BY ABBEY SY

@abbeysy
 INTRODUCTION

Content creation makes up a big chunk of my work as an artist and author,

and it’s no surprise that with the numerous ways on stepping up with
your content game, it gets harder to narrow down to what represents your
creativity best.

This guide is a summary of my favorite photo apps that I use to edit photos
for both Instagram posts and stories, as well as for crossposting to other
platforms such as my blog, newsletter, and Facebook page.

Being on the platform for more than six years now (I started my Instagram
account in late 2012), I have definitely grown and evolved with regards to
how I show my work in an online space. Hopefully these tips will give you an
insight on your own creative journey.

Always Be Creating,
Abbey

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(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com
 FOR INSTAGRAM PHOTO POSTS
MY GEAR

CANON EOS M3 with 22mm lens iPhone 6S Plus

I always use my mirrorless camera (it’s 3 years
old) for my photos, as I get a higher quality
image and the blur that I want (it’s a prime
pancake lens, hence the effect).
There’s nothing like my ever-reliable iPhone
6S Plus (which is my life in a device, basically).
Because it’s handy, this is my third set of eyes
(second being my glasses) where I take photos
for immediacy and visual references.

ADOBE LIGHTROOM CC
Keen on editing professionally but feeling intimidated? That’s how I first felt
about Adobe Lightroom CC. However, this app is easy to adapt to—and with its
special color correcting features, it’s great for photos that need major makeovers
in order to give images a new life.

I took the extra mile with this photo shot from a safari trip to Africa. I wanted to
bring out the warmth of the leopard’s skin so apart from brightening the image,
I used the Highlights tool (under Effects) and selected a reddish orange tone
to create the final image. A big help was also sharpening the photo in order to
showcase the features on the foreground as this is an animal portrait.

(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com
 FOR INSTAGRAM PHOTO POSTS

One of Lightroom CC’s features is the Auto tool—where it automatically edits your
photos according to what it recognizes to be good. I prefer this with my product
shots as it brings out the vibrance of my subject. Apart from that, I use the Whites
tool to distinctively bring out the white parts of my photo (in this case, the tapes).

Lightroom CC does an amazing job of brightening an image without sacrificing

the quality and making sure the photo is still of good quality. For example, this
shot went through several edits (mostly Curves and Shadows) in order to come
close to the actual colors of the elements on the photo.

(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com
 FOR INSTAGRAM PHOTO POSTS

RNI FILMS
If you’re looking for analog-style edits, RNI Films is your best bet. It has a set of
free filters you can use (and customize!) to add character to your photos. From
landscapes, to artworks and snippets of daily life, I always use RNI Films to
achieve the retro effect I like having on my photos.

I edited this heavily through custom editing—the window view was too cool for me,
so I added warmth, grain, and lessened the contrast of the Swiss Alps in order to
mellow the photo. Also, notice the greenish tint of the Alps—I had adjusted it to the
greener side than the pinkish side to achieve this effect.

I used the Agfa Precisa 100 filter (my favorite) to edit my workspace photo. Instantly
the white walls were brightened, and the colors popped more overall. I also added
a nice grain (not very obvious) to make the vibe a bit more dreamy / old-fashioned.

(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com
 FOR INSTAGRAM PHOTO POSTS

I wanted to focus on capturing the golden hour colors in Berlin—so I chose a

warm filter and did a lot of adjusting on pre-warmth and post-warmth in order to
eliminate the cool blue tones that reflected from the sky through the windows and
streets. I chose to retain the shadows in order to showcase the contrasting colors
that happen during the *almost sunset* hour.

TIPS TO REMEMBER
Most of my process in terms of photography has been a series of experiments from my first ever
blog post at thirteen years old (using a now defunct Canon IXUS) up to the present day, where I
am happily carrying a mirrorless camera in order to get the quality I want. Here are some tips for
your photo editing practice, as well as subjects you can tackle for your work.

1. OPEN YOUR EYES

Not literally, but you know what I mean—look around you. Every subject is waiting to be captured.
The best part about taking photos is sharing your perspective, and by opening our eyes more, we
get to expand our horizons and see things in a newer light.

2. TRY DIFFERENT EDITING STYLES

I have a trademark style with my editing—I always go for warm, subdued tones that are very
reminiscent of anything vintage and retro. But this could be different for you. You may like pink
toned images, or a series of colors. Or you can be leaning more towards black and white. As you
edit, try different styles and play around with your software to see how small changes make a big
difference with your photo after editing.

3. ENJOY THE PROCESS

More often than not, we get too caught up with all the technical stuff that we forget one thing—
to ENJOY! I can’t tell you how exciting it is *always* for me to screen my photos, pick out my
favorites, and edit them. It feels like making magic as you transform an SOOC (straight out of the
camera) photo to a beautifully edited masterpiece. Enjoy it, have fun, and make the most out of
your photography experience.

(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com
FOR INSTAGRAM STORY POSTS

UNFOLD
THIS APP IS BEST FOR:
Storytellers who want to professionally elevate their brand
presence online. Unfold caters to the content creator who
knows how to tell stories in a creative way. With tools
equipped for all kinds of content, this app is pretty much
versatile and easy to user.

KEY FEATURES:
→ direct export to Instagram
→ best for multiple story posts
→ supports photos/videos and text functions
→ storage of previous Story templates on the app
→ wide range of templates

FAVORITE TEMPLATES:
→ CS1 (Classic)
→ JN1 (Journaling)
→ FF1 (Film-style)*

*paid template

(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com
FOR INSTAGRAM STORY POSTS

NICHI
THIS APP IS BEST FOR:
Storytellers who want a creative spin on their stories. Nichi
houses a range of templates that combine analog elements
with digital, and it’s what makes it such a hit among
creators.

KEY FEATURES:
→ wide range of backgrounds, textures, and stickers
→ can support up to nine photos
→ option to save templates for future use
→ newly uploaded elements every month
→ save and export to Instagram

FAVORITE TEMPLATES:
I always make new templates for every Nichi post depending
on what I am sharing about. However, my personal
preferences include light colored backgrounds, the polaroid
frames, and hand-drawn style stickers. They add a nice touch
to my story posts.

Found this guide useful? Share about it online via #ABCToolkit!

(c) Abbey Sy 2019

abctoolkit.com