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Capture Your Style: Transform Your Instagram Images, Showcase Your Life, and Build the Ultimate Platform: Transform Your Instagram Photos, Showcase Your Life, and Build the Ultimate Platform

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                      Foreword by Diane von Furstenberg                                                        

From Instagram star Aimee Song, creator of the popular fashion blog Song of Style, comes the very first how-to Instagram guide, breaking down the essentials to taking gorgeous photos and building your brand and following.   With over three million Instagram fans, Aimee Song knows a thing or two about taking the perfect Instagram photo. And Instagram is so much more than a platform for pretty pictures. It’s the fastest-growing social media network with an engaged community, a major marketing tool for brands, a place where Beyoncé drops her albums, and a hub where products can be bought with a simple double tap. Including everything from fashion, travel, food, décor, and more, Aimee includes insider tips on curating a gorgeous feed and growing an audience.   In this ultimate how-to Instagram guide, you’ll   ·      How to brighten, sharpen, and filter your photos ·      The best apps and filters ·      How to prop and style food and fashion photos ·      Ways to craft your voice and story on Instagram ·      How to gain more Instagram followers ·      Secrets behind building a top Instagram brand ·      How to transform an Instagram hobby into a successful business ·      Tips for driving revenue based on your following  Capture Your Style will empower you to become your own master mobile photographer, whether you’re looking to launch an e-commerce business or simply sharing a gorgeous meal with your friends, turning even the most mundane moment into Instagold. This is a must-have reference for anyone interested in the ins and outs of stylish personal branding.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2016

136 people are currently reading
965 people want to read

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Aimee Song

7 books11 followers

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5 stars
170 (21%)
4 stars
282 (35%)
3 stars
243 (30%)
2 stars
73 (9%)
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20 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Joana Cardoso.
49 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2016
As a lifestyle blogger (and photographer and Instagram addict) that has been following Aimee's work for a while, i thought this would be just another "blogger book" out there, however this is a valuable guide to anyone deciding to "up" there Instagram game, either they are bloggers, businesses or just a plain Jane trying to have a more cohesive and interesting instagram feed.
It's part "how to" book and part "first person experience" when it comes to the subject of Instagram and I think that benefits the book in several ways, for not only we get a general idea of how everything works (from creating an account, to choosing an handle, to actually posting and snapping images) but we also get first hand stories of someone who has an IG followed by...well, millions of people.
I could say a lot more but that would be a terrible spoiler for anyone who is anxious to lay hands on this guide.
Only downside is how I feel that some parts are a bit over comercial, as in advertising some accounts that Aimee loves or finds interesting, but then again this is not a basic "how to" manual.
Profile Image for Sophie.
158 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2017
I skim read this really but I wasn't really wowed by this book. It's been quite overhyped in my opinion but I guess if you are new to Instagram and really want to enhance your photos this is a good resource. Take it with a grain of salt though. She talks about maintaining a cohesive grid, eg all blue photos, all travel photos etc and I don't agree with that for instance.
Profile Image for LadyS  .
571 reviews
March 26, 2019
For one thing, this book allowed me to see that my Instagram feed is sadly wanting and is in sore need of more excitement.

Desiring to ‘level up’ my Instagram feed I decided to pick up this book, and was delighted that it was listed on the new York times best sellers list. I conclude that this book is a tad overrated although it did offer me some useful tips and inspired me to think more creatively. Which is the point right?? Well…..

I would have appreciated if the author included more details as to the “journey" and
"context" between where she started vs where she is now. For newbies and amateurs, the tips provided are useful but can be somewhat intimidating. I know that the various photos she included complimented the ambience of the novel and assisted with the professional presentation however, newbies usually don’t have a photographer with a fancy camera, nor travel the world to get shots outside monumental buildings. I understand the point was to promote a sense of ongoing, free- flowing creativity so that the audience does not get bored.

In other words, if she showed evidence of how she started (including pictures of early posts), gave more details on how long it took her to grow to X amount of followings and what new ideas she tried, it would have been a lot more reassuring. With this approach, I believe more readers could relate to early blunders and be encouraged that they too can become an Instagram success.
Again, I am grateful for the tips she provided sadly, not everything is applicable to me at present. At least I learned that my Instagram posts should tell a story to engage the audience, and also not to overdo it on hashtags, advice that I felt was very solid.
Unfortunately, I was looking more for a rags to riches journey that would chronicle how someone improved over time.
Profile Image for Rachael Hobson.
484 reviews21 followers
November 28, 2019
Skimmed through this because I already have an understanding of what IG is. But I found the pictures to pleasing to the eye and they inspired me to want to try those shots. Also, I learned I use way too many hashtags. Oops, lol.
Profile Image for Alexa Oliphant.
59 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2017
Sometimes you gotta read books for work, and it's just someone pitching their bullshit brand and you resent the writer so much that you wish you could kick them in the shins.

Thankfully, this isn't one of those moments. Aimee Song shares some pretty solid Instagram tips ranging from the practical (yea, turning your grid settings on to your camera really does help) to the more conceptual - what is our narrative?

She looks at everything from reputation, hash tagging, photo editing apps, building community, composition, and copywriting. It's a solid book on the Social Media platform, and I'd give her a full five stars if I didn't think her reticence on looking at controversial topics was so boring and basic. If social media is a new way to share our lives to the world, then why are all of our pictures eating french fries (but dude, I agree In&Out is tits) while remaining effortlessly thin in haute couture.

Jesus Christ, the world is one anxiety pill away from total war. Can a major influencer actually begin to show that in their social media?
424 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2020
Well I picked this up at a second hand book fair without any knowledge of the subject matter but thought it would be about figuring out personal style. My mistake. The book is about taking photos for instagram basically, which is not something I need to know more about.

It's dated (the book was published in 2016) and really really basic.

There's also an extract that instructs you on how to recruit random people to be your street photographer and then creative direct the shoot. I'm not kidding.

It's one thing to ask a random person to quickly take a photo of you, and another to turn them into your personal photographer. Direct quote "you can't be afraid to art-direct the shot and tell your lensperson (LENSPERSON?) exactly what you need for the perfect image."

Book comes across full of humble-bragging and oddly judgemental, too.

Not my bag but if you find a copy in a second hand book shop and you know nothing about instagram but want to start somewhere, it'll do you just fine. Keep in mind you'll also need an update as some of the advice has definitely been superseded.
Profile Image for Audrey.
1,369 reviews55 followers
February 7, 2017
the forward by Diane Von Furstenberg says it all "The most important thing, in Instagram and in life, is to know who you are and stay true to that." this a great guide to creatively explore this app and experiment with storytelling
Profile Image for Jandra Sutton.
Author 3 books41 followers
January 8, 2018
This is a great starter for anyone interested in growing a brand on Instagram, especially individuals. There are loads of tips on getting good photos - including what to take photos of - and editing tips as well. However, while I enjoyed this book, I did feel it was a bit short and repetitive. Tips were broken down into photo types (i.e. outfit of the day versus selfies), and I felt like many of the same photography tips were used every time (good lighting!) to make the book stretch. I would've preferred one section on overall tips versus repeating many of the same over again.
Profile Image for Kerstin.
285 reviews285 followers
February 7, 2017
I honestly thought this would be yet another blogger/YouTube book. However, Aimee's book was really helpful and fun to read. I even learned a new thing or two even though I consider myself an Instagram pro. Sure you could get all these information for free on the internet as well but seriously, what can you not? I think this book is a great pick for everyone who's trying to up their Instagram game - so lovingly done.
Profile Image for Madeline Rose.
84 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2018
This book was just alright. It was more of a “how to take photos” than a “how to use Instagram to your advantage.”
I was left with a lot of unanswered questions.
ALSO for those looking to learn more about using Instagram as an influencer and are thinking about reading this book, this book is STRICTLY for fashion bloggers. I was a little confused but Capture Your Style? I should have known (facepalm).
Profile Image for Leigh Anne.
933 reviews33 followers
August 2, 2018
A blueprint for Insta-success.

The specific tactics in Song's book will be most useful to style and fashion 'grammers, but the general principles are designed to help anyone grow and improve on the photo-based social media platform. From taking great pictures to setting up shots, posting frequency to avoiding cliches, Song walks you through all the rules...and then tells you when to break them!

The chapters are set up so that you can skip around to the things that suit your needs best. "The Ins & Outs of Instagram" will benefit complete n00bs, while "Capture Your Style" is specifically tailored to the fashion 'grammer, with heavy emphasis on the #OOTD. "Become A Storyteller" offers pointers on how to make your Instagram cohesive and well-designed. "Find & Grow Your Audience" is for those who want to blow up big, and "Instagold" gets into the nitty gritty of working with brands and other high-concept business-oriented stuff. Even if you're not planning on trying to be famous, the information here is very interesting and relevant to anyone who curates their company's Instagram account, and can make your personal account seem more polished and put-together. Loaded with examples from Song's own account, the book is a master class in Instagram.

The most useful section for the average Instagram user is #SelfieSchool, which painstakingly walks you through the process of taking THE PERFECT SELFIE OMG. Even if your normal style is point-click-shoot #nomakeup #nofilter, you're going to want, at some point, to take A REALLY NICE SELFIE WHEN YOU LOOK SUPER CUTE. Maybe it's a special occasion, or maybe it's just an #Ifeelpretty day - trust me: read the section. You'll thank us both later.

I playtested a number of Song's suggestions and, much to my surprise and delight, increased the number of likes and followers I've been getting. There's no way I plan to spend as much time and effort on Instagram as she does, but if my mild and modest tweaks can improve my own piddling Instapresence, imagine what Song could do for your feed if you're ready to get serious. Highly recommended, with the caveat that some of the apps mentioned may be outdated, given that the book is 2 years old (or not, but double-check, because two year in tech time is #forever). Highly recommended for medium to large collections, particularly in urban areas where aspiring fashionistas are everywhere.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,001 reviews23 followers
December 16, 2020
This book is great for users new to Instagram or looking to become influencers. It had some really great tips for taking good photos, which I appreciated. While Song frequently mentions that it's perfectly fine to only want a personal account with close friends and family as followers, the book is ultimately designed for bigger uses. Song herself posts photos of fashion, interior design, travel, and food, but my life is rarely this interesting on a regular basis. Some of her advice seemed unrealistic to me, such as when she suggested standing on chairs in stocking feet to get a good photo while eating at a public restaurant. Her suggestion to ask strangers to take your photo seemed innocent enough, until she asks them to kneel on the ground, take 30+ shots, and more. Overall, this book did have some useful advice for the average Instagram user, and plenty more for hardcore aspiring influencers, so I'm giving it 3 stars.
Profile Image for Willow Rankin.
422 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2021
Whilst I follow alot of influencers and bloggers on social media, when I see that they have written a book, I am always a bit dubious.
However, this one written by Aimee Song of the "Song of Style" Instagram and Blog, pleasantly surprised me.
This book, she has written, is almost a dummies guide to Instagram, and contains all manner of tips in "levelling up" your insta game.
If I was interested in influencing, I'm sure I would find some more useful tips on building my insta feed, however, as a casual user of insta, who already has a pretty solid understanding of the app its a bit redundant.
The photography that goes along with the book is beautiful and highlight the cool features of her fave editing apps.
Further, the book could definitely do with an update for the new features of the app that have been released over the previous couple of years, including Stories, Reels and the Shop tab.
Profile Image for Julia H..
230 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2017
Świetna książka o fotografii komórkowej. Idealny wstęp dla osoby, która lubi fotografować, ale robi to zwykle telefonem - okazuje się, że tu też jest duże pole do popisu. W końcu to znajomość własnego sprzętu i umiejętności są ważniejsze, niż wyposażanie się w najnowsze (i najdroższe) nowinki techniczne. Co prawda autorka pisze pod kątem iPhone'ów i Samsungów, ale wymienione przez nią opcje można odnaleźć bez problemu w większości współczesnych smartfonów (a przynajmniej nie miałam problemu z Huawei P8 lite, który wcale nie jest ani najnowszy, ani z górnej półki).

Dużym atutem książki są rady dotyczące kompozycji pojedynczych fotografii oraz siatki zdjęć na instagramie, porady dotyczące promocji konta oraz użytkowania hasztagów.

Pozycja warta uwagi i obowiązkowa dla każdej #instagirl i każdego #instaboy ;)
Profile Image for Bethany.
512 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2019
1. It's pink. I actually found out about this book since I bought her second book- which is not pink.
2. I was surprised by how much I learned about instagram and it's inner workings- although they change often- which she hits upon.
3. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this read.

It's a relatively quick read. I got the most from the chapter about using instagram for your business and how instagrammer's use different apps to make their pictures look cohesive. Since my account mostly shows my dog and weird colorado weather I'm not sure it's applicable. But it was good to learn. The pictures are lovely, the content is solid- an overall good read.
Profile Image for Ashley.
79 reviews
May 28, 2017
Ever wonder what magic was behind the perfect instagram account? I could identify feeds I felt captured a perfect picture, but I couldn't pinpoint WHAT made them look so enticing. In Capture Your Style, Aimee Song does a wonderful job of breaking down the basics and highlighting with some helpful instructions what makes an instagram photo set go from average to polished. I enjoyed the examples, instructions and advice and even bought a copy for my mom. I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for some help getting your instagram account to the next level.
Profile Image for Marci ♡.
136 reviews10 followers
September 14, 2019
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but here I am. Although it’s a bit dated since Instagram has updated so much in the last few years, Aimee provides some really important information. She gives tips on how to actually take good photos instead of focussing 100% on the editing and post production. At the end of the day Instagram is an app all about good photos. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to step their social media game up, to those who potentially want to use Instagram for business or just those who want a cute feed.
Profile Image for Cheralyn Salone.
3 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2017
I loved this book! I really struggle when it comes to using Instagram and social media in general, so this book was very helpful for me. It gave me basic terms to use and different things to watch out for while using Instagram. It also gave me a different view of how to use Instagram, and to really appreciate the many different privileges that Instagram media gives every user. I am definitely going to apply some of these tips in my own daily life.
Profile Image for Jaakko Koivula.
46 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2018
Pointlessly gendered and gratingly peppy, still useful

Wanted to read something about Instagram and this was one of the few books that were for individuals and not businesses. Useful stuff, but for some reason written solely for women. Still, useful primer. Seriously lightweight, but I guess it might go with the medium. I wonder if there are some more serious books about Instagram yet?
Profile Image for Magulec.
216 reviews
February 12, 2018
Pięknie wydany album z niezłą treścią. Z kilku rad na pewno skorzystam. Mam nadzieję, że będzie wychodzić więcej podobnych publikacji, ponieważ rynek social mediów zmienia się tak dynamicznie, że po kilku miesiącach (i aktualizacjach Instagrama) już mi w książce paru rzeczy zabrakło. Niemniej pozycja warta przeczytania i przez początkujących i przez tych, którzy pierwsze kroki na Instagramie mają już za sobą.
Profile Image for Caroline.
717 reviews31 followers
April 13, 2018
3 stars

This was good for what it was. I learned a few things, and the book was very nicely put together (#aestheticgoals). I do think it needs some updating now that we have the dreaded algorithm on Instagram, and I'm pretty sure this was published before the "sponsored/ad" requirement, but alas. I will be happy to never hear the phrase "arm swag" ever again... I kept feeling like Regina George telling Gretchen Weiners "stop trying to make fetch happen" because seriously!
Profile Image for Honey.
33 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2018
Really enjoyable and educational. I read it all in one sitting.
If you’re already up to speed on Instagram, the book goes by faster as you already will know about smartphones, filters, and apps.
Though some advice is by now outdated, there are a good chunk of timeless gems of advice and some common sense reminders.
It’s worth ready for the seasoned Instagrammer when you need to recenter and come back to why you started this in the first place.
Profile Image for Yaryna.
121 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2021
Having an Instagram is hell of a challenge! Also, this book is rather outdated as for 2021, as the Stories feature has changed Instagram inevitably and irreversibly. Tips on publishing a couple of posts each day sound weird these days.
Besides, this book is focused on those who wear cool clothes and can spend hours taking photos. The concept has changed here, as well, as Stories provide us with absolutely another level of creativity, and modern Instagram has other criterion and trends now.
Profile Image for Alaina.
24 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2021
Not that there isn’t value here, but it felt to me a lot like a book by influencers, for influencers. Someone just looking to enhance their IG feed may not have quite so much to take away from this. I also feel that with so many changes to the app in the last few years, this book is slightly out of date? Of course, I can’t really fault the author for that. All in all, a fun & quick read but not totally helpful unless you’re specifically a style blogger.
Profile Image for Aja.
Author 5 books458 followers
August 9, 2017
Some very good tips for using instagram and capturing the best shot. Also some real no brainers too. I'm not sure if there was enough information to fill an entire book here. I would have enjoyed an entire book of before editing and after editing shots because the dialogue got a little repetitive. This lady knows her composition though.
Profile Image for Laura.
385 reviews
August 22, 2017
This book is really beautifully presented and thankfully not all fluff which I feared it might be, but actually full of practical advice from someone who knows what they're doing. This book is suitable for all levels of instagrammers, I especially enjoyed the how to editing sections, now to put it into practice!
Profile Image for twilightsprincess.
130 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2018
誕生日のために上司は私にこの本をくれた!好きだった!インストグラムでソンをフォローして彼女のフェードがとても好き。この本はいいアドバイスがあるからソーシャルメディアのインフルエンサーに良くなる
My boss gave this book to me for my birthday and I really liked it! I follow Song on Instagram and I really enjoy her feed. This book has such good advice for those who want to become better social media influencers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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