When discussions of the top social media platforms for photographers are had, Instagram invariably comes out on top. Utilizing hashtags is critical if you want a higher engagement with your Instagram posts, videos, and stories.
Instagram hashtags for photographers serve as a way to get more eyes on particular images. By tagging a post with certain related words, users ensure that their photos will come up whenever others are searching for similar images. Additionally, you can add hashtags into the comment section of your photos. Only 30 tags can be used on a post, but you can extend your reach further by using the comment section trick.
Adding and Selecting Hashtags
Here's the catch, a lot of the top hashtags for these categories are so widely used it's almost impossible to be seen on them unless you already have a substantial following.
While unique, hashtags have their place, it’s still not often that they’ll get noticed by the masses. Fortunately, we compiled a list of some not so overly saturated IG hashtags for every kind of photography. These will surely help any photographer get their portfolio noticed.
The Best Instagram Hashtags for Photographers
Under 5 million
- #WorldBestGram
- #photooftheday
- #Jaw_Dropping_Shotz
- #Hubs_United
- #photographyaddict
- #Main_Vision
- #citygrammers
- #HDRspotters
- #superhubs
- #global_hotshotz
- #PhotographyAddict
- #photographylove
- #Pixel_IG
- #ThroughTheLens
- #Instafocus
- #PhotographyLovers
- #moody_tones
Under 1 million
- #exclusiveshots
- #photographeroftheday
- #compositionkillerz
- #ig_underdogz
- #urbanshot
- #depthdiscovered
- #shotz_fired
- #PhotographDaily
- #electic_shotz
- #ourvisualvibes
- #ageoftones
- #earth_shots
- #photoshoottime
While you could completely fill out the 30 allowed hashtags just from this list, doing so is unlikely to help you accomplish your goals. As of the publishing of this blog post, there are nearly 455 million posts with #photography included.
The more specific #PhotographyLovers still has well over 30 million posts under its belt.
This probably has you wondering – with so much competition – how these could be the best Instagram hashtags for photographers?
The truth is that it IS possible to rank high for these hashtags. You simply need to use other tags in addition to the “big guys.” If you rank well for lower-competition hashtags and have included the most popular ones, your chances of landing on the front page of #photography or #Photogram increase exponentially. Focus on utilizing terms specific to your niche – then sprinkle in some of the more obvious ones – and you might just make the big time.
Instagram Hashtags for Black and White Photography
Under 5 million
- #bnw_universe
- #monochromephotography
- #bnw_of_our_world
- #bnwsouls
- #bnw_zone
- #bw_perfect
Under 1 million
- #BW_Life
- #BlackAndWhite_Perfection
- #IGblacknwhite
- #excellent_bnw
- #NoirStreetLife
- #IGfotogram
- #bnw_perfection
- #bnw_inst
- #incredible_bnw
- #bnw_splendid
- #masters_in_bnw
- #moments_in_bnw
- #pr0ject_bnw
- #moments_in_streetlife
- #bnwtones_flair
Although we spent decades trying to invent color photography, black and white images are still captivating. For many, it simply reminds them of a simpler time. Still others love this type of imagery because reality seems to be stripped away. After all, we see the world in full color.
Regardless of your specific reasoning for shooting in black and white, these Instagram hashtags for photographers can help you show your grayscale images to the masses. The hashtag #BlackAndWhitePhotography has over 40 million posts, so make sure to use some of the more specific tags as well.
Instagram Hashtags for Nature and Landscape Photography
Under 5 million
- #outdoortones
- #findyourpark
- #ilovemountains
- #nature_seekers
- #earth_shotz
- #NatGeoHub
- #IG_Landscape
- #ig_world_colors
Under 1 million
- #wildernessnation
- #mountainvibez
- #planetdiscovery
- #IGNatureCapture
- #stademagazine
- #natureofourworld
- #wonderworld
- #wonderfulnature
- #NaturePhotographylover
- #NatureDaily
- #IG_DivineShots
- #Visual_Heaven
- #Dream_Spots
- #NatureCapture
- #Pocket_world
- #FiftyShadesOfNature
- #NatGeoAdventure
- #mthrworld
- #Nature_Worldwide_Miracles
- #Majestic_earth
- #EarthExperience
- #lensloves_nature
- the_folknature
It’s rare that a photograph will completely capture the beauty of nature, so when it happens, make sure it gets noticed. Landscapes and other natural features are among the most posted subject matters on Instagram. In fact, #NaturePhotography has over 190 million posts.
Posting your nature shots on Instagram presents a unique opportunity. When individuals peruse nature photos, they often do so for extended amounts of time.
After all, it’s hard to stop looking at the beauty in the world once you get started. This means your images are likely to be discovered even if they don’t grace the “top 9” images that pop up. Utilize the aforementioned hashtags to draw in likes and comments from nature lovers everywhere.
Instagram Hashtags for Film Photography
Under 5 million
- #kodakfilm
- #buyfilmnotmegapixels
- #filmfeed
- #kodak
- #istillshootfilm
- #filmisalive
- #lekkerzine
- #onfilm
- #grainisgood
- #kodakgold200
- #shootfilmstaybroke
- #35mmphotography
- #filmsnotdead
- #photocinematica
- #filmisnotdead
- #filmforever
Under 1 million
- #thedaily35mm
- #kodaklosers
- #sharefilm
- #wasteoffilm
- #filmshootersgroup
- #staycinematic
- #shadowandlight
- #shootmorefilm
- #nograinnoglory
- #35fuckingmillimeter
- #longlivefilm
- #filmisgod
- #349amcollection
- #shootitwithfilm
- #ifyouleave
- #boxofgrain
- #filmallover
- #shootsomefilmdangit
Talking about niche, shooting with film has exploded in the last five years, as more and more people jump on the vintage and nostalgic trends. Some call it the film wave or the great film resurgence. Whatever you call it, this old format turned new has some companies reproducing their discontinued film products. Even major filmmakers have started using film for its unique colors and imperfections. Your favorite moody tones in "Euphoria" were shot entirely on Kodak Ektachrome.
While the love for film may mainly come from its colors, others might find its grain and roughness equally as appealing. Just check out the #FilmPhotography hashtag with over 34 million posts.
Instagram Hashtags for Food Photography
Under 5 million
- #Foodography
- #heresmyfood
- #lovetobake
- #foodblogfeed
- #instayummy
- #todayfood
- #inmykitchen
- #foodilysm
Under 1 million
- #FoodFoodFood
- #foodofinsta
- #foodforfoodie
- #yumminess
- #FoodPhotographyProps
- #Foodstagramming
- #Foodilysm
- #yourfoodlab
- #foodblogeats
- #foodphotooftheday
- #igeats
- #whatsonmyplate
- #makeitdelicious
- #instasweets
People weren’t too interested in snapping images of their food when photography initially burst onto the scene. In fact, the popularity of food imagery could be viewed as a recent development. With over 95 million posts coming up when you search #FoodPhotography, though, it’s obvious that this practice has taken the world by storm.
Restaurants have picked up on this trend, and they’ve become more focused on stunning presentations because of it. This makes for great and delectable images whenever you’re out for a bite on the town. Whether you just want to show off dinner or you’re looking to snag a marketing or menu gig with a local eatery, foodie hashtags can help.
In addition to these culinary Instagram hashtags for photographers, you can improve your skills by checking out this article on becoming the ultimate food photographer.
Instagram Hashtags for Portraits
Under 5 million
- #forevermagazine
- #theportraitpr0ject
- #vscoportrait
- #postmoreportraits
- #Life_Portraits
- #PortraitFolk
- #makeportraitsnotwar
- #makeportraitsmag
- #agameofportraits
- #peopleinframe
- #portraitfestival
- #snowisblack
- #FeaturePalette
- #Portrait_Society
- #portrait_today
- #expofilm3k
Under 1 million
- #QuiteTheChaos
- #weshoothumans
- #theportraitbazaar
- #somelightmag
- #portraitstyles
- #portraitgram
- #portraitclub
The hashtag #PortraitPhotography has around 67 million posts at any given time. This shows us that portraiture is nowhere close to a dying art. It’s one of the few ways to really capture a person and their essence.
If you’ve never considered portraiture, it’s something you should certainly keep in mind. Once you have a strong grasp of lighting in this realm of photography, you’ll have a better understanding of lighting in all aspects of the profession.
Utilizing these portrait Instagram hashtags will help find people who still appreciate the art.
Instagram Hashtags for Abstract Photography
Under 5 million
- #StayAbstract
- #InstaAbstract
- #abstraction
- #abstractphotography
Under 1 million
- #abstractionism
- #abstract_buff
- #abstractphotos
- #abstractwork
- #banalography
- #paperbagmag
- #mundaaang
There are relatively few hashtags for abstract photography, but that’s mostly due to its niche nature. This gives you the freedom to use all these terms in addition to the most popular Instagram hashtags for photographers out there. Even after listing all of these tags, you still have room for 20 more.
The great thing about abstract photography is the fact that any subject can fall into this group. It’s all in how you take the image. This means you can toss in hashtags related to nature, food, portraits, or anything else as long as it fits your subject matter. You’ll likely end up attracting fans who would’ve never seen your work otherwise.
Instagram Hashtags for Aerial and Drone Photography
Under 5 million
- #droneoftheday
- #fromwhereidrone
- #dronephoto
- #droneshots
- #DroneLife
- #Dronefly
- #DronePorn
- #dronepilot
- #AerialSilks
Under 1 million
- #raw_drone
- #aerialphoto
- #dronedaily
- #igdrones
- #viewfromabove
- #amazingdroneshotz
- #dronesgallery
- #thedronediary
- #skybangerz
- #dronepic
- #visualsofdrones
- #dronenature
- #dronepointofview
- #AerialDance
- #AerialBeauty
- #dronelove
- #dronepics
- #droner
- #topdownview
Aerial photos show us just how majestic the world is from a unique POV, and thanks to drone technology, just about anyone can get in on the fun. This is likely why a quick search for #DronePhotography on Instagram comes back with around 9 million results.
Don’t let the number of drone images out there dissuade you. Professionals know which Instagram hashtags will get their work noticed.
Instagram Hashtags for Architecture Photography
Under 5 million
- #exteriordesign
- #architecturephoto
- #architecture_hunter
- #archilover
- #lookingup_architecture
Under 1 million
- #architonic
- #archigrams
- #republic_of_symmetry
- #architectanddesign
- #archi_focus_on
- #archi_features
- #allofarchitecture
- #architecturenow
- #architizer
- #contemporaryarchitecture
- #amazingarchitecture
- #archishift
- #residentialarchitecture
- #gf_architecture
- #sky_high_architecture
- #sensational_architecture
- #architecture_minimal
- #architecturegram
- #BeautifulBuildings
Whether it’s a feat of engineering or simply a beautiful layout, architecture can create stunning images. Once you’re done exploring, utilizing the appropriate architecture photography Instagram hashtags can reach out to the very niche fan base that loves this area of the profession.
The best thing about architecture photography is the sheer number of subjects out there. The newest skyscraper in your city might be a master design. But, you’ll find just as many people interested in abandoned structures that fell into disrepair.
There is beauty in design, and nowhere is this more apparent than in architecture photography.
Instagram Hashtags for Street Photography
Under 5 million
- #streetclassics
- #streetmobs
- #streetgrammers
- #IG_Street
- #StreetGrammer
- #StreetShooter
- #StreetShot
- #StoryOfTheStreet
- #StreetView
- #Street_Photo_Club
- #ASPFeatures
- #LensOnStreets
- #peraphotogallery
- #urbanstreetphotogallery
- #streetclassics
- #fromstreetswithlove
- #streetizm
- #FromStreetsWithLove
- #EverybodyStreet
- #Street_Photography
- #StreetMagazine
- #Citygrammers
- #dreaminstreets
- #streetphotographerscommunity
Under 1 million
- #streetshooters
- #streetlifeworldwide
- #streetviews
- #streetphotographytribe
- #snapthestreetbeat
- #streetspremier
- #PeopleInSquare
- #streetphotographersmagazine
Street photography has the ability to capture people and the world as it really is. Images don’t need to be insanely unique or feature rare subject matters. The world around us is sometimes enough. From townships in South Africa to the bustling streets of New York City, Instagram users will look far and wide for the best images around the globe.
If you’ve never tried street photography, now is the time to do so. There are around 106 million posts under the #StreetPhotography hashtag, so there is plenty of inspiration available if you’re looking for ideas. Becoming skilled in this area of photography will improve your overall abilities in the art.
Instagram Hashtags for Travel Photography
Under 5 million
- #GetLost
- #TravelWorld
- #KeepExploring
- #Places_Wow
- #ExploreTheGlobe
- #PassportReady
- #WriteToTravel
- #postcardplaces
- #instatravelling
- #instavacation
- #voyaged
- #bestplacestogo
- #living_destinations
Under 1 million
- #GetLostClub
- #TravelPicsDaily
- #travelworld_addiction
- #best_worldplaces
- #divine_worldplaces
- #perfect_worldplaces
Whether you’re walking the streets of Paris or standing atop the Empire State Building, it’s fun to snag a few images for your friends back home. Of course, some of us evolve from that point and turn it into a passion. Using these Instagram photography hashtags will showcase your travel photography to all-new audiences.
One of the great things about this area of photography is that you can utilize city and country-specific hashtags as well. This will increase the likelihood of people finding your work.
In fact, you might just grab new fans in cities you just spent a day or two in. The hashtag #TravelPhotography has over 180 million posts, this hashtag has more than doubled in the last two years, so narrowing down your audience is ideal.
Take Your Instagram Game to the Next Level
If you’re wondering just how effective these Instagram hashtags for photographers are, you need only look them up. Tags such as #streetshot and #portraitoftheday are included in millions of posts. Of course, it’s important to manage your expectations and use the hashtags you’re likely to rank for. Landing in the “top 9” of Instagram results may sound ambitious, but with the right images and hashtags, this goal is certainly obtainable.