If there is no photo of your run, did it even happen? We runners do love to post about all of our running achievements big and small. And, why shouldn’t we!? We work hard and we are proud of the work we do. Offering up some of my best tips on how to take amazing running selfies and photos for Instagram. This post contains affiliate links.
Top Tips For Great Running Photos
Getting just the right photo that will pop on Instagram or Facebook is not always so easy. No, you do not need to have your own professional photographer follow you around. Here are some easy ways to elevate your photos.
Invest in a tripod
Having a great tripod is a must. It is hard to rely on finding somewhere to prop up your phone that is at the right angle. Having a lightweight, portable tripod that you can take with you on your run or stash in your car is key. I tuck mine right into my hydration vest so I can pull it out when inspiration strikes.
Play with angles
By using a tripod, you can play with angles to capture more or less of your body in your photo. Makes it easier to accent shoes or socks or certain parts of your outfit. Switching up your angles always gives some variety to your IG feed. Here are some tips about taking jump shots.
Timing is everything
Use your timer to capture great action shots. Also using the remote control that comes with a tripod helps to capture your action shot at just the right moment. It is super small and very easy to hold in your hand while you run or jump.
Use your background
Take advantage of what is in your background to help make your photo stand out. Use flowers or trees that have seasonal significance. Look for murals or objects that spark interest in your photos. Coordinate colors in your outfit to objects you run by. Mix up your poses to add variety.
Play with accessories
Accent your photos with seasonal items that pop like fun, colorful sunglasses, or hats.
Filters
Using consistent filters gives your Instagram feed a cleaner, more organized look. There are a ton of great photos available for very small fees on Etsy. Once you download them, they are yours to use forever. It is easy to pick a series that fits your personality and colors. For example, like everything to have a pink hue? There are filters for that. I like to choose seasonal filters. The summer filters highlight the greens and bright colors. Fall and winter filters bring out the gold and red in the leaves for example.
Just be you
Of course, being your genuine self in your photos is the way to go. Don’t be afraid to express your personality and “run” with it. Your audience follows you to see you and that’s what they want to see.
I hope I gave you some new ideas to elevate your running photos for Instagram. Let me know how it goes!
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Great ideas! I have a tripod but I never end up bringing it with me. Not sure why- its pretty small and could probably fit in my pockets. I usually just find something to prop my phone up against. However, that usually means I end up taking my pictures in the same spots.
Yes, having the tripod has really helped me to get photos in different spots to vary the angles as well
You always have a lot of great photos! I like playing with different camera angles, and try to not “duplicate” any similar poses or shots too often…but I know I fail at times LOL I have a few blog posts (from years past) about photo tricks, and I’ve recently thought of resurrecting them with some updates. Stay tuned 😉
I really enjoy finding new spots and angles for posts to keep things interesting
This is great!!!
You do have the BEST IG photos. Now I know why.
I admit that I LOVE IG but I just put my phone in my mailbox and stand the same way and snap.
I’m in a rush to get somewhere and I barely have time to even run.
But keep up the good work. I Love looking at them.
Thanks Darlene I do love to mix it up and try to snap great photos.
I went immediately to Amazon and put that tripod in my cart. I’ve been meaning to get one for ages and keep forgetting. These tips are great- thanks!
It is such a great investment! You will use it all the time
A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it is to take good running pictures! It’s definitely a skill that takes practice. Thanks for sharing these tips!
It does take practice! I am having fun w it lately
I gotta say yes, it happened even if you didn’t take a photo! 🙂 Great tips, though, Deborah — thanks!
Ha ha yes!
I love your photos. These are some great tips. I wouldn’t want running photos of me though. I always am bright red and sweaty and most likely cursing because I’m in pain.
ha ha yes I hear ya especially in the summer time
You know my relationship with running…But, I love your tips because I’m always saying I don’t take enough “in the moment” pictures. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love these tips, as you know I don’t run because my knees don’t like it but the post workout selfie is a must
Yes, these will work for any workout selfie!
oh this is great!!!! always so hard to figure out the best angles while running!!! thanks for sharing this
Thanks hope you got some great ideas for yours
Great tips here! I love the photos you’ve taken here, they’re testament to the tips!
well thanks so much!
Great suggestions! Angles make such great variety to regular photos, and your pics always radiate your smile and good energy!
Thanks Jenn!
Filters! What a brilliant idea, Deborah!
I will go straight to Etsy to have a look. You do have the best photos with brilliant colours.
Love that photo with the flowers in the background!
The filters can really make the photos pop!
Great ideas, Deborah! I especially love how you’re so good at capturing pictures from different angles.
I do like to have fun with it!
Such awesome tips!!! And your IG photos ALWAYS stand out! I have a huge bulky tripod but I’ll have to invest in a smaller one that I can carry around – thanks for the tip! Didn’t even know those existed (and with a remote control too!)
yes you definitely need one! Although, you husband is also a good photographer. Mine has lost interest in his subject ha ha
That flower matching is awesome! I’m grateful to the lampposts in CP and along the river for serving as my portable tripods. I have a great one that I bought for Iceland but I’m 100% in never thinking to bring it with.
My running friends think it’s hilarious that my tripod always comes along!
I mean isn’t it part of our job as friends to keep others’ laughing?
absolutely!
Great tips! I never bring my tripod on a run, but I should use it more outdoors!
It is a must for me!