The Simple Two-Part Formula That Transformed My Instagram Photography

When I decided to post on Instagram regularly, I worried about producing enough content to keep a consistent schedule. So I trained myself to become more aware of my surroundings and to recognize photo opportunities more frequently.

Pretty quickly, I settled on a simple formula: a beautiful sky and a strong foreground. A beautiful sky means interesting clouds and/or compelling color — especially around sunrise or sunset. A strong foreground is straightforward: a street, an architectural detail, a bridge, a train track — anything that would make an interesting photo on its own. A beautiful sky elevates it to something truly special.

With this formula, I started noticing the sky constantly. When conditions looked promising, I'd quickly scan for interesting foregrounds nearby. It doesn't always work out. I've spotted skies blazing in crimson but found myself stuck in a parking lot with nothing to work with. Over time, I built a mental list of go-to locations. When the sky looked good, I'd move fast.

What I love about this formula is that it distills one type of great photography into just two components. It frees your mind from the pressure of chasing the "perfect" shot. Photography stays top of mind — but in a lighter, more enjoyable way. You feel more connected to your surroundings, you create consistently interesting images, and your skills improve steadily without the burnout.

You could even simplify it further: a great background + a great foreground. That's it.

Now it's your turn — can you think of a two-part formula for the genre of photography you shoot? Drop it in the comments below.