
It’s hard to remember a world without Instagram, but it must have been a dark, scary place where our eggs Benedict didn’t get nearly the attention they deserved. And did we seriously wait for magazines to see what celebrity hairstyles would be the next big thing? Thankfully, the app has made it easier than ever to share travel photos, find style inspiration, follow artists and even create videos and share music with anyone from across the world. If your Instagram is a reflection of how you view the world, then you definitely want it to look good. We’re sharing a few hacks for stepping up your phone photography without splurging on crazy expensive gear.
1. Pocket Spotlight ($30) We’re all familiar with the deer-in-the-headlights look or washed-out subjects that are the result of an ill-timed camera flash. With the help of this continuous pocket-size spotlight, you can tweak lighting to work exactly the way you want it to.
2. Monster Telephoto Lens Kit ($35) Don’t you hate when you want to capture an awesome view, like a concert or the view from the summit of your hike, and your phone lens isn’t cutting it? With this lens upgrade, you’ll be able to do justice to your next photo-worthy scape.
3. Phoneography Starter Kit ($30): Be well on your way to pro status with a wide/macro lens, a Phone-o-chrome phone filter, a full scholarship to Photojojo University and a pouch to hold it all.
4. Bluetooth Selfie Stick ($35): Love it or hate it, sometimes your arms aren’t long enough to get all your friends in the photo, and that’s when the selfie stick is your new best friend.
5. Phone-o-chrome Filter ($15): This #IRL filter does everything your Instagram filters can’t. Make photos look old-timey, warm them up and cool them down just by holding this teensy filter over your phone lens.
6. Smartphone Spy Lens ($20): All you sneaksters can capture great candid photos with the help of this lens, which lets you hold your phone at a natural angle while taking photos straight ahead. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
7. Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote ($25): No one’s getting left out of the group photo anymore! Simply prop up your phone and take photos from up to 90 feet away.
8. Solar-Powered Phone Charger ($79): Your phone camera can be a real drain on battery, especially if you’re using extra equipment, but fret not — with this solar-powered charger, two-percent battery life won’t put a kink in the photoshoot fun.
9. Concrete Confetti Fanny Pack ($32): You didn’t think you were just going to carry all this stuff around, did you? No way, Jose. This fanny pack is your best friend for keeping your hands free and your equipment at your side.
10. Polaroid 600 Camera + Film Set ($122): Oh, right! This is what we did before Instagram. Hey, wait, this was kind of fun too. Anybody want to get retro with us?
Doing it right on Instagram? Share your tips with us in the comments!
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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