The Heart & Hustle Podcast: Episode 432 – How to Curate Your Instagram Feed as a Photographer

Released on May 13, 2025

In Episode 432 of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman delve into the intricate strategies photographers can employ to curate an engaging and visually appealing Instagram feed. This episode serves as both a strategic guide and a practical tutorial, highlighting essential principles and demonstrating their application in real-time.

1. The Relevance of Curation in 2025

Evie McLeod opens the discussion by addressing the fluctuating trends surrounding Instagram feed curation. She notes, “Curation is still very much relevant in visual industries like photography, web design, and more” ([00:41]). Lindsey adds, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, “People want real and authentic and unfiltered” ([01:07]).

Despite the shift towards more spontaneous and less curated content across various social media platforms, both hosts agree that for visually-driven professions, maintaining a curated feed remains crucial for showcasing quality and attracting the right clientele.

2. Core Principles for Curating a Photographic Instagram Feed

Evie and Lindsey outline several foundational principles essential for effective Instagram curation:

a. Varying Minimal vs. Busy Shots

Evie explains, “Principle number one is to vary the minimal versus the busy shots” ([11:00]). Minimal shots offer breathing space and simplicity, often evoking calmness, while busy shots add depth and intrigue.

For example, a flat lay with flowers and multiple details creates a textured and engaging image, whereas a studio shot against a plain background provides a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

b. Diversifying Focal Lengths

Lindsey emphasizes the importance of varying focal lengths to maintain visual interest: “Varying up the shots means maybe post a full body and then post a mid shot and then post a close up” ([16:08]). This approach ensures that the feed doesn't become monotonous and keeps viewers engaged by showcasing different perspectives.

c. Varying the Subject Matter

To appeal to high-end clients, both hosts suggest varying the subjects within the niche. Evie states, “The higher you're charging for weddings, the more you want the aesthetics to matter” ([17:49]). Showcasing a mix of wide ceremonies, detailed Florals, and intimate moments helps demonstrate versatility while maintaining a high standard of quality.

d. Implementing Color Theory

Evie discusses the role of color consistency in maintaining a cohesive feed: “In a grid of nine, you want to keep in mind what colors are being shown” ([22:12]). By correlating colors and avoiding overly jarring hues, photographers can create a harmonious and visually pleasing feed. For instance, alternating green elements with complementary colors can enhance the overall aesthetic.

e. Prioritizing Emotion and Storytelling

Both hosts agree that emotional resonance is paramount. Lindsey mentions, “Emotion and storytelling really showcase what you do well and what you capture” ([30:02]). Integrating moments that evoke feelings—such as a couple’s heartfelt kiss or the joy in a parent’s eyes—adds depth and relatability to the feed.

f. Maintaining a Specific Niche

Evie reinforces the importance of niching down for effective curation: “If you are multiple years into your business and you are still showcasing newborns, families, maternity, couples, weddings, seniors... it’s going to be hard to visually curate” ([28:19]). Focusing on a specific niche helps in attracting the ideal client by consistently showcasing expertise in that area.

3. Practical Tutorial: Curating a Feed in Real-Time

Following the principles, Evie and Lindsey engage in a live demonstration using the “My Feed” app to organize a mock Instagram grid. They pull in a diverse array of photos—ranging from styled shoots to real weddings—and apply the discussed principles to achieve a balanced and cohesive look.

Key Actions During the Tutorial:

• Balancing Minimal and Busy Images: Evie strategically places minimal shots between busier ones to create visual harmony.

• Adjusting Focal Lengths: By alternating between close-ups and wide shots, they ensure the feed remains dynamic.

• Color Coordination: They pay attention to the color distribution within the grid, ensuring no single color overwhelms the overall aesthetic.

• Incorporating Emotion: Selecting images that capture genuine emotions adds a personal and relatable touch to the feed.

Notable Insight: Evie remarks, “Experimentation is key” ([43:55]), highlighting the importance of trying different arrangements until the desired visual flow is achieved.

4. Additional Tips and Recommendations

Beyond the core principles, the hosts share valuable tips to enhance Instagram curation:

• Styled Shoots: Incorporating styled shoots can elevate the portfolio, showcasing high-end aesthetics that attract premium clients.

• Personal Branding: Including personal photos within the feed humanizes the brand, making it more approachable and relatable. Evie advises, “If you have no photos of yourself on your feed, big red flag” ([48:34]).

• Carousel Posts: Utilizing carousel posts effectively can maintain the visual integrity of the grid while offering more detailed storytelling within individual posts.

• Use of Apps: They discuss tools like “My Feed” for organizing and previewing the Instagram grid, and contrast it with Canva, noting limitations in drag-and-drop functionalities.

Evie’s Bonus Tip: “To improve collaborative posts, ensure the first image in a carousel includes elements from all collaborators,” she advises ([32:40]). This increases the likelihood of vendors sharing the post, thereby expanding reach.

5. Conclusion: Embrace Artistry and Consistency

Evie and Lindsey conclude by emphasizing that curating an Instagram feed is both a strategic endeavor and an artistic expression. They encourage photographers to trust their instincts, experiment with different arrangements, and prioritize both visual appeal and emotional storytelling.

Lindsey sums it up: “If you have the capacity or this seems like it relieves pressure from you of like, okay, well let me curate my grid... that’s a great way to do it” ([60:09]). The ultimate goal is to create a feed that not only showcases quality work but also resonates deeply with the intended audience, fostering connections and attracting ideal clients.

By adhering to these strategies and principles, photographers can effectively curate their Instagram feeds to reflect their brand, tell compelling stories, and engage their audience in meaningful ways.