7 iPhone Accessories to Help You Take Better Instagram Photos

See recent posts by Elizabeth Smith

Susanne Nilsson/Flickr

Susanne Nilsson/Flickr

Whether you’ve got 100 followers or 100,000, we all want to take better Instagram photos. Influencers inspire us to travel with their incredible views from Hawaiian beaches to California deserts, rice fields in Bali to snow-capped mountains in New Zealand. With the right accessories, you can capture incredible shots like that too – all from your iPhone. Feeling double tap ready? Check out our favorites, brush up on these pro tips, and get snapping. 

1. Amir 3-in-1 Camea Lens Kit

Attachable lenses are the secret to taking incredible Instagrams with your iPhone. For less than $20, this pack of clip-on HD lenses will introduce three new views to your feed. That includes the ever-popular fisheye, a 140-degree super wide angle, and an enhanced macro lens for extreme close-up shots. They’re an affordable option that minimize glare, reflections, and ghosting so you can get like-worthy images without shelling out hundreds of dollars. 

2. Fugetek FT-568 Selfie Stick

We know, we know. But hear us out: This durable, wobble-free Fugetek selfie stick can hold your iPhone, GoPro, or even a DSLR. It extends more than four feet so you won’t even have to ‘fess up to using it. It just looks like you brought your own professional photographer along on your trip. There’s a non-slip rubber handle and quick flip locks so you won’t have to twist to secure into place. Best of all, it’s currently on sale for $18.95. Just don’t turn into one of “those people” blocking other travelers’ views and making kissy faces at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

3. CamKix Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote Control

Stop struggling to run into place before the automatic iPhone timer starts snapping. Just press the button on the CamKix shutter control remote control whenever you and the squad are ready. Operational up to 30 feet away, the remote is small and lightweight enough to store in your pocket. Plus, there’s a wrist strap so you won’t lose it no matter what adventures you get into. The remote comes in five colors, but you can also purchase two-pack sets or packages with a five-in-one lens kit, lanyard, or grip tripod.  

4. Joby GripTight GorillaPod

Pro photographers have long loved gorilla tripods, which have pliable legs that can be mounted almost anywhere. Now, the same type of tripod is available for your smartphone. The JOBY GripTight GorillaPod Stand is flexible but reliable, and can be used for the iPhone 6, 7, and 8. Made of sturdy ABS plastic, TPE, and stainless steel, it can be affixed to any surface in any position. Its light weight makes it perfect for iPhone photographers on the go.

5. Qiaya Ring LED Camera Light

The iPhone flash doesn’t always provide enough light to effectively illuminate your subject. That’s where the compact Qiaya Ring Light comes in. Complete with 36 LED bulbs, this tool has three adjustable brightness levels, ideal for shots from indoor selfies to nighttime scenery. The battery is rechargeable so you won’t need any extra batteries. We especially like this brand because it offers a money-back guarantee. 

6. Movo Photo MTP-11 Tripod Head

Ever shake your way to a mediocre iPhone panorama? Us too. One of the steeper items on the list, the $99.95 Movo Photo MTP-11 motorized panoramic tripod head is the hands-free solution. With variable speed, time, and direction options, you’ll be able to shoot a sequence of images to create a panoramic photo or time lapse video without even holding your camera. This model comes with a USB charger, carrying case, and smartphone adapters, but it works for a camera or GoPro, too. 

7. Telephoto Lens Kit

Chances are that the $649 Sony DSC-QX100 attachable iPhone lens is out of the budget (or not, if you’re super serious about your ‘grams). Luckily, you can still get DSLR-quality images using your smartphone with a more affordable option. This clip-on lens kit has 12X zoom potential for just $12.99. Zoomed in iPhone photos are notoriously grainy, but this tool will provide high resolution close-ups. It even comes with an eye piece cap, so you can use the lens as a telescope when it’s not clipped onto your camera.

These accessories will help you get better ‘grams, but you may want some other extras when you’re taking photos on the go. We recommend the JOTO phone pouch if your next trip will take you to a beach, pool, or into extreme weather. The simple snap and lock system will keep water, snow, dust, sand, and dirt out and the clear panels won’t distort your photos or videos. The black pouch is on sale for $6.99, but there are a range of colors and patterns available for less than $10. 

Now that your photos are so spectacular, you may find yourself taking more. The G-Ting USB Flash Drives for iPhones is a memory stick that plugs right into your phone’s lightning or USB port. It adds 32GB of external storage, freeing up more space for photos. The 80 MB per second reading speed allows for quick and easy transfers, and the drive comes with an 18-month warranty. If the images are so incredible you want a hard copy on the spot, you may want to invest in a portable printer. Both the Prynt Pocket and  HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer offer high-quality, adhesive prints without weighing down your carry-on

You’ll Also Like:

Oyster.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

You Might Also Like:

TSA PreCheck: Is It Worth It for You? A Breakdown
The Ultimate Packing List for a Beach Getaway
Introduction to Adults-Only Cruises
Our Favorite Cross-Body Bags for Travel
The Ultimate Adults-Only Disneyland Guide

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.