This post was last updated on November 27, 2023.
As Robert Mapplethorpe once said: "The more pictures you see, the better you are as a photographer.” For media creators, inspiration is as important as the air we breathe. It's the force behind every creative project, from the moment you come up with an idea for a new series to the final click that publishes the results on your photography website.
Nowadays, browsing and learning from the work of others is much easier than it was for Mapplethorpe. An endless sea of inspiration is right at your fingertips, if only you know where to find it. These 30 outstanding photography Instagram accounts will not only nurture your creativity but also allow you to view the world from an entirely new perspective.
Best Photography Instagram Accounts to Follow
Tobias Hägg
Are you constantly told that you have your head in the clouds? This aerial photography Instagram account is all you need to fuel your daydreams.
Forrest Mankins
Film photography is far from dead. In fact, thanks to outstanding Instagram photographers like this one, it’s more alive than it has been for a very long time.
Theron Humphrey
The best creative photography ideas are those that allow you to develop your skills while having fun. And what could be more fun than capturing the adventures of your adorable four-legged best friend and sharing them with the world?
David Guttenfelder
Photojournalism is one of the most valued photography careers, playing a huge role in society since the 1850s. The incredible photography Instagram account of this National Geographic Explorer will help you stay up to date on recent events, as you learn how to capture static images that tell touching, meaningful stories.
Chris Burkard
Millions of users consider Chris Burkard one of the best photographers on Instagram. In addition to enjoying incredibly beautiful landscape photos, you’ll be able to tag along on his (somewhat crazy) adventures - from the freezing waves of Iceland to the warm skies of the Utah desert.
Paul Nicklen
In recent years, using media content to fight environmental and social issues has become one of the biggest photography trends. The stunning nature and wildlife photos captured by this photographer slash marine biologist will teach you why using photography to support a cause is so important and how you can join the movement.
Breakfast & Bowls
Behold, the drool-worthy results of finding the perfect balance between photography composition rules and food presentation. We recommend you don’t spend too much time on this feed if you’re feeling slightly hungry.
Kael Rebick
They say it's not the camera, but the photographer, who makes a great picture. This beautiful Instagram feed proves that mastering your photography skills is the key to capturing works of art within any ordinary scene.
Roie Galitz
This Greenpeace ambassador uses photography as a tool to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues. His work will introduce you to the beauty and struggles of the world’s most remote locations, from the frozen vastness of Svalbard to the rushing rivers of Kamchatka.
Akihito Nagata
By stripping scenes of any color, black and white photography teaches us how light and shadow exist in perfect harmony, and how one cannot exist without the other. This amazing Instagram photographer allows you to step into an exciting, monochromatic world that will change how you see your surroundings.
Louise Amelie Whitehouse
In her quest to capture stories inspired by humans and nature, this talented adventurer offers a fresh approach to portrait photography, resulting in a unique study of our inherent connection to the wilderness.
Ted Hesser
If you’ve ever wondered why anyone would feel the need to climb mountains, take a look at extraordinary sports photography captured from perspectives you have never seen before.
Ami Vitale
The Instagram Stories and posts of this World Press Photo Award winner will give you a glimpse of all the hard work that goes into capturing powerful photos that leave a lifelong mark.
Elke Vogelsang
Who let the dogs in the studio? Someone who wanted to take pet photography to the next level and brighten up anyone’s day with incredibly adorable, professional puptraits.
Nolan Omura
We could write a hundred reasons why all photographers should learn videography, but none of them would be quite as convincing as this Wix user’s breathtaking underwater photography and videography portfolio.
Sharon Radisch
In a digital world dominated by landscape and travel pictures, a beautiful fine art photography Instagram account will encourage you to think outside the box. Sharon Radisch’s outstanding Instagram account will help you do just that.
Mario Testino
If you’re looking for a fashion and beauty photography portfolio that balances aesthetics with a unique approach and remarkable stories, look no further. Widely considered one of the best photographers on Instagram, Mario Testino’s work has also been featured internationally in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ.
Donal James Boyd
This extraordinary wildlife photography Instagram account will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the most magnificent animals on our planet.
Hannes Becker
When it comes to reaching out to brands as a photographer, few do it as well as this talented outdoor photographer. Take a look at his breathtaking Instagram photography account and see how paid partnerships can lead to amazing projects.
John Bozinov
Ever heard you can’t shoot good pictures in bad weather or without a professional camera? In addition to offering an extraordinary documentation of what life looks like in the coldest places of the Earth, this feed is a certified photography myths slayer.
Tim Flach
Wild animals become professional models under this incredible photographer’s eye. His photography Instagram account offers a preview of some of the most breathtaking work, which has been published in several photography books.
The Wild Bride
Whether you’re looking for couple photoshoot ideas or are simply in the mood to enjoy the beauty of loving human connections, this wife and husband duo have got you covered.
Demas Rusli
This talented media creator blurs the line between imagination and reality with his incredible urban photography and video work.
Michael Shainblum
This photography Instagram account might just have the most stunning timelapses you can find on the internet. At the center of these creations, you'll discover breathtaking landscapes, sunsets, aurora borealis, and astrophotography.
John Kowitz
Oceans take up over 70% of Earth, yet more than 95% of them remain unexplored. But as you can see in this underwater photography feed, the mere percentage that we are aware of is nothing short of breathtaking.
Emilie Ristevski
Over the last couple years outdoor photographers have taken Instagram by storm. The warm view of the world this account offers feels like a breath of fresh air delivered straight to your fingertips.
Mario Martinez
Despite being one of the most accessibles genres, street photography is also one of the hardest ones to master. This urban photography Instagram account will show you how to capture images that truly reflect the essence of a city.
Eeva Mäkinen
Whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and look at these beautiful nature photos. The delicate refinement present in every shot is sure to ease your mind and make your troubles fade away.
CreativeSoul Photography
Developing a unique photography style is crucial to standing out among the millions of media creators out there. This husband and wife duo found their own vision and celebrate under-celebrated beauty with portraits unlike you’ve ever seen before.
Our Food Stories
Food plays a central role in social relationships and even religious practices within most cultures across the globe. These exceptional Instagram photographers capture food photography that goes beyond the meals themselves, instead presenting the full story surrounding them.
Instagram photography FAQ
Is Instagram worth it for photography?
Instagram is a powerful platform for photographers to showcase their work, connect with potential clients and build a loyal following. It offers a vast audience, easy accessibility and various tools to promote your photography.
How to do photography for Instagram?
Taking captivating photos for Instagram requires a combination of technical skills, creative vision and an understanding of the platform's audience preferences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel in Instagram photography:
Master the basics of photography: Learn about exposure, composition, lighting and different camera settings to capture high-quality images.
Find your niche: Identify a specific style or subject matter that resonates with you and consistently produce content that aligns with your niche.
Edit your photos wisely: Use editing tools to enhance your photos without overdoing it. Maintain a consistent editing style to create a recognizable aesthetic.
Utilize natural light: Whenever possible, shoot in natural light for a more flattering and authentic look. Experiment with different times of the day to capture different lighting effects.
Pay attention to composition: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines and other compositional techniques to create visually balanced and engaging images.
Tell a story with your photos: Use your photos to convey a narrative or evoke emotions in your viewers. Create a cohesive feed by maintaining a consistent theme and style.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, answer questions and participate in relevant conversations to build a community around your photography.
Experiment and have fun: Don't be afraid to try new things, experiment with different techniques and push your creative boundaries.
How much do Instagram photographers make?
Instagram photographers can earn income through various avenues, including:
Brand partnerships: Collaborating with brands to create sponsored posts or product placements.
Selling prints or merchandise: Offering high-quality prints, digital downloads or branded merchandise to your followers.
Teaching or workshops: Sharing your knowledge and expertise through online courses, workshops or mentorship programs.
Licensing images: Licensing your photos to businesses for use in their marketing materials or websites.
The amount an Instagram photographer can make depends on their engagement level, audience size, niche and marketing strategies. Top-tier photographers can earn thousands of dollars per post, while others may generate income through multiple streams.
How do I get my photography noticed on Instagram?
To increase your visibility and attract a larger audience on Instagram, consider these strategies:
Optimize your profile: Use a clear and professional profile picture and bio, and include relevant keywords to make your profile searchable.
Post consistently: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and increase your chances of appearing in their feeds.
Use relevant hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags to categorize your photos and make them discoverable by potential viewers interested in your niche.
Engage with other photographers: Follow other photographers, like and comment on their posts and participate in relevant communities to build connections and expand your reach.
Collaborate with other creators: Partner with other photographers or influencers for cross-promotion and reach a wider audience.
Run contests or giveaways: Host engaging contests or giveaways to generate excitement, attract new followers and boost your engagement.
Promote your Instagram on other platforms: Share your Instagram links on your website, blog, social media profiles and other online platforms to drive traffic to your Instagram page.