So before I started actively using my blog I actually started a bookstagram account. I’m pretty sure everyone knows what it is, but it’s basically an instagram account dedicated to everything and anything book related. I wanted to gain audience there first before I started blogging so I at least have some readers to start with! Over time I’ve realised it’s a LOT OF work! I’ve said this in a previous post but I’ve never been gifted in photography π , my pictures always turn out blurry and most times just pure shite! But if you take a look at some of the existing accounts on instagram all the pictures look so pretty and creative and, well… professional π .
At the same time, when I finally manage to get that half decent picure I feel so proud:’D. There’s pretty much no other reason for this post than to vent out my stress at maintaining a bookstagram account! Do you own a bookstagram account? Let me know in the comments of your experience!
And of course if you want to check mine out:
@abooknation
I’ve got a bookstagram (booksoverhumans) but I’m not really using it, I’m unfortunately not very good in taking decent pictures of books so I pretty much only use it to see what others are posting π
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For a time that’s what I ended up doing as well π !
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OMG, I had the same question, because I once tried to create one, but I gave up. Reading your post I will definitely try again, because I think it is worth the effort. I am already following you!
Success!!
Denise
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Definitely try again! I’m always interested on other bookstagram accounts! π
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Yeah I feel the same. I have a bookstagram @charlottereads_26 and I like taking pictures and being creative but if I compare it to others then I feel like mine are poo haha! Xx
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I’ve been considering starting one, but I mostly read stuff on my Kindle… maybe I should just take another pic of my Kindle each time I start a new book!
Do you think it’s worth it?
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Of course I definitely think it’s worth it!! I’m really interested to see what other people are reading, it gives me suggestions on what to read next!
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I have the same issue! I posted a pic like that only once though! See my account @sonamchamaria
Maybe we should do this more often π
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I spend more time on my pictures than in writing most time but even then I look at most pictures and am wowed, but I just started so I have hope that I will improve, fingers crossed.
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Hiya! I basically already had an Instagram account and started posting some pics of books with the #bookstagram hashtag. You can check me out @sonamchamaria
My photography is not too bad but sadly, I won very few hard copy books with me in the city I’m currently staying in (my 300+ collection is back home)! Hope to click a few when I visit in October π
I mostly read on my Kindle and sadly, ebooks don’t make for good pics
The other accounts are lovely though and I can spend hours at looking at their pics!
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My main book activities are on my bookstagram (@booksocietea), but I feel the same way about blogging. It’s so much work :((
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I also have a bookstagram and I love it! (@lucyjoynt)
At first I found it a little tricky (my photos were more boring than blurry, which is equally as bad!) but I began to follow some hardcore bookstagram ers, which helped provide inspiration and taught me how to lay out my photos. There is something incredibly satisfying about taking the perfect photo of your favourite novel… Especially if you are able to throw in a few items that tie in with said book.
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I’ve never heard of bookstagram. I will definitely have to check it out for myself. Thanks for the info.
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I have never heard of Bookagram… I tried Litsy but quickly grew bored with it. I do lots of audiobooks and Ebooks so I don’t think I would get many pictures. most of my Instagram is pictures of Nature or my dog. Usually, I don’t take pictures while reading. Blogging is hard enough because I don’t feel many people even check out my stuff. I read a wide range of Non-fiction with classics and fiction sprinkled in so most people aren’t all that interested. I am worse at taking pictures than I am at writing so seeing my blog you will quickly realize why I do not have a bookagram.
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I’ve got a main account that I started without a theme mind. However, I am slowly transforming my IG account into a bookstagram. I checked out your account and actually think your photos are pretty good. I do know what you mean about hard work running a bookstagram but once you’ve gotten used to it it’ll still be hard work but it may come easier to you. Also, if don’t like your photos & have the time or interest you can take up photography or teach yourself. I’ve just followed you by the way. I’m @fairlyliterary
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I definitely see what you mean! And a lot of times I look at other accounts and kind of learn from them! I’m so behind I don’t even know what a theme isπ , I see it crop up a few times on instagram though! Thank you!
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That’s the thing, I try not to look at other accounts and compare theirs to mine. It’s mental torture and I rather not. I think some people have pro cameras and upload it to a cloud and then download it to IG. I know one person who did that but she’s actually a photographer so that’s understandable. Oh when I said theme, I meant bookish things but I just have a combination of things. Thanks for liking my photos.
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I know what you mean! I started a blog AND bookstagram (revitalizedreading) at the same time and I had no idea the amount of time I would have to dedicate! I’m not a photographer either but I do find a lot of inspiration for where to take pictures and how to style them by just walking around my small country town! I’ve learned to always keep a look out and always carry a book with you π! Good luck with your Insta account!
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I have one but have been recently been thinking about removing it and just focusing on blogging. The fickle nature of most IG users (read: unfollowing without a prompt follow back) infuriates me. I think there is a vanity in the number of followers vs followed.
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Mine’s @coffeeandtrainspotting. I always struggle to pick books to photograph bc I usually just take photos of what I’m currently reading! So usually there’s a lot of the one book if it’s a long one or I’m in a slump haha. Some bookstagram pics look SO professional. Idk how they do it.
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I really enjoy Bookstagram! I find it so fun. I use it a lot, especially when I don’t have time to actually blog, its like an alternative, as blogging takes a lot of time. I’m not gifted in photography either! But I think it just takes time to develop your style and theme π
Mine is @ireeadthereforeiam π
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This is why I dont have one. Its so much (too much) effort
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Good luck on your Bookstagram!
I have one myself (@booknerdcred) – and I decided when I started that I wasn’t going to (a) use no photographs other than my own and (b) not stage things professionally. I started tagging my posts #mybooklife (in addition to other things of course), but I wanted to create a place where I actually take pictures of books as they appear in my life. I enjoy it.
It can get frustrating, but I try to be as interactive as possible and post some interesting stuff (even if it’s not as beautiful as some others accounts).
Best of luck! π
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I also started on bookstagram! It’s a lot of upkeep, and my photos aren’t nearly as good as other people’s, but I do love the bookstagram community and seeing the amazing photos others can create.
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I started a bookstagram a few weeks ago, and I really love it! It is hard to keep up with posting and taking the pictures. I shake a lot; so I have to take a few pictures really quickly to get one good one! I love talking to other people on there and bonding over a picture of a book that you and someone else loves!
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Hey I write book reviews at http://www.thefairytalefinder.wordpress.com maybe we could collaborate on a review ? Xx
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Of course, feel free to email me at Abooknation@outlook.com π
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I have a bookstagram (@chezreadz) and I can relate so much to your post! I really like doing it and I’ve met some really good friends through bookstagram, so even though my pictures aren’t that good I’m still glad I created one and kept doing it. Ps. filters helped me so muchπ π
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I have recently started posting all the pictures of the books I review on instagram (you can find me @ccrainbowflowers) but it’s usually just a quick photo as I review children’s stories so I let the pictures on the covers shine without adding props. I find it difficult getting the right light so the books don’t get too shiny or blurred though. I also use my account for other things like day trips and other things I like so that I have a wider audience.
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That’s an awesome account! I’ll be following you too π
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I started a bookstagram before I started a blog, too, and I know it can be demanding. I love it, though, since photography has always been one of my main hobbies. Thank you for sharing your account, I’ll be following you now! π
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Thank you! I checked out your account and your pictures are great!π
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I’ve had a bookstagram (@marvellousreads) for a little while and its quite hard to take the pictures but I feel so happy when I get a good picture π plus I use it as another way to find books that people recommended as not all of my friends are such bookish nerds as me ππΆ
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I sort of have that, well it was the idea lol now it’s pretty much just my blogger name and photo I throw in.
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Yeah, I really struggling with taking good photos. I was thinking of having a bookstagram but I remembered my photos are shit.
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My photos pale in comparison to some out there, but I’m enjoying stretching my creative muscles in a way other than writing. I’m @annachenke π
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