Do It for the ‘Gram: How to Take Instagram-Worthy Photos of Your Manicure

You just applied a fresh set of TsukiNails. They look incredible in real life, but when you try to take a photo... your hand looks like a claw, the lighting is yellow, and the sparkle is gone.
Don't worry, you don't need "perfect hands" to take a perfect photo. You just need to know the angles. Here are the 3 secrets influencers use to make their nails go viral.

1. Lighting is 90% of the Battle
Flash is not your friend. It washes out the design and makes skin look harsh.

• The Golden Rule: Natural, indirect sunlight is best.

• The Setup: Go to a window (or go outside to your car—car lighting is famous for being perfect). Hold your hand up so the light hits the nails, not the palm.

• Pro Tip: If you're shooting at night, use another phone's flashlight to illuminate the nails from the side to make the glitter/chrome pop.

2. Stop Doing "The Claw" (Posing Tips)
The biggest mistake beginners make is stiffening their fingers, which makes the hand look tense and "scary."

• Pose 1: The "Soft Hold"
  Grab a prop! Holding something instantly relaxes your fingers. A coffee cup, a perfume bottle, or the sleeve of a cozy sweater (the "sweater paws" look) works wonders.

• Pose 2: The "Relaxed Drapery"
  Rest your hand gently on your leg (jeans add great texture) or a silk pillowcase. Let your fingers curl naturally. Do not press down hard.

• Pose 3: The "Sky High"
  Hold your hand up against the blue sky. This removes all distracting backgrounds and focuses 100% on the nail shape.