Bookstagrammers are weird creatures. I am allowed to say this, because I am one. Books are not just something for reading now, they’re something to photograph. THEY ARE ART. Because of this, getting a new book is much more of a process than it used to be. It’s not about reading the story anymore (psh… who actually reads still??), it’s about CREATING THE MOST PERFECT BOOKISH ART OF ALL TIME.
1. Hold book up to light and examine from all angles.
Examine every inch of the new book (the spine, the pages, the end pages, cover without the dust jacket on, etc). Mentally determine how best to approach the important task of photographing it.
2. Start to smell book, but then realize it doesn’t matter.
Blast! Why can’t new-book-smell be something that is experienced through photographs?!
3. Place book on designated bookstagram backdrop.
Photograph the spine, the cover, and the back without props. Realize the photo is too boring.
4. Spice up the backdrop.
Add other books, chargers, gift wrap, colored paper, etc. to emphasize the book. Of course, the colors need to coordinate with the cover somehow. Photograph and realize that this is far too simple and won’t get you enough likes.
5. Throw confetti.
ALL OVER THE BACKGROUND AND BOOK. Then dust it off the book and take a photo. No, not good enough.
6. Collect knick-knacks from all over your house.
Grab boxes from the attic, raid your child’s room, dig through a collection of things you saved from high school. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO FIND THE PERFECT PROPS. Set next to book in a effortlessly casual look (that took you about 10 minutes to arrange). Take photo. Meh, getting better but still not good enough.
7. Place a mug of coffee next to the book.
Make sure it’s black coffee to be more dramatic, even though no one ever drinks black coffee because yuck. Take photo and determine you’re still not satisfied entirely.
8. Scrap entire set-up, put new book away, and collect rainbow-colored books instead.
Take photograph of bookish rainbow, realize its perfection, and post to Instagram right away .
Do you bookstagram? Is your process something similar to the above?
Find me on bookstagram here, and always see the half-decent end result!
A.S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. When not writing, she’s caring for dogs and cats as a veterinarian. You’ll never find animals at the center of her writing, though, because those fictional worlds don’t have veterinarians and her literal brain can’t accept that the poor critters would be without parasite prevention. Thornton’s debut, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING is available wherever books are sold.
Sad
Do you even read all the books? All is for visual pleasure only?
Saw your instagram and even you have the book, you’d rather listen the audiobook…
It so sad you have all those book for show only.
Ali
Hi Sad (lol)! Yes, I actually DO read the books! Of course, some of the collectors editions I have multiples of, but for me the collections are like artwork. So they serve a double purpose – something to read and something beautiful to look at. Otherwise, I am VERY picky about what books I get. I will only get books that I plan to read, and if I am gifted a book and don’t plan on reading it, I donate it 😀
So there you have it!
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Too funny lol. I feel like a lot of bookstagrammers don’t match the color or theme of the books with the props, but one of the things I love so much about your photos is that you do!
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight just posted Book Review: The Heart of the Lost Star (Tales of the High Court Book 3) by Megan Derr
Ali
Hahaha thank you. I’m glad you appreciate it, because I definitely try to!!
Chrystal
This is why I do not have many bookstagram photos lately. Takes so much time to setup and my toddler destroys things as I’m working so… LOL
Chrystal just posted Book Dreams | Titles I’m Excited For in September
Ali
Hahahaha I can imagine it being very challenging with a toddler!! 😂 My cats cause me a little trouble, but nothing compare to a little one I’m sure.
Esther @ Queen of Fantasy
Haha this was such a cute little post! Literally the first thing I do when I get a new book is to check if it is pretty without the dust jacket, or if it’s a color that I don’t have yet. #priorities!
Esther @ Queen of Fantasy just posted August Recap / EPIC Haul (for me) / I Read Some Books / On Editing Fails
Ali
So glad I’m not alone 😆
Diana
hahaha I love this post! I am still new to instagram and so struggling to get good photos. I was telling my boyfriend about how serious bookstagrammars are. As in seriously, the props I see are crazy. I have seen lights(including Christmas lights), sparkling stuff and lots of socks and yeah, the coffee mug has to be there.
So far, I am still in search of the perfect props lol.
Totally enjoyed reading this post!
momknu
Your photos need more cats, no matter the topic.
when is the next Court of Thorns book coming out?
momknu just posted Hello world!
Ali
I think you’re right about the cats. And I think it’s coming out this year? We’ve got a title so the cover should be coming out soon.