





Instagram's tilt-shift effect is the finishing touch on a work of smartphone art. It can be a masterstroke or a muddy mess, depending on how you use it. Too often, we've seen tilt-shift overused, misappropriated or misunderstood.

SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Best Instagram Filter for Your Photo





For the uninitiated, the tilt-shift effect is used by photographers to highlight a plane or exaggerate a minimal depth-of-field. It's simulated in Instagram with a blur tool that comes in two flavors: linear and circular. Though simplified, the tool can be powerful if used wisely.







Don't let bad shift happen to you. Heed these tips, and you'll be pinching and spreading your way to vignettes with more depth and likes in no time.*

*Mileage may vary, results not guaranteed.

1. Look for a vertical or horizontal axis.

The first rule of linear Instagram tilt-shift is to identify a discreet edge — that is, a clear delineation between foreground and background. This will make the object "in focus" pop appropriately.

In the vertical example below, the sign is on a nearer plane than the gas pump. It remains in focus while the miscellany fades into the background.







In this horizontal example, the marquee is the subject of the photo, while the sky and street remain out of focus.







Often, the difference between great tilt-shift and "meh" is when Instagrammers break the axis. At first glance, the photo of New York's Penn Station below suggests a clear horizontal axis. We want the people in the foreground and the station in the back.

But there's a staircase that breaks into the horizontal line. The railing is now partially "out of focus" while the people standing behind it are still "in focus." This breaks the depth of field illusion that tilt-shift intends to create.







In this vertical example, we have a clear subject in the foreground (my cousin Javis). However, there is no clean line on which to lay the tilt-shift. The result is an uneven depth of field, which ultimately looks sloppy.







2. Define the foreground and background.

Tilt-shift can be used to highlight a subject in the foreground or background. Regardless of the position, the goal is to clearly define what the viewer should be looking at.

While this traffic signal box is actually behind its companion from this perspective, the tilt-shift effect pops it out of its surroundings. The depth of field is technically incorrect here, but it's passable.







3. Get as close to the edge without touching it.

You'll need ginger fingers to align the edge and axis without crossing over. Instagram's tilt-shift has a fairly sharp gradient. Encroach lightly for a feathered look (a smooth transition from foreground to background), but proceed with caution. Going too far will ruin the illusion of depth.

4. Use circular tilt-shift on circular items.

Circular tilt-shift really works best on circular items, as seen here.







It's very difficult to isolate odd shapes. Attempting to will leave gaps in the focus. The Goomba on my colleague Chelsea's desk did not lend itself to circular tilt-shift.







5. Isolate arcs.

Circular tilt-shift is not exclusively for circles. Expand the field to delineate background and foreground along rounded edges. It's not an exact science. The arc on this fountain doesn't align perfectly Instagram's circular tilt-shift, but the colors in the background blend well enough to hold the illusion.







6. Frame a non-circular object on a solid background.

The exception to the "only use the circle on circles" rule is when you are isolating your subject on a uniform background, like a solid color wall or a cloudless sky. In these cases, you won't see the hard edge left behind by the ring.

SEE ALSO: 12 Most Cliché Photos on Instagram





In this example, my colleague Christine appears against a white wall. We can shift out the desks and computers, but it doesn't matter where the ring lands — as long as it doesn't feather her face or clip the foreground.







In a poker game with Mashable's chief strategy officer Adam Ostrow, we can rely on the white wall in the background while we shift out the chips in the fore — leaving the subject (and his scotch) in focus to ponder a game-changing bet.







Franklin's fur is uniform enough that we can isolate his face (somewhat circular in this pose) while shifting out his ears and body. As long as we don't clip the carpet, it's as if he is poking his nose right into focus.







This adorable photo of my pal Julianne comes close. The dark background almost lends itself to easy isolation, but the split wall texture and water bottle in the foreground disturb the edge on this attempt.







7. When in doubt, don't.

It's tempting to add that extra pop to every Instagram you take, but often, you just don't need it. If you're unable to identify a clear axis, ring, foreground or background, or if you're struggling to align your edge without breaking the depth of field, just call it off. Your photo is better served without it.

If you've done it right, no one will notice.







As with most creative endeavors, if you've done something right, most people won't even notice it. You don't want your photo to look tilt-shifted. You just want it to look awesome. Think about subtlety as you create your next masterpiece.

What pointers can you offer your filter-happy comrades? Share your best Instagram tips and tricks in the comments below.

BONUS: How to Choose the Best Instagram Filter for Your Photo