My name is Amy Tran and I have over 94,000 followers on Instagram. I am an expert in the nail art world and specialize in nail art, how-to videos, and everything in between! What started as an attempt to kick the habit of nail biting (yup, I was one of those – gross!), has turned into a hobby of painting nails, and finding amazing opportunities I’d never imagined. Who ever thought these ten little canvases would open incredible doors for me to explore!
You may be interested in how I produce my Instagram work: what I use for my photos, videos, editing, and nail care. It takes more time than most people think to get that one perfect photo, or 15-second video tutorial. Read below to learn about my not-so-secret methods!
Keep in mind that your nail art might look phenomenal, but if your photo is blurry and dark, you most likely won’t attract any attention. To ensure your photos are bright, neat, and clear, you should focus on the following:
LIGHTING. There’s no need to go out and buy a fancy camera – your iPhone or Android is fine if you have great lighting! I use a point and shoot camera like Nikon Cool Pix, and it does the job. A desk lamp paired with 40W 5000K light bulbs will keep your lighting close to natural daylight, and will therefore help to create exceptional, bright photographs.
VIDEOS. I record my tutorials with my iPhone 6 on a Joby Tripod. I have tried using my Nikon Cool Pix, but my lens doesn’t zoom in enough. I make sure to focus my lighting on my nail when filming. Doing so will make sure you are getting the most detailed shot.
EDITING. There are a ton of video editor apps, but it’s best to edit from your desktop/laptop. It’s quicker and easier to use than your phone. I use Movie Maker, but there’s also iMovie, which is popular amongst Mac users.
NAIL CARE. Pretty nails, but dry cuticles? Cuticle oil or butter will fix that right up – just make sure you apply it several times a day. My all-time favorite is Deborah Lippmann’s The Cure. I always seal my designs with a top coat – my favorite is HK Girl by Glisten & Glow.
Happy Instagramming!