If you’re anything like me, Pinterest is like a full-time job, endless scrolling without the familiar guilt that usually follows after hours on TikTok. Pinterest and aesthetics infiltrate every part of my life, whether it’s mapping out my holiday outfits or romanticising library study sessions, I have a board for everything. But the one place my Pinterest obsession shines through the most is on Instagram. Creating an Instagram feed that feels both interesting and authentic is all about attention to detail, especially when it comes to photography. Being ‘Pinterest-trained’ means having an eye for aesthetics and capturing balanced, visually appealing content. When I think of being Pinterest-trained, influencers like Manon De Velder, Toni Bravo, and Liv Madeleine spring to mind. They post outfit snaps, close-up face shots, scenic views, and their hobbies, perfectly balancing the spontaneity of their lives with curation. Let’s break down how we can achieve this aesthetic.
Firstly, be realistic. When discussing social media, it’s essential to address reality. Nowadays, Instagram feels inauthentic and dystopian as users edit out minute (human) details to try to create the perfect picture. I believe it is, therefore, essential to curate your feed to truly reflect who you are. Don’t copy and paste from Pinterest if that’s a misrepresentation of your life. For example, I would never post about going on a run at 6 a.m. because I’m not that kind of person. Use Pinterest as your baseline and take inspiration from people who resemble you or whom you can realistically aspire to be. This can take many forms, such as pinning posts of people with similar bodies, hair types, skin tone or race as you. Once you have mastered your mood board, you can begin to put your inspiration into practice, adding your own touch.
Has your follow request ever been accepted, or have you stumbled upon a new influencer and thought, ‘Wow…what a feed’? Chances are, they are using multimedia or different styles of photography. For me, one of the key points to creating an interesting Instagram feed is incorporating variety and texture. Previously, I would only post the same iPhone pictures of myself standing in the middle of the grid, but now I’m more inclined to switch things up.
You can use film cameras on holiday, whip out your digital camera for nights out, and use your phone camera when you need to capture the moment. Not only can you switch up the style of photography, but you can also alter what you are photographing. So like Liv and Toni, some posts could be of the view from Castle Sands, your suitcase on holiday, or your morning matcha from Spoiled Life.
This variety creates a Pinterest-coded Instagram feed in a way that still feels true to you and your life. Many influencers also play with these techniques, take Manon’s cool edits, shrinking or duplicating themselves, or showing what is in their bag, with each object suspended in the air. For those who are more creative, this is a great way to make your Instagram eye-catching and fun!
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the art of the photo dump. As social media has gradually shifted from strictly glitz and glamour to a space where casual content is valued, Instagram users began to post their life updates through a series of photos. For me, the perfect photo dump has (you guessed it) variety. Include selfies, food shots, landscapes, your outfit of the day, a casual photo, something posed, short videos, and so on. I love a photodump, especially after a holiday, as it’s a chance to post a recap of your trip – a kind of digital collage. Contrastingly, you can use Instagram in a more structured and organised way if that feels more true to your style. Apps like Planoly and Preview allow you to visualise what your feed will look like before you post. If you’re interested in maintaining a consistent theme or creating a multi-post collage on your feed, this is perfect for you! Personally, I tend to chance it and hope it all looks well together.