At the beginning of this summer, I began to start heavily using my blog’s Instagram, or “Bookstagram,” account. Considering the thousands (probably more like millions) of book-centric accounts on the social media platform, I was late to the game. Yet, I’ve slowly begun using it; building my profile, creating a feed “theme,” taking advantage of Instagram’s stories (I much prefer using Instagram stories over Snapchat, feeling that it’s not as private as Snapchat can be), and interacting with authors, publishers, and other readers in a new way! I’m a sucker for a beautiful cover and book design, so naturally, I fell into loving to take bookish photos! I’ve also started adding them into my posts here on the blog since I posted my redesign.
With this rise in book photography and aesthetic in the book community, I can understand why bloggers are feeling the need to post more visuals alongside their written posts. Normal digital graphics aren’t as eye-catching and engaging as looking at a pretty image of a new book with a text overlay. I personally started adding photos when I switched to a simple black and white blog design theme. I let the images bring color to the blog, so it’s always kind of changing!
But I’ve been starting to wonder: Does including visuals, particularly book photos, make for better posts?
I think it’s safe to say that there’s a higher chance people will click on a post that includes images. They help to guide the reader through the text. But as content goes, what does book photography add?
Well, for me, in this ever-growing digital age, the inclusion of an image of a physical book reminds me of how much I love real physical books! I love looking at the high-quality photos, showcasing the different elements that books have: gold foiling, deckled edges, dust jackets, end papers, shimmer, shine…! These photos could help someone decide if they want to spend the money on a physical book vs. the eBook.
I don’t know, maybe I’m starting to just talk crazy here. But, book photography clearly has an influence on readers, book readers and blog readers alike.
Books & Cleverness 
I’m new to the game too and I agree with your point about loving the look and feel of physical books. The covers and the pages, it makes me want to buy them. Some of these photos though, I dunno if I’ll get to that level. I don’t see myself buying strings of lights and other accessories but who knows!
Oh no, me either! I normally just use what I have lying around in my room, or swag that came with the book!
My eyes are drawn more to words than photos but nowadays, having great images in a blog post is like a must because people have a low attention span especially with all the scrolling.
I used to not post any images on my blog and it was not until (maybe like 3 or 4 years ago) my friend, who hates reading btw suggested to insert a gif or images that I began implementing pictures into my blog posts.
Bookstagram is awesome and I respect everyone who tried their best taking pretty pictures of their books. #icouldnever
Gifs are super fun additions to blog posts! I always love it when one pops up!
Bookstagram is the love of my life! I have multiple blog posts drafted about it because I love it so much! Also I really like your theme!
Thanks so much!
I feel like good photos give you credibility.. if someone has put in additional effort to click pictures and edit them before posting then I feel like they are more passionate about it. I started bookstagram because I realized pretty books and pretty pictures are both my favorite. I completely agree that props or no props your pics can still be pretty. I take inspiration from minimilastic as well other pictures too.
That’s so interesting that you brought up credibility! You’re so right!
I use bookstagram to upload pictures of the books I take (or ebooks!) and I will incorporate some of those into my blog posts when I review. I typically want my review to be just a review though. I do spend more time on my bookstagram photos but I dont necessarily edit them to include quotes or words. It’s more of just the cover!
I love it when bookstagram photos are more minimal as well… sure the aesthetic with props is cool, but it begins to take away from the book as an object itself!