I was thrilled with the response we got on our best hashtags for Instagram post over the summer, and I’ve been wanting to share some more Instagram secrets ever since. Given that I’m totally obsessed with VSCO Cam to edit my iPhone photos (I hear that Instagram has some pretty good filters nowadays but I’ve yet to try them as I love what VSCO offers so much), naturally it was time to share my favorite filters!
What I love about VSCO Cam is that not only are there basically endless filter options—there are several free ones, including filter packs you can snag when they have promotions, and many photo packs you can purchase for next to nothing—but there’s an entire community of users out there to connect with over photography. It’s also incredibly easy to use. I’ve tried Afterlight and Camera+ for my Instagram photos, but nothing stuck except VSCO. Anyway, here are our favorite filters to use, and lots of examples for you to choose the ones based off your own aesthetic and brand.
None – Sometimes on The Blog Market’s Instagram we don’t even use a filter, but with VSCO you can toy with the contrast, brightness, horizon line (always straighten those sunset photos, guys! It makes all the difference), and more without even choosing a filter.
A6 – It gives off a cooler, more contrasted tone, which is a vibe I’ve seen on a lot of more urban photography accounts like those with architecture and cityscapes.
B1 – This is your standard black and white filter, and while there are others, I think this gives off the medium of not looking too gray, but still remaining soft.
C1 – This is super vibrant but also feminine and though I don’t use it much, I love its effect on my floral photo! If you have a colorful account or a girly aesthetic, this one will make your tones pop.
F1 – F1 is my current go-to for my Instagram (check it out to see almost entirely F1 photos). It’s got this almost purple tone that I’m obsessed with because it completely goes with my blog and Pinterest aesthetic. It wasn’t one of the original filters which is why I was on the fence about VSCO for my own brand for awhile, but I fell in love again when I found this.
F2 – Here’s the filter I used to go with because I love that matte, film effect. I still love it but find that when you’re someone who posts generally vibrant photos, a bit of the drama can be lost. It’s all about the type of photos you take!
S2 – The whole S series is aptly named “clean” and I love it for The Blog Market. We seriously love colorful, pretty photos, and this one makes sure we don’t use it with over editing. At the same time, we’re not trying to be one of those crazy bright, rainbow accounts (though we sure love them) – we like to be a little more relaxed – so S2 maintains the vibrancy while toning down overly bright photos a bit. If you aren’t into super edited photos, definitely check out the S filters.
T1 – This is a moody filter with tones pared down and a bit of a darker vibe. I can see someone with photos of dark and dreamy interiors or who loves to photograph mood lighting really enhance their photos with this one. Again, if you love bright colors though, you might see that this one takes away the color pop you want.
Keep in mind that with each of these filters, you can adjust the degree of their intensity! When I have a really naturally good image to start with, I don’t like things looking too over edited. So, I put my filter on and then tone the intensity down to about 6 or 7 in order to keep its original color without throwing off the aesthetic of my entire feed.
As tempting as it is to try each filter on every time you upload an image, if Instagram is something you’re focusing on growing or you want to maintain brand consistency, switching filters every time will throw off your game. I really love how all these different filters turned out on the images in this post, but when it comes down to it, I’m gonna stick to the S series for The Blog Market, F1 for my blog, and so on.
Hope this helped all who wanted to learn about VSCO and Instagram! If you get really into it, they have VSCO film for desktop photo editing. Have you guys tried the app?
Maira says
I love VSCO as well, currently I’m obsessed with A5, it gives me a bright white which is my main color, I also love HB1 toned down to 7/8, I prefer cool tones rather than warm ones. Sometimes I use Snapseed to edit the brightness, I wish this was an option in VSCO.
@mairagall
Shang J. says
This app’s my favourite for editing Instagram pictures. ^_^
Alyssa J Freitas says
I also enjoy VSCO and am still trying to work on creating a cohesive aesthetic. Am I moody? Bright? Warm? Cool? I can never quite decide!
Angela says
It’s hard to pick especially when the different filters all make images look good, but in different ways.
Tonya says
The hash tags post has been really helpful for me and I found it a little late :) I love the idea of filters but like you said it’s not smart to change a lot when you’re trying to grow. However one or two may not hurt?!
Angela says
Oh yeah it’s definitely fine if you use a couple different ones, especially if they relate/are in the same series. It only became an issue for me when I kept wanting to try out all the new ones, then realized how different they all looked! :)
Sara says
What is OR and OU?
Krish says
This is what exactly I’ve been looking for…great tips!
Kelly Misbin says
THANK YOU! You broke this down perfectly! Woop Woop — girlfriend, thank you! I’ve been vibing with a general theme for awhile now but I’m looking to re-vamp again — hello creative changes! XO
Nischita Babu says
Great post ! Loved it ! Are you still using F1 for your Instagram? Would love to know.
Angela says
Thanks Nischita! I’ve been using Q5 from a bonus pack for a few months now!
Sam says
I love the tone of your current personal account feed. Is this still F2 or what filters are you using? Thanks! :)
Angela says
Hey Sam! I’ve been using Q5 for a bit now. It has less of that matte look and more of a dreamy/romantic feel. I usually try to tone the intensity down a bit though :)
Liliya Dakova says
I am currently obsessed with the Hypebeast presets! I use them for 90% of my posts on Instagram, they are simply marvellous!
Juan Canicas says
I am currently looking to create a better Instagram presence and I will definitely give VSCO a try. Thanks for the post!