Instagram vs Reality #4: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

I love learning about behind the scenes or Instagram vs reality of other content creators posts. Not only do I learn something new, but it inspires me how I can do better. It’s also pretty funny the things we do to get the right shot. You would have no idea unless you’re in the industry too.

I used to do these Instagram vs reality posts more often – sharing funny aspects of my Instagram photos to help you understand the hard work that goes on behind these pretty photos. Above all else, I hope to provide you with a little laughter. 

It’s important for me to be fairly transparent with my content, and the majority of the time I’m at home in my comfy clothes sans makeup. 

I’ll never forget years ago in college it was house tour day during recruitment. Each day we got all dolled up – spray tan, nails, pearls, and heels. A PNM (sorority lingo for potential new member) asked me worriedly if we dressed this way all the time because if so she couldn’t keep up. All these years later I’ve never forgotten that conversation. 

I feel like Instagram can leave the same impression.

We post pictures of ourselves in stylish clothes with hair and makeup complete in a beautiful setting. As content creators, we think it’s obvious that these are carefully curated shots meant to inspire our followers or provide you with something to look at – like a digital magazine.

But to the general public you don’t see us making fools of ourselves to get the right shot, the odd looks we get from people, the sweating through our clothes, or the HUNDREDS of photos we take to only like a few. 

So here it goes, here are some of the stories behind a few of my Instagram posts in this Instagram vs reality series. I hope you enjoy it! 

INSTAGRAM VS REALITY #4: Behind the Scenes of Instagram

I always loved this fun shot and it was something playful during lockdown #dressupfriday. What no one tells you about sitting down shots is that they are actually much harder than standing up. To ensure you look long and that your clothes don’t create a bubble where your stomach is you essentially have to do an ab workout. It’s also very easy to look hunched over in sitting down shots.

By the end, my abs were killing me and I definitely didn’t get to drink that coffee because it turned cold.

I shot a few looks this day and the wind had not been my friend so I had to throw my hair up in a ponytail (without a mirror I might add). This was my final look and I changed in a parking lot while my mom held the portable changing tent down since the wind was against me that day. I’ve changed behind blankets, in cars, in parking lots, in fast food bathrooms, and more.

This photo was taken in the middle of a Texas heatwave where simply wearing a breezy dress will leave you sweating, let alone a pair of jeans and a blazer. I was so worried the sweat was starting to show (as I shot two looks) that I had to take this one quickly and keep blotting the sweat forming above my lip. So happy you can’t see that!

Another great ab workout shot. Hey, maybe this blogging thing is a good workout. I had to lay on my floor aginst my curtains for a neutral backdrop and posed in so many ways to get the right shot. The hardest part was not to curl my toes during this strange pose – I wanted my feet to look like I was effortlessly posing this way…but I wasn’t.

I really wanted to shoot in front of this red door, but there was a wasp nest nearby. I am terrified of wasps and bees as I have a weird irrational fear that they’ll just sting me for no reason. I’m happy I look so calm, but on the inside, I was less than comfortable and kept having to run away when a wasp flew by me. See the Instagram vs reality is quite different than it appears.

If you love my Instagram looks, click here to shop the exact items and similar pieces in all price points!

I hope you enjoyed this Instagram vs reality type of blog post! If you’d like me to continue this series on a more regular basis let me know in the comment section below!