#lightroom recipe

[the--chaos]

🤍 cupcakes are a love letter to the heart

[ainfinity]

[goldustphoto]

[im-just-noelfid]

Is Blogging Still Relevant in the Age of Tiktoks and Instagram?

You might be wondering if blogging still holds its ground with the rise of TikTok and Instagram. The answer is a certainly yes! While these platforms are fantastic for quick, eye-catching content, blogs offer a special space for diving deep into topics. They allow for rich storytelling, comprehensive guides, and a personal touch that helps foster community and build trust. Many readers still seek out blogs for detailed insights and tutorials that shorter formats can’t provide. Plus, a well-crafted blog can drive traffic to your social media profiles, enhancing your overall online presence. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, blogging remains a powerful and relevant tool!

About Instagram

Since its 2010 launch, Instagram quickly gained popularity, now boasting over one billion active users. While many content creators favor Instagram's visual appeal and immediacy, its limitations, such as non-clickable links, hinder blog promotion. As Instagram evolved into a hub for curated content, it has overshadowed traditional blogging, leading some bloggers to transition entirely to the platform. However, the depth and engagement of well-crafted blog posts remain unmatched by shorter social media formats.

Instagram User Growth from 2013 to Present

About TikToks

In the first quarter of 2019, TikTok was the most downloaded app from Apple’s iOS App Store, rapidly gaining widespread popularity. Its influence has even extended to Instagram, where numerous food posts feature popular "TikTok recipes," such as baked oats and feta pasta. Additionally, Instagram Reels appear to draw inspiration from TikTok, and the platform tends to prioritize accounts that utilize this feature. While achieving growth on Instagram can be difficult, TikTok's algorithm allows users to go viral regardless of their follower count, highlighting a key difference between the two platforms.

Tiktok’s Exploasive Growth from Launch to 2024

Why Were These Platforms were Acknowledged by Most Society

Joining platforms like Instagram and TikTok is straightforward. Users simply sign up and begin publishing content without the complexities associated with traditional blogging. There is no need to manage a DNS server, purchase a domain, pay for hosting, or install software like WordPress. Additionally, users do not have to navigate themes or widgets. All that is required is a mobile phone, which allows for easy photo editing with applications like Lightroom and VSCO, enabling the creation of a visually appealing Instagram feed. TikTok similarly simplifies the video editing process within the app, eliminating the need for advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s suite.

Furthermore, Instagram and TikTok offer the potential to reach a vast audience. As Valentina Chirico notes, every influencer seeks to expand their reach, and both platforms provide opportunities to present content to millions. The audience is already present; creators only need to ensure their content is visible. In contrast, blogging often requires significant effort to build an audience, especially if one is not already prominent on search engines like Google or Pinterest. Blogging typically revolves around long-form content, which can be at odds with the fast-paced consumption habits of today’s mobile users who prefer quick, engaging posts. Consequently, brands are increasingly inclined to collaborate with Instagram and TikTok influencers, sometimes overlooking traditional bloggers, which can lead to frustration for those who feel well-suited for such opportunities.

Is Blogging Entirely “Dead”?

Despite predictions that blogging may decline due to the rise of social media, I firmly believe blogging remains relevant. While the audience and consumption methods are changing, with a greater focus on problem-solving content and SEO-driven traffic, blogs continue to thrive as part of a broader content marketing strategy. Additionally, blogs provide greater control and security compared to social media platforms, where accounts can be banned or deleted. Personally, blogging remains a full-time, profitable venture, proving its continued value.

Will Blog Still Exist?

Despite predictions that blogging may decline due to the rise of social media, I firmly believe blogging remains relevant. While the audience and consumption methods are changing, with a greater focus on problem-solving content and SEO-driven traffic, blogs continue to thrive as part of a broader content marketing strategy. Additionally, blogs provide greater control and security compared to social media platforms, where accounts can be banned or deleted. Personally, blogging remains a full-time, profitable venture, proving its continued value.

How Will Blog Change Towards The Future

Blogs somehow will find it’s way to change in several ways. As generative AI gains popularity, storytelling will take on greater significance. Blogs will evolve into tools for building personal brands, making it more challenging to stand out. Ultimately, blogs are likely to shift into digital publishing enterprises.

Corinne (2021). “Is Blogging Dead? The Rise of Instagram and TikTok”. Skinnedcartree, April 9, 2021. https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html.

Michiel Heijmans (2021). “The Future of Blogging in a Video-Obsessed World”. Yoast, June 3, 2021. https://yoast.com/the-future-of-blogging-in-a-video-obsessed-world/.

Oskar Mortensen (2024 n.d.). “How Many Users on Instagram? Statistics & Facts”. SEO.ai, April 24, 2024. https://seo.ai/blog/how-many-users-on-instagram.

Oskar Mortensen (2024 n.d.). “How Many Users on TikTok? Statistics & Facts”. SEO.ai, February 2024. https://seo.ai/blog/how-many-users-on-tiktok.

[inwintersolitude]

- July 20th 2023 -

Do you think you could handle a job in the medical field? Why or why not? I think I would do well in a medical research type of job. But I'd never want any sort of patient-facing role, I'm not a very people-oriented kind of person.

Would you rather edit photos on your phone or computer? I have Lightroom on both my phone and my laptop and I like them both the same.

What is one electronic device you own that you have not used in a long time? My Kindle. I actually kind of forgot I even had it until I was thinking of an answer to this question.

What is one thing you are currently behind on? Housework. My Granddad passed away a few days ago and I've been too heartbroken to really do anything other than mope around. I'm just taking things day by day right now.

When was the last time you wore a dress or a skirt? I wore a skirt last Friday to the birthday party that my brother and sister-in-law threw for my husband.

When was the last time you had a migraine? Thankfully it's been a while. Maybe like a month?

What is your favorite thing about Instagram? I just like the format of the platform. It's great for all sorts of different type of photo-based content. I use it for mostly nature photography and some photos of just day-to-day life, but I also like all the recipe pages, home decor pages, and I follow a ton of parrot-related pages too.

When was the last time you wore a flower in your hair? Maybe as a kid, if ever?

List three words to describe yourself using the first letter of your middle name. Mellow, mathematically-inclined, methodical.

Have you ever had a friend with the same middle name as you? Not my current middle name, because that's my maiden surname which is kind of rare and not even a given name in the first place. But my middle name used to be Elizabeth, and I do think I had a few friends growing up who had the same middle name.

What color was your locker in high school? Blue? I think?

How many framed pictures of you and a family member or friend can you see from where you're sitting right now? Two.

What is the first thing you think of when you see the rainbow emoji? 🌈 Rainbows..?

When was the last time you got a new pair of glasses? A little over a year ago.

Do you prefer to play chess or checkers? Either.

What color was your first cell phone? Light silver.

Do you remember when smartphones were a new thing that had just come out, and only rich people had them? I definitely remember when smartphones were new, but they weren't really a "rich people only" sort of thing. The very first iPhone was $599, you don't need to be wealthy to afford that.

If you could choose to have been born in a different month, which month would you choose to be born in, and why? I'm fine with my January birthday, I just wish it wasn't in the very first week of January. It gets overshadowed by Christmas and New Years.

….and which month were you actually born in? January.

Does your first name rhyme with anything? (If so, what?) Belly. lol

Have you ever met anyone who didn't like the color blue? I'm not sure.

What color was the last pill you took? White.

How often do you use emojis? Every now and then.

When was the last time you took a selfie? According to my cameral roll… a little over a week ago. I've been taking periodic selfies to track how well my new skincare products are working at fading hyperpigmentation.

How many E's are in your full name? 3.

What is the first letter of the name of the street you grew up on? A. Well, that's the street I lived on the longest. I lived there from ages 6-18.

Which decade were you born in? 90s, barely. My due date was on one of the last days of 1989 but apparently I didn't want to come out. 😂

Who was the last friend of yours to have a birthday? My husband (and best friend) just had his birthday a week ago.

Are you looking forward to your next birthday? Why or why not? 🥳 I guess. I don't feel any certain way about it.

When was the last time you blew up a balloon? I don't remember. It's been years.

If you had to go an entire week without using any technology, what do you think you would spend most of your time doing instead? Reading books. Cooking. Hiking. Going out to restaurants. Playing with my birds. Spending time with relatives. All of which I already do.

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word "mast"? Ships.

Where is the weirdest place you've ever slept? In the cockpit of a small 2-seat airplane, while flying over Indiana/Ohio LOL. My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were copilots on our university's competitive flying team and we were ferrying one of the planes back from a national-level competition. I needed a short nap so he took the controls for a little while.

Would you rather travel to Asia or France? Well, Asia is the world's largest continent! So it would totally depend on what part of Asia. I've always wanted to go to Bhutan, I'd rather go there than to France. But I'd rather go to France than, say, Myanmar… or Afghanistan… or Bangladesh.

What is something new that you've learned recently, that you didn't know before? I'm sure there are plenty of little info tidbits I've learned recently, but I can't think of anything specific right now.

[monikasenthil]

Top Ways to Earn from Vlogging in 2025 – Beginner to Pro Guide

Vlogging has transformed from a fun hobby into a full-fledged career, with creators earning thousands (even millions) of dollars every year. If you're looking to start vlogging in 2025 and make money, you’re in the right place.

This guide will walk you through the best ways to earn from vlogging, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced creator looking to scale your income.

1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) for Ad Revenue

YouTube remains the best platform for vloggers, thanks to its monetization options. The most common way to earn from vlogging is through YouTube ads.

How to Qualify for the YouTube Partner Program in 2025:

✅ 1,000+ subscribers ✅ 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months OR 10 million public Shorts views in 90 days ✅ Follow YouTube’s monetization policies

Once accepted, you can earn from: 💰 Ads on Your Videos – Revenue from ads shown before, during, and after your videos. 💰 YouTube Shorts Monetization – Earn from the revenue-sharing program for Shorts. 💰 YouTube Premium Revenue – Get a share when Premium users watch your content.

Pro Tip: Create videos that are at least 8 minutes long to unlock mid-roll ads, increasing your earnings.

2. Get Sponsored by Brands

As your audience grows, brands will pay you to promote their products. Sponsorships can be much more lucrative than ad revenue alone.

How to Get Brand Deals as a Vlogger:

🔹 Grow Your Audience – Brands look for engaged communities, not just big numbers. 🔹 Join Influencer Platforms – Sign up on Upfluence, AspireIQ, and YouTube BrandConnect. 🔹 Pitch to Brands – Don’t wait! Reach out to companies that align with your niche.

💡 Example: A fitness vlogger might get paid to promote workout gear, supplements, or online fitness programs.

👉 How much can you earn? Depending on your niche and audience size, sponsorship deals can range from $50 to $50,000+ per video!

3. Earn Commissions Through Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a passive income powerhouse for vloggers. You recommend products and earn a commission every time someone buys using your link.

Best Affiliate Programs for Vloggers in 2025:

✅ Amazon Associates – Perfect for tech, lifestyle, and beauty vloggers. ✅ ClickBank & ShareASale – Promote digital products and courses. ✅ Company-Specific Programs – Many brands offer their own referral programs.

🔹 Example: A travel vlogger can earn commissions by linking to hotels, gear, or booking platforms like Airbnb.

💡 Pro Tip: Place affiliate links in video descriptions and pinned comments for maximum visibility.

4. Sell Your Own Products & Merch

If you have a loyal audience, selling your own products is one of the best ways to earn BIG from vlogging.

What Can You Sell?

🚀 Digital Products – E-books, courses, Lightroom presets (great for travel & photography vloggers). 🚀 Merchandise – T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers with your brand or catchphrases. 🚀 Memberships – Offer exclusive content via YouTube Memberships or Patreon.

💡 Example: A cooking vlogger can sell recipe e-books or online cooking classes.

🔹 Best Platforms to Sell Digital & Physical Products: ✅ Teespring & Printify – Sell merch without handling inventory. ✅ Gumroad & Kajabi – Sell courses, e-books, and digital downloads. ✅ Shopify & Etsy – Great for customized products.

5. Get Paid by Fans via Crowdfunding

Fans who love your content may be willing to support you financially. Many vloggers earn a stable income through crowdfunding and donations.

Best Platforms for Fan Support:

💰 Patreon – Offer exclusive content for monthly subscribers. 💰 Buy Me a Coffee – Let fans send one-time or recurring donations. 💰 Ko-fi – Similar to Patreon, but with flexible payment options. 💰 YouTube Super Chats & Stickers – Earn during live streams when fans donate.

💡 Example: An educational vlogger can provide extra tutorials or behind-the-scenes content to paying members.

6. Monetize Your Vlogs on TikTok & Instagram

While YouTube is the king of vlogging, platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are also paying creators in 2025.

How to Earn from Short-Form Videos:

✅ TikTok Creator Fund & Creativity Program – Earn from viral videos. ✅ Instagram Reels Bonus Program – Instagram pays for engaging Reels. ✅ Brand Sponsorships – Many companies prefer short-form video influencers.

💡 Pro Tip: Cross-post your vlogs on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels to maximize earnings.

7. Earn from Online Courses & Coaching

If you’re an expert in vlogging, editing, or any skill, teaching others can be a great income source.

🔹 Platforms to Sell Courses: ✅ Udemy & Skillshare – List your courses and get paid per enrollment. ✅ Teachable & Thinkific – Sell courses on your own platform.

💡 Example: A vlogger with great video editing skills can sell a course on "How to Edit Like a Pro".

8. Licensing Your Content to Media & Companies

Viral vlogs can be licensed to news channels, blogs, and businesses for a fee.

Where to License Your Videos:

✅ Jukin Media & Storyful – Sell viral videos to media companies. ✅ Shutterstock & Pond5 – Upload travel clips, B-rolls, and cinematic shots for sale.

💡 Example: A drone vlogger can sell breathtaking aerial footage to filmmakers and marketers.

How Much Can You Earn from Vlogging in 2025?

Earnings depend on your niche, audience size, and monetization strategy. Here’s a rough estimate of what successful vloggers make:

Beginner (0-10k subscribers): $50 – $1,000/month

Intermediate (10k-100k subscribers): $1,000 – $10,000/month

Advanced (100k+ subscribers): $10,000 – $100,000+/month

Some of the biggest vloggers make millions per year combining ad revenue, sponsorships, and product sales.

Final Thoughts – Is Vlogging Worth It in 2025?

YES! Vlogging is still one of the best ways to earn money online, but success doesn’t happen overnight. You need:

✔ Consistent uploads – Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. ✔ High-quality content – Invest in a good camera, microphone, and editing software. ✔ Smart monetization – Combine ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing for maximum earnings.

If you put in the effort, vlogging can become a full-time career or even a multi-million-dollar business.

👉 Now it’s your turn! Which monetization strategy are you most excited to try? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚀

[artg-476]

BLOG POST #7 - RATIONALE ROUGHS

1­ – Light Show Promotion (Website and Poster)

Title: Berlin X Luminous Light show

Define the Problem: An event happening at an art gallery in Berlin

Event is happening at an art gallery

Needs some kind of promotional material

The Approach: My approach is to combine an analog and digital approach, considering it’s an art gallery. Since it’s for an event, the obvious case would be to make a promotional item in an analog form

Focus on when, where, why, how

Bold colours, heavy type

What I did: I created a poster with a bold and analog layout. I then took these assets and converted them into a website page. People get to see the event in public places, and that was the hook to bring them into the website to learn more about the event and the company.

Typography, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Layout, Copywriting,

2 – Gin Bottle Design

Title: Infini Gin Bottle

Define the Problem:

Design a unique gin bottle

Bringing my heritage (Metis) into it

The Approach:

Emphasize aspects of my culture such as color, symbols, and mood.

Strive for a more organic and earthy appearance.

What I did:

Created a gin bottle design featuring two labels, a bottle top seal, and an accompanying tag.

Coordinated the gin's color palette with the label designs.

Utilized Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Procreate for the design process.

3 – Web Design

Title: Historic Sheep Stations

Define the Problem:

Take a book and convert it into a functioning website

The Approach:

- Utilized textures, colors, and typography, along with the overall mood of the book to establish the aesthetic of my website.

- Placed significant emphasis on the design elements.

What I did:

- Collected every detail available for the website 

- Incorporated textures from the book cover, illustrations, colors, and typefaces 

- Organized sections into the Home, Historical Insights Page, and Discovery Page 

- Utilized Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Photoshop

4 – Editorial Design

Title: Gorge Cooking Magazine

Define the Problem:

Designing a way to display cooking recipes in a fun and aesthetic way

The Approach:

Drawing inspiration from cherished childhood recipes and experiences

Embracing a nostalgic style combined with whimsical illustrations

Featuring a dual color palette set against a soft off-white backdrop

What I did:

Created an 82-page cooking magazine featuring over 25 delicious recipes.

Utilized a colour palette of blue, red, and off-white.

Designed 2 half-page advertisements and 1 full-page ad, all fully illustrated.

Crafted visually appealing dividers using Illustrator.

[ainfinity]

random overlay photos

[graphypixllc]

Food Social Media Post Design: A Comprehensive Guide to Mouth-Watering Visuals

Food speaks to everyone. It arouses feelings, starts discussions, and forges memories. Social media platforms serve as a virtual table for food enterprises, bloggers, and aficionados to display their culinary masterpieces in the current digital era. The key to making an impression in this crowded area? Outstanding design for food-related social media posts.

The subtleties of producing visually appealing and captivating culinary social media posts will be covered in this book. From platform-specific advice to design principles, you’ll learn how to create posts that not only look nice but also increase engagement and conversions.

Why Food Social Media Design Matters

Social media is mostly a visual platform. Because the food niche is dominated by sites like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, a visually appealing post can determine whether someone scrolls past or pauses to swoon over a picture. This is why design is so important:

First Impressions: Users spend less than 3 seconds deciding whether to engage with a post. An appealing design hooks them instantly.

Brand Identity: Consistent and well-designed posts build brand recognition and loyalty.

Engagement: Posts with compelling visuals get more likes, comments, and shares, increasing reach and visibility.

Sales: For food businesses, mouth-watering designs can lead to direct sales, as users are enticed to try the featured dish or product.

Key Elements of Food Social Media Post Design

High-Quality Images

Food photography is the foundation of a great post. Use natural lighting, a clean background, and a high-resolution camera or smartphone.

Showcase texture, colors, and freshness. For example, a glossy drizzle of chocolate or steam rising from a hot cup of coffee can evoke a sensory experience.

2. Color Psychology

Colors influence emotions and appetite. Warm tones like red and yellow stimulate hunger, while green suggests health and freshness.

Maintain a cohesive color palette that aligns with your brand’s theme.

3. Typography

Use fonts that are legible and complement your design. For example, script fonts work well for rustic and cozy vibes, while sans-serif fonts convey modernity.

Highlight key messages like discounts or special menu items with bold text.

4. Composition and Layout

Use the rule of thirds to position your subject in a visually pleasing way.

Leave enough negative space for captions, logos, or call-to-actions (CTAs).

Balance elements to avoid clutter.

5. Brand Elements

Incorporate your logo, brand colors, and tagline into the design. This ensures brand recall and distinguishes your posts from competitors.

6. Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Encourage users to engage. Examples: “Order Now,” “Try Our New Recipe,” “Tag a Foodie Friend,” or “Click to Shop.”

Tools for Creating Stunning Food Social Media Posts

Graphic Design Software

Canva: User-friendly with customizable templates for food posts.

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator: Advanced tools for professional designs.

Crello: Similar to Canva, with food-specific templates.

2. Photo Editing Tools

Lightroom: For color grading and enhancing food photos.

Snapseed: Free mobile app for quick edits.

VSCO: Offers filters that elevate food visuals.

3. Stock Image Platforms

Unsplash and Pexels: Free high-quality food images.

Shutterstock and Adobe Stock: Paid platforms with a wider variety.

4. Video Editing Tools

CapCut: Easy-to-use mobile editor for short food videos.

Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro: Professional video editing software

Platform-Specific Design Tips

1. Instagram

Instagram is the go-to platform for food content. Its visual nature demands high-quality, aesthetically pleasing posts.

Grid Aesthetic: Maintain a cohesive theme across your posts. Use similar filters or color schemes for consistency.

Stories: Use vertical designs (1080x1920 pixels) with interactive elements like polls or stickers.

Reels: Showcase recipes, behind-the-scenes shots, or customer reviews in engaging short videos.

2. Pinterest

Pinterest is ideal for food blogs and recipes, as users often search for inspiration.

Vertical Pins: Use a 2:3 aspect ratio (1000x1500 pixels) for better visibility.

Text Overlays: Add readable text describing the recipe or dish.

Rich Pins: Include metadata like ingredients and cooking instructions to make posts more useful.

3. Facebook

Facebook is versatile, catering to both casual browsers and serious buyers.

Wide Images: Use a 1200x628 pixel size for posts.

Event Promotions: Create posts for food festivals, happy hours, or special menus.

Groups and Pages: Share exclusive content like recipes or cooking tips to build a loyal community.

4. TikTok

TikTok thrives on authenticity and creativity.

Short Videos: Showcase quick recipes, plating techniques, or food hacks.

Trendy Music: Pair your videos with popular songs to increase reach.

User Engagement: Use hashtags like #FoodTok or #EasyRecipes for better discoverability.

5. Twitter

Though not image-focused, Twitter can amplify your food content.

Clear Images: Use 1600x900 pixel dimensions for shared images.

Engaging Captions: Pair your design with witty, concise text.

Threaded Posts: Share step-by-step recipes in a thread format.

Tips for Designing Viral Food Posts

Focus on the Hero Dish

Highlight the most visually appealing part of the dish. For example, the perfectly golden crust of a pie or the vibrant greens of a salad.

2. Use Motion

GIFs and videos outperform static images. Capture actions like pouring syrup, slicing cake, or flipping burgers.

3. Incorporate Trends

Follow food trends like “rainbow-colored dishes,” “minimalist plating,” or “mukbangs” to stay relevant.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Feature customer photos and reviews. It builds trust and adds authenticity to your brand.

5. Seasonal Themes

Create posts around holidays or seasonal ingredients. For example, pumpkin-spiced everything in fall or red and green-themed posts for Christmas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding

Too many elements can confuse the viewer. Keep designs clean and focused.

2. Low-Quality Images

Grainy or poorly lit photos undermine your brand’s credibility.

3. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Most users view social media on their phones. Ensure text and visuals are legible on smaller screens.

4. Inconsistent Branding

Random colors, fonts, or styles can dilute your brand identity.

5. Lack of Engagement

Posts without CTAs miss the opportunity to connect with your audience.

Case Studies: Successful Food Social Media Campaigns

Domino’s Pizza

Their campaign, “Pizza Turnaround,” used social media to share behind-the-scenes improvements in their recipes and processes. High-quality visuals and engaging stories resonated with audiences, boosting sales.

2. Starbucks Seasonal Drinks

Starbucks consistently designs posts with visually appealing, seasonal themes. Their Pumpkin Spice Latte posts, featuring vibrant colors and cozy vibes, dominate social feeds every fall.

3. Tasty (BuzzFeed)

Tasty revolutionized food videos with overhead shots, quick steps, and vibrant visuals. Their signature style is now instantly recognizable.

Final Thoughts

It takes a combination of technical expertise, strategy, and creativity to produce visually appealing and captivating food social media postings. You can create articles that not only look delicious but also generate significant interaction and revenue by concentrating on excellent images, well-considered design components, and platform-specific best practices. Recall that sharing stories and connecting over meals is important. Allow your audience to learn about the history of each dish, ingredient, or recipe through your artwork. Gaining expertise in food social media post design can boost your online visibility, regardless of whether you’re a food blogger, restaurant owner, or enthusiastic home cook.

[scottdavenportphoto]

Precision Edits Using Intersects In Lightroom

Intersect with Brush is perfect for adding precision to your edits and create highly detailed adjustments with minimal effort. It’s a masking tool “recipe” I use again and again in Lightroom. Intersect is one of Lightroom’s most powerful masking options and you might be underutilizing it. No painstaking masking strokes! And better yet - you can work visually, putting your attention on your photo where it belongs.

I’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to use Intersect with Brush to refine masks and adjust highlights, shadows, detail, and more for a truly polished look. Get a pro-level understanding of how to elevate your editing workflow and make each photo stand out.

Here are a few example photos where I used one masked intersected with a brush to apply finishing touches.

[basketleaftea]

Leveraging Social Media for Your Tea Business Growth – Basketleaf

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for small businesses looking to grow their customer base, increase brand awareness, and build loyalty. best businesses under ₹1 lakh  social media offers a cost-effective way to reach tea enthusiasts and create a community around your brand. This guide covers actionable strategies to leverage social media platforms, build a following, and drive growth for your tea business.

1. Define Your Brand Identity and Target Audience

Before diving into social media, it’s essential to clarify your brand’s identity, values, and the audience you’re trying to reach. A strong brand identity will guide your content creation and help you connect with the right customers.

Questions to Consider:

What makes your tea business unique?

Who are your ideal customers? Are they young professionals, health-conscious individuals, or traditional tea lovers?

What values does your brand represent, such as sustainability or luxury?

Tip: Create a simple brand guideline document to maintain a consistent look and feel across your social media profiles.

2. Choose the Right Platforms for Your Tea Business

Not all social media platforms may be suitable for your business. Here’s a breakdown of popular platforms and how they can benefit a tea business:

Instagram: Ideal for visually-driven content, showcasing your tea varieties, packaging, and brand aesthetics.

Facebook: Good for building a community, engaging with older audiences, and creating a local presence.

Pinterest: Useful for sharing tea recipes, lifestyle images, and driving traffic to your website.

YouTube: Great for video content, such as tea preparation tutorials, tasting sessions, or behind-the-scenes looks.

WhatsApp Business: Allows direct communication with customers and offers features for cataloging and sharing products.

Tip: Focus on 2–3 platforms to start and gradually expand once you have a solid presence.

3. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content

Content is the core of your social media strategy. To keep your audience engaged, post a variety of content that highlights different aspects of your tea business.

Content Ideas for a Tea Business

Product Showcases: Share photos of your different tea varieties, packaging, and accessories.

Behind-the-Scenes: Show how your tea is sourced, blended, or packaged.

Tea Education: Post about the benefits of different teas, their origins, and how to brew them.

User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage customers to share their tea experiences, and repost their photos with proper credit.

Seasonal Content: Tailor content to align with festive seasons, such as sharing warm tea recipes in winter or iced teas in summer.

Tip: Use free editing tools like Canva or Lightroom Mobile to enhance your visuals and maintain a cohesive look for your posts.

4. Engage with Your Audience Consistently

Engagement is critical for social media growth. Actively respond to comments, messages, and shares to build trust and create a community around your brand.

Engagement Tips:

Reply to Comments: Acknowledge comments on your posts to foster a friendly connection.

Use Polls and Questions: Engage your audience by using interactive features on Instagram Stories, like polls, questions, and quizzes.

Host Giveaways: Create buzz around your brand by offering a free tea sampler or product package. Ask users to follow, like, and tag friends to enter, boosting your reach organically.

Tip: Set aside 15–20 minutes each day to engage with followers. Consistency is key to building relationships.

5. Use Influencer Marketing to Reach a Broader Audience

Partnering with influencers can be an effective way to introduce your brand to a larger audience without breaking your budget.

How to Work with Influencers on a Budget:

Micro-Influencers: Collaborate with influencers who have smaller, highly engaged followings. They are often more affordable and have a closer relationship with their followers.

Barter Collaborations: Offer your products in exchange for a post or shoutout. Many smaller influencers may be open to this arrangement.

Local Influencers: Reach out to influencers within your city or region who can help boost your brand’s local presence.

Tip: When approaching influencers, personalize your message and explain why you think they would be a great fit for your tea brand.

6. Leverage Social Media Advertising on a Small Budget

Social media ads are an effective way to reach a targeted audience. With a budget under ₹1 lakh, you can allocate a small portion to ads to boost visibility and generate leads.

Tips for Cost-Effective Social Media Ads:

Target Locally: Start by targeting your city or region to reach customers who may be more likely to purchase from a local business.

Promote Key Products: Focus on advertising your best-sellers or unique tea blends to attract interest.

Use Retargeting: Set up retargeting ads for people who have visited your website or engaged with your social media profile.

Tip: Start with a small daily ad budget (e.g., ₹200–₹500) and monitor performance. Adjust your budget based on the results you’re seeing.

7. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

Collaboration is a great way to expand your reach while staying within budget. By partnering with other small businesses that share a similar target audience, you can cross-promote each other’s products and benefit mutually.

Collaboration Ideas:

Host Joint Giveaways: Team up with a local bakery or café and offer a combo prize for your followers.

Product Bundles: Work with complementary brands, like local snacks or eco-friendly packaging companies, to create value bundles.

Social Media Takeovers: Swap social media accounts for a day with another small business, allowing you to reach each other’s followers.

Tip: Look for businesses that share your brand values and offer products that pair well with tea, such as honey, snacks, or eco-friendly items.

8. Utilize Hashtags Strategically

Using the right hashtags can increase your visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find your brand.

Effective Hashtag Strategies:

Industry-Specific Hashtags: Use tags related to tea, such as #TeaLovers, #HerbalTea, or #TeaTime.

Local Hashtags: Include location-based hashtags to attract local customers, like #DelhiTea or #MumbaiTea.

Branded Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your business, such as #BasketleafTea, and encourage customers to use it in their posts.

Tip: Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags in your posts to reach different audiences. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post; consider using around 10–15 relevant ones for optimal reach.

9. Share Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Social proof is powerful. Sharing customer testimonials and reviews on your social media channels builds trust and encourages others to try your products.

How to Collect and Share Reviews:

Ask for Reviews: After a sale, politely ask customers for feedback or a review on your social media page.

Repost User Content: Share photos or stories that customers post featuring your tea.

Create a Highlight: Use Instagram Highlights to showcase positive customer reviews and testimonials on your profile.

Tip: Thank customers publicly for their feedback to show appreciation and encourage others to share their experiences.

10. Track Your Results and Refine Your Strategy

To grow your tea business on social media effectively, regularly review your analytics to see what’s working and what isn’t.

Metrics to Monitor:

Engagement Rate: Measure likes, comments, shares, and saves on each post to gauge content effectiveness.

Follower Growth: Track how quickly you’re gaining new followers.

Conversion Rate: Look at how many of your social media interactions lead to sales or inquiries.

Tip: Use tools like Instagram Insights, Facebook Analytics, or third-party tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to keep track of metrics and make data-driven adjustments.

Conclusion: Driving Growth with Social Media for Your Tea Business

Leveraging social media for your tea business can be both impactful and budget-friendly. By building a strong brand identity, choosing the right platforms, creating engaging content, and consistently interacting with your audience, you can drive growth for your tea brand on a budget under ₹1 lakh. With a well-planned strategy, social media can become a powerful channel to attract tea lovers, build brand loyalty, and establish your tea business as one of the best businesses under ₹1 lakh in India.

[life-unintended]

New film simulation recipe: Portuguese Summer

Earlier this year I set out to create a new film simulation recipe for the summer, inspired by some rolls of Fujifilm Sensia 100 I shot in the past. As usual, somewhere along the way I got sidetracked and ended up with something completely different: I created a Classic Chrome-based Lightroom preset that I’ve been using in most of my Fujifilm photos in the last few months. The reason for…

[eevonhon]

Kimchi jjigae + seared tuna steak + kkaennip kimchi + cauliflower rice \\ I love the part where I have to finish up the stuff in my pantry/fridge cause it's like a mini challenge to find recipes that work.

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#throwback #evcooks #homecooked #f52grams #comfortfood #foodstagram #f52community #vsco #lightroom #galaxys23ultra #withgalaxy #foodie

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A post shared by EV (@ev.hon)

[mariasdigitalpresets]

Free Lightroom preset to download

"Hey everyone! 🌟 Exciting news—I've just uploaded a brand new preset! Introducing 'Dark Aesthetic'—the perfect recipe for infusing your photos and Instagram feed with a chic, dark aesthetic vibe. Check it out and let me know what you think! 📸✨ #DarkAesthetic #NewPreset"

[derrickluqinglee]

Is blogging still relevant in the age of TikToks and Instagram?

"Is blogging even a thing anymore? We've all heard people say 'blogging is dead' as many times as we've heard 'content is king.' Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have taken over as the go-to way to express ourselves online. So, you might be wondering if blogging still matters in today's digital world.

I've been blogging since 2012, and I've noticed that since around 2014, there are fewer active bloggers. But why is that? In fact, many people wonder, 'Do folks still even blog these days?'

Instagram

Instagram came on the scene in 2010 and quickly gained a million users in just two months. In less than a year, it had 10 million users. Today, it boasts over 1 billion active users and is one of the most popular social media platforms globally.

I kept hearing claims that blogging was on its way out, and terms like 'microblogging' started popping up. The debate of Blogging vs. Instagram is ongoing among digital influencers and content creators. Many folks prefer to share their lives through Instagram, posting photos for their followers instead of maintaining a traditional blog.

It seemed like long-winded content was being replaced by shorter, more image-heavy, easily digestible stuff.

When Instagram first started, it was all about sharing everyday moments—a pic of your meal or a quick snapshot with friends in a nightclub restroom. But over time, it evolved.

Instagram started being used alongside blogs. Most bloggers wanted to use it to promote their blogs, similar to how Twitter was used. However, because Instagram doesn't allow clickable links in captions, it didn't work out as well. You could say, 'the link is in the bio,' but it's just not the same as clicking a link right then and there.

Nowadays, Instagram has become a massive force, and we hear terms like Instagrammers, Influencers, and content creators more often than words like bloggers, vloggers, or YouTubers. Instagram feeds are no longer just snapshots of people's everyday lives; they're full of carefully curated images that often look like they're straight out of a magazine. I'm not saying that's a bad thing—I'm guilty of getting lost in a stunning Instagram feed myself."

URL link : https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html

TikTok 

"Do you know that back in early 2019, TikTok became the most downloaded app on Apple's iOS store? It seemed to pop up out of nowhere and just took over.

It's even seeped into Instagram – I swear, every other food-related post these days is all about some 'TikTok recipe' like baked oats or feta pasta. And then there's Instagram Reels, which is like a total copycat of TikTok. Oh, and don't get me started on how Instagram seems to favor accounts that use Reels. But hey, that's a rant for another time.

Getting popular on Instagram can be quite the challenge, but TikTok works in a way that lets anyone hit it big, even if you don't have a massive following."

URL link : https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html

Why are Instagram and TikTok so popular, and is traditional blogging losing its appeal?

Microblogging Is More User-Friendly

Signing up for Instagram and TikTok is straightforward. You can create an account and start posting without the technical hassles of dealing with servers, domains, hosting, or website setup. No need to search for website themes or customize widgets.

Simplicity of Use

All you need is a mobile phone to get started. Apps like Lightroom and VSCO cam allow you to edit photos from your phone and create an attractive Instagram feed. TikTok offers easy in-app video editing, removing the need for advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe's programs.

Access to a Potentially Wider Audience

As Valentina Chirico points out, every influencer aims to expand their audience. Instagram and TikTok offer the potential to reach millions of existing users. The audience is there; you just need to get your content in front of them. In contrast, blogging often requires substantial effort to attract traffic through SEO, keyword research, email marketing, or networking before you can monetize.

Shorter Attention Spans

Traditional blogging focuses on long-form content, which is essential for Google ranking. However, this contradicts how people use social media and the internet today. Users prefer quick browsing, consuming content, and moving on. Instagram excels at displaying beautiful images, while TikTok is the go-to platform for short, entertaining videos.

Brands Favor Instagrammers and TikTok Influencers

One challenge for bloggers is that more brands want to collaborate with Instagrammers and TikTok influencers. Some opportunities require influencers to post on their blogs, Instagram, and TikTok simultaneously. Even if bloggers don't use TikTok or prioritize it, brands increasingly value this multi-platform approach.

So, Is Traditional Blogging Declining?

Many experts predict that traditional blogging may decline due to the rise of social media platforms and evolving digital trends. However, I believe that traditional blogging is far from dead. People will continue to read blogs, and there will always be plenty to write about.

The blog readership is changing, as is their content consumption pattern. Blogs now need to focus more on solving readers' problems and providing valuable information. List posts and how-to guides still perform well. Moreover, most blog traffic comes from search engines, underscoring the importance of SEO.

Blogging is now part of the broader content marketing landscape, where content is distributed across various platforms. While marketers increasingly collaborate with Instagrammers, the ability to work with them across multiple platforms, including blogs, remains advantageous.

We should also remember that Instagram and TikTok could suspend or delete accounts, whereas with a self-hosted blog, you have complete control. It's unwise to rely solely on one platform. Once you have a successful blog, website, and an email list, you don't have to worry about losing everything overnight.

What are your thoughts? Do you think traditional blogging is on the decline?

[winkly]

𑁭᠀ ꈍᴗꈍ ☕〖 ta⃛ɘ⃨ ִֶָ kɔ⃛ɔ⃨k. 〗⌕ 式 🐻 ۫.︎

૮吝！🄼ood🄱oard. ⌚ ⅑⃨ 𓂅̸ ﹫winkly. ꗃ

꩔🥥𖠗 𝟸𝟸:𝟸𝟿 ִֶָ likə or reblog！⿻ sᥕə̲ə̲t ִֶָ ࿐