Originally, I'd planned on doing a tutorial for some different and easy ways to display IG photos. I think I've had my Instagram account for about 3 years now (yes, I was a little late to the IG party) and it has really become a staple for me with regard to preserving memories in a kind-of digital photo album. In fact, as a longtime scrapbooker, IG changed the entire way that I organized and arranged my scrapbooks. You can read a 5-minute tutorial on creating IG scrapbook pages on my old blog by clicking here.
But this post isn't about scrapbooking. It's about just printing out those pictures that we hoard onto our devices. After all, what good are they doing us out there in digi-land? I mean, other than garnering us plenty of "likes" and "comments" (which is totally valid btdub).
Since getting my first iPhone (technically my first phone with a decent camera), my photo-taking has increased by probably 400x. Just having this little piece of technology with me at almost all times has changed the amount of memories that I am able to document. Also the fact that camera phone technology is improving at the speed of light allows me to enhance those photos that are taken in less-than-idea lighting. All the way back in 2005, I bought my first "good" digital camera. It was an Olympus point-and-shoot and it gave me my first glimpse into what having a good camera could do for my memory keeping. I still have that camera, but the quality of photos that I can get with my iPhone is comparable, and the indoor shots are even better than those I can get with my trusty little Olympus. Plus, less bulk. And intant uploads. And instant printing. And the ability to instant edit. It's just a win-win. And I love it.
To date, I have 841 photos stored on my IG account. What good are they doing me there? Not much. Now, I try to add some flair to my IG photos. Most have a lomographic edge to them (because I'm a total lomography buff). Recently I've been into adding light leaks (there are a number of apps that allow you to add your own leaks and sun flairs...my favorite is probably Hipstamatic). I am also a HUGE fan of filters. I spent the majority of my life without access to amazing filters like those that exist on Instagram and now I'm like a kid in a candy store. When people are hashtagging all of their photos #nofilter, I'm like "why? This is clearly a gift from Jesus and He wants you to use them."
Also, when people are like "you're so photogenic!"
I'm like, "Yeah, that shit has 36 filters on it; it better look good."
So, all of this to beg the question: what do I do with my super-artsy-amazing Insta photos?
Well, other than just printing them out and putting them into 4x4 photo frames, I took a few cues from Tumblr to enhance my (your) groupings of IG photos. If you've never browsed Tumblr, might I suggest heading over there for the visual lovefest. It's basically what would happen if Instagram were very, very confusing and riddled with inspirational quotes plastered over festival photo backgrounds. Maybe it's not so different from IG after all. You'll find things like these over on Tumblr:
I know, you're probably like "two blurry photos...awesome Karee." But, let me show you what happens when you resize them and add them to an Instagram photo grouping:
That's a little photo display right beside my workspace. For the background, I actually used a piece of foamcore board. It was serving as my own version of a pushpin board, then I just randomly decided to add an Insta-collage.
This little collection is an installation that took about 5 minutes in Jonah's room. We simply used twine and pushpins, with mini-clothespins attached for holding the pictures. The above image is really blown out because I took it at night and had to brighten it an insane amount, but you still get the idea. The combination of Tumblr and Instagram photos makes for a cool visual display. Plus, if you use a lot of light leaks and filters like me, it helps with cohesion.
- Arrange photos on a grid in a 12x12 or 24x24 picture frame.
- Add binder clips to a piece of reclaimed barnwood for a rustic photo display.
- Use clips to attach photos to a string of flicker lights for a hint of boho flair.
- Use ModPodge to affix photos to 4x4 clay tiles; use as coasters!
- Or use ModPodge to create double sided 4x4 photo blocks.
The possibilities really are pretty endless with these awesome little guys. And if you're a little intimidated by Tumblr, here is a collection of images that I've amassed for you to download and add to your Instagram collage. Most of these photos were taken and altered by me, the others are public domain forums from Tumblr. Still, I would only suggest using these images for personal use. You never can be too careful with copyright laws.
(Free Tumblr backgrounds can be found using those exact search terms in Google if you want to make your own inspirational "Tumblr" photos)
I have actually printed all of these (except for the last two because I just made them) for use in my own IG groupings. Most of them are already cropped to a 4x4 size; the very first two examples I showed, though, are 4x6. You can save and resize (any) images for free in PicMonkey. Click here to use their photo editing software (I use it a lot). Then, the easiest way to print them (for me anyway) is to e-mail them to myself and save them to my iPhone. If you're already viewing this on your iPhone, it's even easier; just hold your finger onto the image you want to save and click "save image" when the prompt pops up (you can resize them in your phone photo album). From there, I upload them into my Walgreen's app and send them directly to the 1-hour photo lab. At Walgreen's, 4x4 prints are $0.39/each. Buuuuuuut here's a coupon code to make it even cheaper:
For 40% off (all photos): PICS40
For the month of April when you use the app for 40% off: SPRINGAPP40
For 30% off of prints, posters, and enlargements: OFF30
So, there you go! I hope you have fun creating IG photo groupings! Post images in the comment section if you're so inclined; I'd love to see them!
xo, Karee
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