Creating an Instagram account is practically a rite of passage. At first, it was all fun and games. Our bios were full of best friends’ names and our posts were more white border than the actual picture. That being said, Instagram has become a job for many and a hobby for most over the years. Unfortunately, with rising stakes comes an increasing pressure to curate the perfect feed. 

We all know the universal feeling of posting anxiety. From scrutinizing over which picture should be first in the carousel, to debating whether the post should be scrapped based on the coloring alone, uploading to Instagram is a process. Then again, who says it has to stay that way?

Remove some of the stress from social media and replace it with variety. Posting should be about sharing content with your friends and followers that showcases something about you and your day-to-day life—not just the flawless highlights that have been held under a magnifying glass or two. 

Casually posting on Instagram is a trend that has flooded TikTok, but people start to back out when it comes to executing the idea. While the freedom to post absolutely anything is liberating in theory, the lack of structure can be daunting. Below are a few ideas we’ve curated to help you relax in your picture-taking process.

Everyday Locations

You don’t have to be on the beach or in the heart of downtown to get quality content. Common places like parking garages, lots, sidewalks, and streets are guaranteed in almost any city. They offer casual backgrounds, require little travel time, and create the perfect setting for a mini photoshoot. Another plus? Sometimes the views alone are photo-worthy. 

If you’re not afraid of snapping photos in public, check out grocery stores, museums, libraries, and restaurants around you. The busy nature of these locations will naturally create an enticing photodynamic. Next time you and your friends are out running errands, try to get a few shots out of it. 

The Perfect Subjects

These photogenic items make it so you don’t have to get dolled up to get a good picture. A walk through a local farmer’s market holds plenty of photography potential; with colorful flower bouquets and clusters of fresh produce, these types of snapshots are perfect for feed fillers. Eye-catching signs, artwork-lined streets, and trendy coffee shops could be the perfect addition to your Insta. Immortalize your next five-Michelin-star meal with a photo. Don’t worry—you won’t be labeled a food blogger for posting a plate or two. If your entire outfit isn’t up to par, slip on your favorite pair of shoes and flaunt them on your feed. You don’t have to go out of your way to start creating an assortment of posts.

Keep in mind that these are just a handful of suggestions, and the possibilities are endless. Post what you want, when you want, and without regard for how many likes it may (or may not) get. At the end of the day, your profile is a reflection of you. Let’s devote 2021 to embracing our raw, authentic selves.

Written by Madison Quinn, Photography by Breanna Gamble & Abbi Roane, Design by Jess McCarty, Media by Taylor Lammi