Get More Likes, Views, and Engagement — Simply by Turning Your Camera!
If you’ve ever wondered why some Instagram photos seem to pop while others fade into the scroll, here’s one of the simplest secrets: shoot vertically.
That’s right — one of the easiest ways to make your images stand out on Instagram is to fill the frame (and the feed!) by shooting in portrait orientation instead of landscape.
It’s not just about the look — it’s about how your photo fits the platform.
Why Vertical Photos Work Better on Instagram
Instagram’s feed is built for vertical content. A 4:5 aspect ratio image (that’s taller than it is wide) takes up more space on the screen, which means:
- More visibility: Your photo literally occupies more of your viewer’s feed.
- Higher engagement: Taller images stop the scroll — users linger longer.
- Better storytelling: Portrait orientation fits faces, buildings, and street scenes more naturally.
📸 PicTour tip: Use the aspect ratio setting on your phone or camera to pre-frame your image at 4:5 (or crop it later in your editing app).
When to Go Vertical (and When Not To)
Vertical isn’t always right — but it often is.
Go vertical when:
- You’re photographing people or full-body portraits.
- You want to emphasise height — trees, towers, or street scenes.
- You’re sharing to Stories or Reels, where vertical is the native format.
Stick to horizontal when:
- You’re capturing landscapes or groups.
- You plan to print or display your photo outside of social media.
- You need negative space for text overlays or graphic design.
How to Compose a Great Vertical Photo
Shooting vertically doesn’t just mean turning your camera — it changes your whole approach to composition.
Try this:
- Use leading lines — lamp posts, stairways, or rivers draw the viewer’s eye upward.
- Frame from bottom to top — think of your image as a story that unfolds vertically.
- Leave breathing room at the top and bottom of your frame — especially if you’re cropping for Instagram later.
- Balance your subject using the rule of thirds — but vertically aligned.
✨ PicTour insight: When photographing Edinburgh’s Royal Mile or Dean Village, shooting vertical helps capture the dramatic height of the old architecture — and makes your photo feel more immersive.
Bonus: How to Edit for Instagram
Once you’ve got your vertical shot, editing is where the magic happens.
Editing checklist:
- Straighten vertical lines (especially for buildings).
- Boost contrast and clarity slightly to make details pop on small screens.
- Keep colours natural — too much saturation can hurt your photo’s realism.
- Add subtle vignettes to draw focus to your subject.
📱 PicTour recommendation: Try editing in Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed for fine-tuned control before uploading.
The Algorithm Loves Vertical Photos
Here’s the truth: Instagram’s algorithm rewards engagement, not just quality. If your photo holds a viewer’s attention for longer, it’s more likely to be promoted to others — and vertical photos tend to keep people looking.
That extra second of attention can make the difference between a good post and a viral one.
Ready to Up Your Instagram Game?
At PicTours, we help you capture the kind of images that stop the scroll. Our photography tours across Edinburgh teach you how to compose, light, and edit your photos for real-world impact — whether you’re shooting for Instagram, a portfolio, or personal passion.
Join a PicTour this season and discover the best photo spots in the city — from iconic views of Arthur’s Seat to hidden lanes bursting with colour and charm.
👉 Book your PicTour today and start taking photos that make your feed unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Photography isn’t just about what you shoot — it’s about how you frame it. Shooting vertically helps your photos stand out on Instagram, tells a stronger story, and makes your audience stop, look, and feel.
Try it on your next photo walk — you might just see your engagement climb (literally and figuratively).
