook the cheesecake on high heat for 2 hours, then turn off the heat and let it stand for 1 hour. After cooking, remove the cheesecake from the slow cooker and place it in the refrigerator until chilled.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

social distancing fourth of july activities

Fun Fourth of July Activities You Can Do At Home

By Mars Salazar

On July 2, 2020

In Holidays

While this year’s Fourth of July celebrations will be different, it certainly doesn’t mean that it’ll be a dull holiday. Large gatherings are not advisable at the moment, but you can still have fun with your closest loved ones. Here are some ways to have a special Fourth of July while staying safe and healthy:

1. Watch Fourth of July shows

Can’t go out to watch fireworks? The internet might just be your savior: Several sites will be streaming fireworks shows, as well as concerts, plays, and other entertainment. We’ll be tuned in to PBS’ streaming of A Capitol Fourth! (watch it via this link), as well as the filmed-for-cinema version of the hit Broadway show Hamilton (watch it on Display Plus).

2. Decorate your home

You don’t get a lot of occasions to go all out with the stars and stripes-themed decor, so take advantage of the holiday! Dress up your home with Fourth of July-themed balloons and streamers, put up American flags, and fill vases with red and white blooms. You can get the kids to join in the fun by holding arts and crafts contests–they’ll have a blast decorating everything red, white, and blue.

3. Have a patriotic movie marathon

A movie marathon is a brilliant way to while away an afternoon. Set up your most comfortable cushions in front of your TV, prepare bowls of popcorn, chips, and other snacks, and get set for a few hours of Netflix (or Hulu, or Disney Plus) and Chill. Some of our picks: Glory, Top Gun, Forrest Gump, Air Force One, and Captain America: The Frist Avenger.

4. Have a barbecue in your lawn

It’s not a proper Fourth of July celebration without a barbecue! While we don’t recommend inviting your neighbors over, you can still celebrate by setting out your own grills on your respective lawns, where you can see each other and socialize from a safe distance. It’ll probably be a bit chaotic, sure, but it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Don’t forget to take pictures of your Fourth of July festivities! Share your photos directly with your friends and family using your Nixplay Frames. We have a Secret Sale going on until July 12–now’s your chance to score our bestselling digital photo frames at prices you can’t resist. Shop now!

Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

How To Have The Best Summer Ever In The New Normal

By Mars Salazar

On June 30, 2020

In Lifestyle

The summer of 2020 will go down in history as an unforgettable one…and not really for a good reason. With people hesitant to leave their homes and social gatherings frowned upon, it’s safe to say that a lot of the summer activities we enjoy will get canceled or postponed. It’s a sad thought, but we couldn’t afford to take risks right now.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the next few months. Here are some suggestions:

Go to a secluded beach

Please avoid going to popular beaches, no matter how beautiful they are. They will most likely be crowded, and you don’t want to gamble your health in exchange for some sun, sand, and surf.

However, if you know of a secluded beach in your area that doesn’t get a lot of visitors, you can definitely go there as long as you follow stringent social distancing measures. Try to go during off-peak times to minimize the chances of sharing the area with other people.

Have a pool party at home

Don’t have a beach nearby? Replicate the experience in your own backyard! Having a swimming pool is the best scenario right now, but an inflatable pool works in a pinch as long as you’ve got the space for it. Bring out your favorite swimsuit, put on your sunglasses, and enjoy your homemade waves as you bask in your makeshift tropical paradise.

Create Your Favorite Summer Drinks

There are few things in life as refreshing as a watermelon shake or a cold lemonade on a sweltering afternoon, don’t you agree? If you want a more grown-up version, you can try your hand at margaritas, mai tais, and mojitos–all classic cocktails that, for some reason, seem to taste even better during summer.

Whatever your preferred beverage is, one thing’s for sure: Summer would be incomplete without sipping at least one ice-cold drink, preferably with a cocktail umbrella.

Get a tan in your backyard

Nothing says “summer” quite like a gorgeous tan. Don’t let the pandemic get in the way of your bronzed dreams. Take out your beach towel (a yoga mat can also suffice), spread it out in your backyard, and soak in the rays while reading a fun book. Don’t forget to apply (and re-apply) sunscreen: the goal is sunkissed, not sun-damaged!

Send summer-themed postcards to your loved ones

Do your loved ones live far away? Make your summer more interesting with snail mail. Send them summer-themed postcards with sweet messages just to say that you wish they were with you. It’s a simple, thoughtful sentiment guaranteed to brighten up their day.

Create a summer photo playlist

Reminisce about carefree sun-soaked days gone by with a summer-themed photo playlist. Add your favorite photos and videos from past summers to create a nice slideshow that you can view when you need a quick pick-me-up. If you have a Nixplay Frame, you can even ask your friends and family to collaborate with you on a playlist by sharing their own photos. This way, you can all reminisce about the good old days.

Don’t have a Nixplay Frame yet? Now’s your chance to get one: We’re having a major Summer Sale on our UK and Germany sites. This is your chance to enjoy huge discounts on our bestselling frames, so don’t miss this!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.