For those not on Instagram you may be slightly mystified by the term “bookstagram” that has popped up recently in book circles. Instagram, land of a thousand hashtags, has spawned a beautiful and glorious trend in book circles: photographing books.  It’s hardly revolutionary, but as a graphic designer who has long thought that book covers are an underrated art form, I am all in.  Bookstagram spans a wide variety of looks – from the simple “what I’m reading” to the carefully curated wishful thinking lifestyle shots, bookstagram runs the gamut of what can be done with books.

I have also recently started experimenting with my own books. It’s fun to experiment with different props and filters to make insta-art. I think what I learned quite promptly is that lighting is everything.  Getting a good light source that doesn’t make a glare on the book cover seems to be the hardest part.  Why are book covers so shiny?!

Are you on Instagram?  Do you need more books and dog photos in your life, then follow me: @Super_Insta_B