@autumrainn Instagram Tips: How to grow fast, Editing, Photography tips + more

Say hello to @autumrainn, a ray of sunshine on Instagram!

She has been using Preview to design her Instagram feed for 2 years now.

This, is her Behind the Feed: what goes on in her mind and in her life. What you might not see on Instagram but what everyone is wondering: from photo concepts to the mindset it takes to grow an Instagram account so fast from scratch.

We’ll start with easy questions. And then we will get deep and personal.

Thank you for sending your questions to Autum. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones.

Let’s start!

Before we start, can you please introduce yourself to everyone? What’s your name, where are you from and what do you do?

My name is Autum Rainn, I am 22 years old and I am a full time influencer and content creator from Phoenix, AZ. I create for a living and I LOVE IT! Oh and yes, Autum Rainn is my real name!

How did it all start? What inspired you to become an influencer? And at what point did you know you could / wanted to do this for a living?

I have always had a passion for self expression and creativity. I used to be the little girl who carried a camera around everywhere she went, taking pictures of my friends. I started my journey on IG after seeing so many of my idols posting and making this their job, so I became determined to do it too!

What gets your creative juices flowing? What / who inspires you the most?

My surroundings! Just the other day a photo concept popped into my head after listening to a song on the radio. When you are in a constant state of creation, you see things and observe things in a different light. I’m always asking myself, how can I create something with this?

How do you come up with such creative content and concepts for your photos?

My favorite thing to do is start with a prop. Anything will do! A lollipop, an old school phone, coffee, flowers, it can be anything. From there I build the photo around that object. It’s so fun!

How do you get out of a creative rut?

First, let yourself feel uninspired. There’s nothing worse than trying to force a great idea out of yourself. After you take that time, go actively search for what may inspire you. Buy a random magazine and build a photo off of one of the pages you see. Look at things in a different light!

What camera do you use to take photos?

I use the Canon 5D Mark IV and I LOVE IT

How do you choose which photos to post on your feed?

I post what makes me feel happiest. If I feel good about myself, and proud of my work, it’s POSTED!

How do you edit your photos and make them all look good together?

I have created my own presets, or editing filters for Lightroom all from scratch! I have them up for sale on gumroad.com/autumrainn. I highly recommend my Summer pack – that’s what I use for all my photos in my feed!

Your top tips to stick to a theme?

Temperature is a big way to keep your photos cohesive. I try to keep a warm temperature in my feed, and even if I have several different colors in them, if the overall vibe is warm, it brings it all together! I don’t like to stick to just a few color combinations in my feed– the world is filled with millions of colors so I never want to restrict myself!

How far in advance do you usually plan your Instagram feed?

I like to fly by the seat of my pants (not sure if it’s a good thing or not) but I always have at least 3-4 in the works!

Do you write your caption in advance? Or just before you post?

I only write out my captions in advance if I feel inspired in that moment. I have a section in my notes app on my phone where I put whatever I’m feeling inspired by in the moment, whether that’s a caption, a photo concept, or something one of my followers asked me to do!

Tips for posting consistently on Instagram?

Quality over quantity. Create what you feel PROUD of, and don’t feel pressured to stick to a schedule. You don’t ever want to burn out and lose your passion. When you’re passionate, you won’t have to ever look for the determination. It’ll be there!

Tips for taking good photos?

Take a ton! I can’t tell you how many times I thought I got the shot, only to come home and realize it was blurry or I had something in my teeth. Take a lot of shots!

Tips for posing in photos?

Practice in a mirror before you go shoot. The hardest thing about shooting is you can’t see what you look like during, so get a good idea of how you want to move your body before you get in front of the camera. I do it every single time!

Where did you get those bomb dance moves?

I was a competitive and trained dancer from age 3-18 so I got a lot of practice haha! (thanks mom!)

But seriously though, how do you stay so confident on Instagram?

I think you just have to remember that the world wants to see YOU. There’s already so many people on this platform, so there’s no point in trying to be like someone else. I remind myself that I have something very unique to offer to the world (even if I don’t even know what that is!) so I force myself to be confident in my authentic self.

Do you ever have bad days? And how do you deal with life and Instagram during those bad days?

YES! All the time. My followers know I struggle with anxiety and depression. I love to talk about it and be open. It’s not something to be ashamed of or try to hide in an attempt to seem perfect. I want my followers to know we can all relate to each other.

How long did it take you to grow your account to where it is at today?

I’ve been trying to grow my account for around a year and a half now.

How did you grow your Instagram and the beautiful following that goes with it, so quickly? In your opinion, what are the key components in building an awesome audience as an influencer?

Find something that sets you apart. What’s one of your favorite qualities about yourself? Run with it. What’s your favorite thing to do? Run with it! I love being silly, goofy, and dancing. The minute I started letting those qualities show online was the minute I started to grow my wonderful audience!

How to stand out from the crowd?

Well, I think, stop trying to fit in, and don’t try to push yourself to be extremely unique, either. So many people put a front or a face on for social media. If you are truly your own individual self, you will stand out. I promise.

What do you think is a good age to try and become an influencer?

Whatever age you feel you’re ready at. There will be criticism, there will be bad days, there will be bullies. It’s the best job in the world, but just make sure you feel steady enough in your foundation to rise above it.

How do you even start? I would love to start creating content but I don’t know how.

Get inspired! Find accounts that make you feel inspired to create. Follow other creators. Reach out to people in your niche. Make some friends. Fill your home feed with inspiration, then go create something yourself!

How did your family and friends react when you told them what you do? And how do you help them understand your goals?

Everyone in my life has been so supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better support system! They think it’s such a cool job!

What’s your favorite thing about being on Instagram?

COMMUNITY! My motto is Community over Competition. I love to meet other creators, build a relationship with my followers, and share my life with people who like to see it.