When I first started blogging a little over a year ago, I wanted to be as broad as possible. I didn’t just want to safely navigate within the beauty realm, but dive into an interesting range of topics and introduce to you as many fascinating products and brands as I discover. So in the spirit of inspiration and versatility, today I’m bringing to you a book review. Not just any kind of book review, but a review of Capture Your Style, the much anticipated book written by Aimee Song, the blogger behind Song of Style (a popular fashion and interior design blog) and an Instagram personality who knows a thing or two about engaging an audience of over 4.3 million people. I will preface by saying you don’t need to have a blog, a Facebook or Instagram account to need this book, but you will want this book. If you enjoy taking photos, any kind of photos, for personal pleasure or to immortalize specific moments in time, then you need a copy of this book. Pronto!
Instagram is my own Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole. It’s safe to say I spent a majority of my time (yes even precious gym time) scrolling thru feeds and reading instablogs. Instagram has become so much more than just a platform showcasing selfies. It is the place where engaged audiences get together to share breaking news, recipes, tips and tricks on anything and everything from fashion, travel, décor, and so much more. Thus a great marketing tool for brands and a way to turn hobbies into successful businesses!
But the world of Instagram is not just what meets the eye. It can be confusing and even frustrating at times (try Google-ing the not so new anymore Instagram Algorithm that has made it tough for small accounts to get traffic), and if there is a roadmap available, then you bet I’ll attempt to make use of it. And this is what Capture Your Style promises to be: a how-to guide that will teach you how to take bright, sharp photos, how to style and prop shots, the art of editing and the secrets behind turning a hobby into a money-making business.
I remember seeing the book on other people’s feeds and thinking it sounded like a good resource to check out. I’ve always been fascinated by other people’s success and have always found it intriguing to learn about their stories and the behind the scenes. In the book, Aimee shares her humble beginnings and provides insight into her journey as a blogger. I love that she encourages the readers to use whatever camera they have available (she uses her phone’s camera) and take advantage of editing apps. Don’t think anything along the lines of losing 20 pounds or distorting your appearance, but using editing apps to work with certain angles, time of day and props. I must admit I’m not very familiar with editing apps, but have always wanted to learn. I take all my photos in natural light in front of a window. The editing I do is minimal and it typically relates to brightening the photo and/or increasing the contrast. So I was happy to learn that I could use editing apps to remove a shadow, coffee cup or any other unwanted item from a photo. Aimee provides examples and walks the readers thru photos before and after the editing process, explaining which apps she uses and how to use their features. These are some very helpful and easy to implement tips and tricks I didn’t know about.
The book provides suggestions on how to pose for and take outfit shots (some of my most challenging photos, as I’m typically much more comfortable behind the camera then in front of it), ideas on how to prop food shots and how to style flatlay captures. There are recommendations on when to post (what time of day) and how often, as timing is everything on social media platforms. Aimee also touches on affiliate branding (something I’ve recently also started here on my blog), branding posts (where you get paid to post photos on behalf of a brand) and working with brands (reaching out to them for collaborations, something that could be a little intimidating at first).
I think it’s also important to add that the book has to be taken for what it is. It is definitely not a direct tool to grow your Instagram account, nor does it provide specific advice on how to increase your number of followers or turn your passion into a money making business. This might be a little nitpicking, but I found Aimee’s use of hashtags in her text language throughout the book unnecessary. For instance, she describes a trip to Cannes and mentions she felt #blessed. But then again, I think it’s just her way of delivering the information in a very casual way.
Capture Your Style is a light read, aesthetically pleasing and with a very simple, easy layout. It’s divided into 5 chapters and has 208 pages, mostly filled with vivid and vibrant photos. The book is the perfect companion for a lazy, beach day, and looks great to place on the coffee table after you’re done reading. It also makes excellent props for photos, and I have used the book for this purpose quite a lot (you can see my snaps sprinkled over my Instagram feed @DailyCatL ). I find Capture Your Style to be a great resource for anyone looking to polish their photos, learn to style shoots, take better snaps using a camera phone and overall looking to learn more about and refine their presence on social media.
Let me know if you’ve enjoyed this kind of post as I would love to do more book reviews for you.
Thank you for reading!
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
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I started reading this post but then stopped because I didn’t want to read any accidental spoilers XD My copy arrived last week and I’ve just started reading it the other night. So what I can comment on are the photos, they’re so cute! It makes me wish I were on the beach, in the sun, reading a good book 😉 Happy weekend, Cat!
Mili | Sharmtoaster
Love this post Cat ?? Thank you for your feedback and gorgeous shots you had included throughout … I will definitely check this out and possibly get myself some new read ?? have a sweet evening ??
Thanks Cat for sharing this, I have always been intrigued by this book and never knew exactly what it’s all about. Now I do I can make an informed choice to buy or not to buy. But from your review I think it’s a winner.
I have seen this book on Instagram accounts as a casual prop, but I had no idea it was such a valuable resource! I definitely need to check it out. Thank you for the review! I love all of your fun beach pictures!
Jenn │ Beauty by Jellybean
This has been on my wishlist for a while since seeing it on insta. Such a great review Cat, I definitely think I’ll be adding it to my basket next!
Love the pics of you and your gorgeous puppy enjoying a bit of light beach reading!
Lisaxxxx
Beauxdiaries.com
Love all your pictures in this post Cat!! I’ve been debating whether or not I need this book (it’s been in my Amazon cart for a while now) and I always talk myself out of it since you can technically find similar info from various sites, for free. But she’s clearly a proven success, and like you said, it would make a great instagram prop! ? Sold!
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Cat, thanks so much for your insight into this book. I don’t follow Aimee but I remember years ago when she was smaller and then now look at how big she is. It’s amazing and I’m glad she has so much success. This sounds like a very ‘aesthetic’ book and I think even the color of it is pulling me in haha. I would also love a personal post from you sometime (if you want, of course!) regarding Instagram and what you do to get so much engagement and what you personally view about IG etc. I would love some insight from you. I’m struggling at the moment and you always get a lot of engagement (especially with likes, not that I am so focused on numbers because I know those can be manufactured easily through ‘specific’ hashtags that I prefer not to use–although there is an argument there, as well). When you put so much into something, even such as Instagram (and I think we all shouldn’t put it down simply as an app or something so minute, it is a way for us to express ourselves and our creativity, just as artwork or music is) then we would love to see fruitage from it. Thanks always for your posts, Cat.
xoxo
http://www.hellohimawari.com
I shall definitely look to see if it’s available on amazon in the U.K. Looks like a good book.
It’s definitely available there too:-)
Love Desi (stunnydesi_loves on IG)
This is an amazing post Cat as always. I really enjoyed and seeing all the pretty photos. The book sounds very intereating and as you said it could benefit just about anyone. Love all your photos on the beach with the puppy, so lovely.
Lily | https://lmastr0819.wordpress.com
DEFINITELY ENJOYED THIS POST! I am really interested in this book. Great review!
This sound very interesting and definitely need a guide how to take better pictures too.Thanks for sharing with us Cat and hope you having great weekend ?
I am not sure whether I would want to pay for the book (although it looks pretty) – but look at you Cat and your sweet little pup! So adorable! I love these outdoors shots xx
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
That books is definitely a lovely and light read. I love Instagram too, I think that the IG community is amazing and so supportive, I always look forward to interacting with other bloggers and my readers on Instagram. It’s a great tool to not only showcase your blog and your passion, but also to build relationships. Loved this post Cat, gorgeous photos as always, too!
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
I love this book review. I have the book myself and I definitely agree with you on everything. It’s such an inspiring book and I’ve never felt pressured to buy a certain camera or pretend to be something I’m not. Aimee writes in such an easy and understandable way that I read the whole book through in just a few hours.
Lots of love Desi (stunnydesi_loves on IG)
Lovely photos of you and the view is awesome ! Didn’t know this book and this Instagram account but I will see 😉 Thanks for the recommendation ! Kisses
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
It’s so amazing how Instagram has connected so many people and content creators and brands! I am really interested in picking up the book–I could use her tips and tricks! Love the beauty shots!
xx
Dom
http://www.calibeaute
Cat great review , this is the kind of book I’m in need of! I’ve always wanted to learn more about editing my photos that I take on my phone , and learning how to take better pics . Btw beautiful shots as usual ?
I really enjoyed this post Cat, so refreshing to see a book review on a beauty blog! Amazing! Loving all the photos here! This book has been on my radar for a while and I didn’t want to just purchase it to use as a prop…will add to my cart now! Thank you for sharing Cat xo
Great post Cat! I have recently started to follow Aimee on IG and have seen this book spoken very highly about! Love the shots as this really makes me excited for summer – if only we were closer then I could be sat next to you with Louis! Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com