This round of Behind the Instagram is dedicated to all the extra minutes spent perfecting the lighting, editing or look of a Instagram. All of the times we said “wait, let me get a picture first.” All of the extremely similar photos that were just not acceptable to post. Don’t try to tell me you don’t do these things.
Social media is a weird thing. Yet it’s also kind of fun, if we don’t take it so seriously.
Behind the Instagram
See previous “Behind the Instagram” posts: #1, #2, #3
1. As beyond gorgeous as this view was, this particular day of vacation was freezing. We were all using towels as blankets and lying down to block the wind. I think we lasted maybe an hour or so before we went inside.
2. I can’t tell you how long I tried to wipe the beet stains off the hard-boiled egg. The stains are barely there in this picture but I went to unnecessary lengths to try to make the egg perfectly clean. And that’s on top of keeping the beets and egg separate in the Whole Foods container from the start. It’s the re-plating that messed me up. A for effort?
3. I pride myself in not getting a cart when I go to the market. Shopping carts take up too much space, slow me down and get in my (and other people’s) way. I’d rather get two baskets, although I don’t know how that would play out. But a basket DOES NOT equal less food. I admittedly took this picture because it meant resting for a few seconds. I forget where I was standing but chances are I was blocking an aisle, which pretty much counters my goal of getting out of people’s way. Also, those Enjoy Life Mega Chunks were originally blocked by chicken but I swapped the two for “aesthetic purposes.”
4. This was my first smoothie bowl post-Whole30 and I was so excited to eat it. I went to extra lengths to “set the scene” with the granola and make the toppings nice and even (not an everyday thing). I took a picture, went to get a spoon and simultaneously knocked the open bag of granola on the floor.
The picture below was after I cleaned up most of it and thought “hey, this would be a good behind-the-scenes picture.” This spill delayed my breakfast an extra three minutes and put perfectly good granola to waste. I don’t know which one I was more mad about.
But I got a good photo, right?
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Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing Instagram wrong :-) :-) because it’s messy in front and messy behind.
Carla recently posted…An Ode To Our Squatty Potty.
Life is messy! I love both types of photos :)
Haha! As always, this is awesome. My favorite is the beets lying the egg because somedays I want to murder beets because of how they take over every single thing on my plate or salad! They are the worst when it comes to spiralizing multiple roots!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Frosted Paleo Valentines Day Sugar Cookies
Seriously, beets need to dominate every meal they’re in! Like Queen Beets, get off your throne.
Was that too corny? lol
hahahaha I love these posts. So dang relatable. The granola thing made me crack up! One time I was taking a picture of a dinner bowl and legitimately dropped it on the floor… In my bathroom…. Because it was winter and the bathroom had the best fake light…. *sigh* Thanks for posting these em!
Bailee recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Plot Twist
I took all of my food pictures in my bedroom in college because the lighting was better than the kitchen/dining room. Seriously, the lengths we go to for a good shot! Yours always brighten my feed though :)
Endless swiping of food stains and correcting and moving and swiping and by the time you want to take the photo your iPhone screen is dirty and it is just comical! Oh social media…it is always entertaining and you have to remember to not take it too seriously! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…“When I Am In NJ” Workout
The first thing I do after taking food photo is Lysol my phone! So messy.
Ha – this is so great. I’ve almost given up on the perfect food shot and aim for the rustic aesthetic. :)
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…Frozen Berry Pie Recipe
I love the rustic look! Cozy and inviting, I think.
Love, love these posts!
AmyC recently posted…The Great Birthday Escape: Bandos Island, Maldives
I’m so glad you do! Some of my favorites to share.
Hahaha poor granola on the floor :( I am the same way when I go to the grocery store for a “few things” and just use a basket. I’m surprised I don’t have bruises on my arms yet from those things haha.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Half way done! BBG Weeks 5-6
Seriously! I think I leave with red marks on my arm every time. Kind of concerning!
A local grocery store near me has those small carts that I love using since they take up a ton less space and I am not bumping into people all the time with them. But since I only go grocery shopping every few weeks, I am usually stocking up a ton so I have to get a big cart and just go to town. I love when I time it right and the grocery store is nearly empty, which makes it so much easier to shop and wander around. And yes, I enjoy wandering around grocery stores haha
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Brown Rice Breakfast Bowl
Yes I know exactly what you mean! I wish more places had those. Don’t worry, I like to wander around grocery stores too :)
These are always amazing :) But your photos are always perfect regardless! happy Wednesday :)
Kaitlin recently posted…Two Hands are Better Than One
Who paid you to say that? ;) Hope you had a great day!
I actually use my shopping bag as a basket because I buy too much if I get an actual basket hahaha. I don’t buy that many groceries. My last Instagram post was after my run and it basically looks like how I felt, sweaty, tired but happy. My favorite granola is one made by my job. Our bakery makes some dang good granola! Almonds, cranberries, oats, sweet and salty. It’s wonderful!
That picture of sunglasses is sweet even if you were cold :-)
Ellie recently posted…WIAW: I’ve Got Some Explaining To Do
Funny, I just started using my shopping bags as EXTRA storage for food. So I get a basket and use the bags..oops! I love cranberries in granola. Reminds me of fall.
I try to convince myself that a basket means less food ALL THE TIME when I’m home in the suburbs. Then I end up heaving it to the checkout while dangling three items from the other hand!
My basket is always overflowing! I sometimes use my re-usable grocery bags as extra storage.
I seriously think these are some of my favorite posts of yours. It’s been a long time since I did a behind the insta post… I just haven’t been ‘gramming as much lately so I don’t have as much content to work with. Love seeing the behind the scenes. It keeps you real :)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Injury Answers and a Weekend Recap
Thanks, Sarah :) I love these too. I loved your Instagram today…so many colors!
Love these posts <3 I always go for a basket, carts just stress me out. I always go for homemade granola because I'm cheap haha, also just love getting to customize!
Behind the scenes of my donut shot: I made such a mess trying to get to the middle, glaze was flaking off and my face was half in it. Worth it though haha!
Leah M @ love me, feed me recently posted…wiaw #44 | sick day
I have yet to make my own granola! I’m (oddly) intimidated by it, but I know it’s cheaper and will make my kitchen smell amazing. There should be an Instagram only for the behind-the-scenes photos because they really are the best.
Love these posts :D :D You should make it a link-up. I’d totally participate (or I might just start doing it on my blog) because I take SO MANY photos throughout the weeks :)
Lindsay @ A Runnaroundd Life recently posted…valentine’s day weekend in st. augustine.
A link-up is a good idea! But I’ll probably never get my act together ;) Would love for you to do a post like it!
Behind the scenes stuff is so fun! Your advice to not take social media too seriously is spot-on! Things are never as they appear in a single picture. I like baskets way more than carts, but I usually find myself lugging around a large squash and a carton of almond milk along with all my little items. Then I just look ridiculous!
I always love hearing the back story to photos, because sometimes Instagram skews things out of proportion! Oh as soon as I put squash or potatoes in my basket I regret the decision to not get a cart haha.
I absolutely love this series you do. Social media skews our perceptions and it’s refreshing to hear the honest stories behind each photo! They all sound so familiar ;D
Christina recently posted…Slow Cooker Bolognese with Mushrooms and Eggplant
Knew you’d be able to relate :)
Another hilariously relatable edition of this series! My favorite granola is absolutely Purely Elizabeth!
I need to get another bag of that! Just finished it last week.
Hahah I LOVE these series. It’s so nice to see “behind the scenes”….it makes me feel a little more human ha
Exactly why I love these posts! Reminds us all that there’s more to the story.
Love these types of posts. I need to do one some day since everyone knows the whole story is never shown on IG. I do always think your food pics are so pretty and perfect!!! Especially the smoothie bowls!
Hayley recently posted…Weekend Highlights // Valentine’s Day & Presidents’ Day
I take great caution making those smoothie bowls so I’m glad you think so ;)
I love these posts! Honestly, I can totally relate! I recently created an album in my phone called “The Real Faces” and I add all the pix I wouldn’t post on IG or FB or my blog… then I look at them when I need a good laugh! Like I took this one pix for IG doing yoga outside… but I was barefoot cuz “real yogis don’t wear shoes” LOL… lets just stay the bloopers for that pix were SO funny!
Cailee recently posted…Plants Based Pancakes!
I love that you have that album! Oh yoga bloopers are the best. I have a bunch of videos of me trying to get up into poses…key word: trying.
I always grab the basket… only to regret it three aisles in! I always manage to leave with more than I intended to purchase. ;)
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Not NEEDING a Relationship: Single and Content
Every. single. time. Without fail!
Dan and I did a little experiment and found that when we get a basket vs cart, we buy WAY less stuff. In a cart, it’s easy to just throw in a bunch of stuff wheras a basket we’re a lot more intentional about what we add. We also spend a lot less too!
Gretchen recently posted…Wednesday Reviews : Group Core
I think between the basket and the cart I buy less with the basket. (But I’m not sure because I never get a cart!). But I always end up leaving with more than I intended to buy!
This is too funny! Jesse always laughs because I often separate my dinner onto two different plates for the purpose of photographing it. Take last nights dinner – it looks all pretty on a plate, however, what you don’t see is the separate plate loaded with veggies because someone never learnt the moderation rule when it comes to vegetables :P
You should join us in the #SILDinnerChallenge on instagram though – all of your eats look so delicious and they’d be bound to inspire others to get creative! xx
As for basket vs cart, we have mini carts at our grocery stores so I always opt for them :P
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Banish Boring Dinners! The SIL Dinner Challenge
I don’t think I will ever learn the moderation rule when it comes to certain foods. Particularly, sweet potatoes and avocado. I always add more of whatever I’m eating after the picture.
A+ for the effort on the eggs- if only someone could have captured a photo of you meticulously cleaning off the beetroot juice! ;)
I am often the person who goes into the store intending to buy one item, neglects picking up a basket by the door, ends up ‘needing’ to buy 10 more items and then have to cradle them in my arms until I can shuffle back to the entrance to get the basket I should have picked up in the first place! (This happens in Whole Foods far more frequently than is respectable to admmit…)
xx
I wish someone was home to take a picture of that! My parents probably would have been concerned haha. Why is it that we always go into Whole Foods (of course) with the intention to buy one item and leave with dozens? I think if I ever followed through with that I would want a trophy!
Lol at those beet stains! I know that struggle. When I was taking pictures of my BBQ Beet Power Bowl I accidentally got some beet on my white placemat and now it’s stained for life!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Paleo Carrot Cake Monkey Bread Muffins
RIP, white placemat. It went to good use!
Your pictures are GORGEOUS as always! What are your go to editing apps!?
Well thank you! Typically just VSCO cam and/or the iPhone editing features.
I love these behind the scenes!
I’m a stubborn basket gal. I also will find a way to carry all my bags in one trip even if it kills me. Also the chocolate chunks are epic so I don’t blame you for wanting to make them the star.
Might have to borrow the idea soon ;)
Georgie recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: The Elephant in the Blog
I DO NOT take more than one trip carrying groceries inside. It’s just a big no-no. Another pride thing (and lazy, I guess)
Haha this is hilarious! I knock things over all the time so I totally get you. My outtakes include allllll the running videos I take just to get one screen shot image of me running! It does give me the opportunity to take a walk break while I”m setting up though :)
Kristen recently posted…Yoga Lessons: Look Inward, Not Out
Yes I have those from yoga pictures/screenshots too! I need to start doing them while running because I will gladly take a break :)
I absolutely loved this post! What a good idea haha.
I also go for a basket but then end up with an overload of groceries and have to carry half of them!
I’m all about the honey and almond when it comes to granola. IF it ain’t sweet then it’s not worth eating ;)
So my last post was of fruit.. you have no idea (well actually you probably do ) how many pictures I have of the same thing on my phone… It’s actually disgusting when you think about it.
Alexa @ The Mindful Maritimer recently posted…Why you should Travel to Tamarindo
Honey and almond are two of my favorite combos! I especially love honey flavored almond butter.If you’re anything like me, you probably have like 20 shots of that fruit :)
So, I really love this, because it helps me appreciate even more the work that goes into each Instagram post. Truly each one is a labor of love, time, and thought. I would love to do this sometime, when I get better at taking good pictures. :)) It’s a learning curve.
Emily recently posted…Friday Faves: Count Your Blessings