How to Edit for Instagram
My Lightroom Journey from Pre-Filters to Pro
When I joined Instagram in 2011, the world of mobile photography felt like a revolution. I remember eagerly applying those early pre-filters—X-Pro II, Earlybird, Lo-fi—to every snapshot, thrilled by how they transformed my everyday moments into something that felt almost cinematic. Back then, it wasn’t about editing so much as it was about discovery. I was just happy to share my world in a new way.
As my passion for photography grew, so did my desire to stand out. The built-in filters started to feel limiting, and I wanted more control over the look and feel of my images. That’s when I discovered VSCO. Suddenly, I had a whole new palette of presets to play with. VSCO gave me a leg up, helping me achieve a more polished, cohesive aesthetic. My feed began to look more intentional, and I started paying closer attention to composition and light.
But even with VSCO, something was still missing. My photos looked good, but they didn’t always feel like me. I found myself tweaking the presets—adjusting exposure, shadows, and color temperature—to better match my vision. It was a turning point: I realized that editing wasn’t just about applying a filter, but about crafting a mood and telling a story.
The Evolution of My Editing Style
Looking back, I can see clear inflection points in my editing journey. There are moments when my style shifted—sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically—as I learned new techniques and discovered new tools.
2011–2013: THE PRE-FILTER ERA
My edits were quick and playful, driven by Instagram’s built-in options. The focus was on fun, not finesse.
2014–2016: THE VSCO UPGRADE
I embraced VSCO presets, which gave my photos a more professional look. I started paying attention to composition and light, and my feed became more cohesive.
2017–2019: THE TWEAKING PHASE
I began customizing presets, adjusting settings to suit each image. My editing became more intentional, and my style started to emerge.
2020–PRESENT: THE LIGHTROOM ETA
I switched to Lightroom, where I could create and save my own presets. My workflow became faster and more consistent, and my editing style became unmistakably my own.
Creating My Own Lightroom Presets
Moving to Lightroom was a game-changer. Instead of relying on someone else’s vision, I could build my own. I started by experimenting with every slider, learning how each one affected my images. Here’s how I use some of the most popular sliders:
EXPOSURE
Controls the overall brightness. If a photo is too dark, I’ll bump it up; if it’s blown out, I’ll dial it back.
CONTRAST
Increases the difference between lights and darks, adding punch to my images. Sometimes, I’ll lower it for a softer look.
HIGHLIGHTS & SHADOWS
Highlights affect the brightest parts; shadows control the darkest. Pulling down highlights can recover detail in bright skies, while lifting shadows brings out hidden details.
WHITES & BLACKS
Fine-tune the brightest and darkest points. Adjusting whites can make an image pop, while tweaking blacks adds depth.
TONE CURVE
Lets me adjust brightness and contrast in specific tonal ranges. I often use a gentle S-curve to add depth and dimension.
HSL (HUE, SATURATION, LUMINANCE)
These sliders let me tweak individual colors. Want to make the sky bluer or the grass greener? This is where I do it.
Incremental Presets: Dialing It In
To make my workflow even faster, I’ve created a series of presets for incremental changes. For example, I have presets that adjust exposure by +0.5, +1.0, or -0.5 stops. I have similar presets for contrast, tone curve, noise, dehaze, etc. This might sound a bit tedious, but it actually saves me a lot of time. If I think a photo needs a little more pop, I can apply a “+10 Contrast” preset in a click.
Having these incremental presets means I can quickly make adjustments where I think they’re needed, without getting bogged down in the details. It’s like having a set of custom shortcuts that help me dial in the perfect look for every image.
My Current Lightroom Workflow: Fast, Consistent, and Personal
Here’s how my workflow looks today:
Import and Organize: I bring all my photos into Lightroom, flagging my favorites and deleting any duds.
Apply My Preset: I start with one of my custom presets, depending on the mood I want to create.
Fine-Tune: I adjust exposure, contrast, and color to suit the individual photo. Sometimes I’ll tweak the tone curve or add a subtle vignette.
Export for Instagram: I export at 1080px on the longest side, using the sRGB color profile and 80-90% quality for maximum impact, along with sharpening for screen.
The Power of Consistency
Using my own presets has transformed my Instagram feed. My photos now have a cohesive look that reflects my vision and personality. Friends and followers have noticed, too—they say they can recognize my work just by the colors and mood.
But more than that, editing has become a creative outlet in itself. It’s not just about making photos look good—it’s about telling a story, evoking emotion, and sharing a piece of my world.
Tips for Finding Your Style
Start with presets, but don’t stop there. Use them as a starting point, then make them your own.
Experiment with color and mood. Try different combinations until you find what feels right.
Save your favorite settings as presets. It’ll save you time and help you maintain a consistent look.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Sometimes the best edits come from trying something unexpected.
Editing is a journey, and Lightroom is your toolbox. With a little patience and a lot of experimentation, you’ll find your voice—and your feed will thank you for it.
