[English 101] PHOTO SHARING - Expressions for discussing pictures and social media

Teaching Material

1. I love the photo you posted of your trip.
• photo (noun) - A picture taken by a camera or phone.
• Use ‘photo’ to refer to any still image captured digitally or on film. Great for quick mention of a picture.
• A: Did you see my new photo online? B: Yes, it looks amazing!
2. He took a snapshot of his meal before eating.
• snapshot (noun) - A quick photo taken spontaneously.
• Use ‘snapshot’ to highlight an informal, often spur-of-the-moment picture. It suggests something candid.
• A: Can you grab a snapshot of us? B: Sure, smile!
3. Let’s take a selfie in front of the monument!
• selfie (noun) - A self-portrait photograph, usually taken with a smartphone.
• Use ‘selfie’ to emphasize photos you take of yourself, often to share on social media.
• A: How’s my selfie angle? B: Looks great, keep it up!
4. We posed for a group photo at the reunion.
• group photo (noun phrase) - A picture featuring multiple people together.
• Use ‘group photo’ for images with friends, family, or colleagues at events or gatherings.
• A: Who’s going to take our group photo? B: Let’s ask someone passing by.
5. This landscape shows the entire coastline.
• landscape (noun) - A horizontal orientation photo, often capturing scenery.
• Use ‘landscape’ when talking about scenic photos or horizontal framing.
• A: Your landscape shots are gorgeous. B: Thanks, I love wide scenic views.
6. She loves taking portrait shots for her profile.
• portrait (noun) - A photo focusing on a person’s face or body, or a vertical orientation.
• Use ‘portrait’ for vertical orientation shots or pictures primarily of a person.
• A: Is this photo in portrait or landscape mode? B: It’s portrait, looks cleaner for social feeds.
7. I added a vintage filter to my sunset photo.
• filter (noun) - An effect applied to change a photo’s colors or style.
• Use ‘filter’ when discussing enhancements or modifications to photos on social media apps.
• A: Which filter do you recommend for this pic? B: Try the bright one, it makes colors pop.
8. Her caption explained the backstory of the picture.
• caption (noun) - Text accompanying a photo to provide context or a message.
• Use ‘caption’ when adding descriptive or witty text to your posts or pictures.
• A: Got any ideas for my caption? B: Keep it short and catchy!
9. I’ll upload my vacation photos later tonight.
• upload (verb) - To transfer a file from one device to an online platform.
• Use ‘upload’ to talk about sharing images or files from your device to social media or the cloud.
• A: Are you going to upload that video soon? B: Yes, once I find a stable connection.
10. Don’t forget to tag me in that group shot.
• tag (verb) - To identify or mention someone in a post or photo.
• Use ‘tag’ to credit or alert people in a photo or post, letting them know they’re featured.
• A: Did you see that I tagged you? B: Yes, I got the notification!
11. She used the hashtag #ThrowbackThursday on her old photos.
• hashtag (noun) - A word or phrase preceded by ‘#’ used to categorize or find content on social media.
• Use ‘hashtag’ to connect your post to a larger topic or trend, boosting discoverability.
• A: Any trending hashtags I should use? B: Try #VacationVibes, it’s quite popular.
12. Check out my story before it expires in 24 hours.
• story (noun) - A temporary post on social media that disappears after a set time.
• Use ‘story’ for short-lived posts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat.
• A: Did you see my story? B: Yes, I loved your behind-the-scenes clips!
13. I scrolled through my feed to catch up on everyone’s updates.
• feed (noun) - The main section where you see recent posts from accounts you follow.
• Use ‘feed’ when referring to the stream of updates or posts on social platforms.
• A: My feed is flooded with travel pics. B: Same, makes me want a vacation!
14. He got 200 likes on his portrait photo.
• like (verb/noun) - An action showing approval or enjoyment of a post or photo.
• Use ‘like’ to show quick appreciation or positive feedback on someone’s content.
• A: Can you like my post? B: Sure, I’ll hit the heart button now.
15. She shared my vlog on her profile.
• share (verb) - To repost or send content to others on social media.
• Use ‘share’ when you want to distribute content to your own feed or someone else’s.
• A: Don’t forget to share the photo with our friends. B: Right away!
16. The comments on his photo were mostly compliments.
• comment (noun/verb) - A written response to someone’s post or picture.
• Use ‘comment’ to engage with others by adding your thoughts or reactions under a post.
• A: Should I comment on her selfie? B: Sure, say something genuine.
17. He edits all his pictures before posting.
• edit (verb) - To modify or improve a photo by adjusting settings or applying effects.
• Use ‘edit’ when adjusting brightness, contrast, filters, or removing flaws in an image.
• A: How did you edit that pic so well? B: I used a simple mobile app.
18. I cropped out the messy background from my profile pic.
• crop (verb) - To trim or cut out unwanted outer parts of an image.
• Use ‘crop’ to refine composition, remove distractions, or focus on a subject in photos.
• A: Should I crop the strangers out? B: Yes, it’ll look cleaner.
19. I created a summer album on my profile.
• album (noun) - A collection of photos organized in one place or post.
• Use ‘album’ when grouping related photos together, often for events or trips.
• A: Check out my new album for more pics. B: Will do, I love seeing them in one spot.
20. My brother photobombed our family picture.
• photobomb (verb/noun) - To unexpectedly appear in someone else’s photo, often humorously.
• Use ‘photobomb’ in lighthearted contexts when someone or something unintentionally (or intentionally) appears in a shot.
• A: Did you see that guy photobomb us? B: Yes, it was hilarious!
21. The exposure was too high, so the photo looked washed out.
• exposure (noun) - The amount of light allowed into a photo, affecting brightness.
• Use ‘exposure’ when discussing or adjusting brightness and clarity of images.
• A: Why is my picture so dark? B: You might need to increase the exposure.
22. Try a lower angle to capture the skyline better.
• angle (noun) - The perspective or position from which a photo is taken.
• Use ‘angle’ to describe how you tilt or position the camera to change the shot’s effect.
• A: This angle makes me look taller! B: It’s all about positioning the camera.
23. High resolution images look sharper on large screens.
• resolution (noun) - The detail level in a photo, measured in pixels.
• Use ‘resolution’ to discuss image clarity or quality, especially for printing or big displays.
• A: Why is this picture blurry? B: The resolution might be too low.
24. She changed her profile picture after the vacation.
• profile picture (noun phrase) - A personal photo representing a user on social media.
• Use ‘profile picture’ when talking about the main photo that identifies you online.
• A: Who’s that in your profile picture? B: It’s me with my puppy!
25. My cover photo shows the city skyline.
• cover photo (noun phrase) - A larger banner image at the top of a social media profile.
• Use ‘cover photo’ for the prominent image that sets the tone for your profile’s page layout.
• A: I like your new cover photo. B: Thanks, I took it at sunset.
26. We planned a photo shoot at the beach.
• shoot (verb/noun) - To take photos, often in a planned session.
• Use ‘shoot’ to describe an organized photography session or the act of taking multiple pictures.
• A: When is the shoot scheduled? B: Tomorrow at 5 PM, bring outfits!
27. This camera can capture fast movements smoothly.
• capture (verb) - To record or seize a moment in a photo or video.
• Use ‘capture’ when emphasizing the act of preserving a moment, emotion, or detail in an image.
• A: Did you capture the fireworks display? B: Yes, I got some great shots!
28. She’s so photogenic that every picture of her is stunning.
• photogenic (adjective) - Looking attractive in photographs.
• Use ‘photogenic’ when describing someone or something that naturally looks good in pictures.
• A: You look really photogenic in that shot. B: Thanks, the lighting helped!
29. He used Photoshop to remove the blemishes.
• photoshop (verb/noun) - To digitally alter an image, also the name of popular editing software.
• Use ‘photoshop’ to describe advanced editing or retouching, but be mindful of authenticity.
• A: Did you photoshop this background? B: Yes, I replaced it with a beach scene!
30. She made a collage of holiday pics on her profile.
• collage (noun) - A creative arrangement of multiple photos or images.
• Use ‘collage’ to showcase several images together in a single display or post.
• A: How did you make that cool collage? B: I used a phone app—it’s super easy.
31. Instagram’s carousel feature lets you show multiple photos at once.
• carousel (noun) - A swipeable series of images or videos in a single post.
• Use ‘carousel’ for a multi-image post that lets viewers swipe through multiple visuals.
• A: Did you see my carousel post? B: Yes, I swiped through all five photos.
32. She creates fun reels with music and effects.
• reels (noun) - Short, entertaining video clips often shared on social media platforms.
• Use ‘reels’ to describe brief, catchy videos that garner quick attention on social apps.
• A: Have you posted any reels lately? B: Yes, check out my dance challenge!
33. Her Instagram grid looks cohesive with a consistent color scheme.
• grid (noun) - A user’s main profile layout displaying their posts in squares or blocks.
• Use ‘grid’ when talking about the arrangement of photos on your profile or feed.
• A: How do I keep my grid organized? B: Use similar filters for all your posts.
34. He sent me a DM asking about my camera.
• DM (noun/verb) - Direct Message; a private conversation between users on social media.
• Use ‘DM’ to discuss private messaging for sharing photos, details, or links off the public feed.
• A: Could you DM me the link? B: Sure, I’ll send it now.
35. The influencer posted a tutorial on photo editing.
• influencer (noun) - A person with a significant online following who can impact others’ behavior or opinions.
• Use ‘influencer’ for individuals who shape trends, especially on photo-centric platforms.
• A: Did you see the influencer’s new content? B: Yes, she has great tips for photography.
36. She did a live stream to discuss her editing workflow.
• live stream (noun/verb phrase) - Broadcasting video in real-time to an online audience.
• Use ‘live stream’ to refer to real-time video broadcasts, good for interactive viewer engagement.
• A: Are you going to live stream the event? B: Yes, tune in at 7 PM.
37. His travel vlog included stunning drone footage.
• vlog (noun) - A video blog documenting personal experiences or topics.
• Use ‘vlog’ when discussing video-based content, often showcasing daily life or special adventures.
• A: When will you post your next vlog? B: Probably next week; I’m editing it now.
38. I scrolled for hours, looking at wedding photos.
• scroll (verb) - To move through a feed or webpage by swiping or dragging.
• Use ‘scroll’ to describe browsing or moving through a stream of content on a screen.
• A: I need to stop scrolling before bed. B: Me too, it’s so addictive!
39. I got a notification that someone tagged me.
• notification (noun) - An alert or message indicating new activity on social media.
• Use ‘notification’ to refer to system alerts about likes, tags, messages, or comments.
• A: Did you see the notification for my comment? B: Yes, I replied!
40. He spent hours retouching the portrait for a flawless finish.
• retouch (verb) - To improve a photo by removing imperfections or enhancing features.
• Use ‘retouch’ when discussing subtle or thorough edits to a photo’s details or flaws.
• A: Do you retouch your selfies? B: Sometimes, just minor tweaks.
41. The thumbnail gives a quick glimpse of the video content.
• thumbnail (noun) - A small preview image representing a larger photo or video.
• Use ‘thumbnail’ when referencing the tiny preview shown before clicking on a full image or video.
• A: How do I pick a good thumbnail? B: Choose a clear shot that intrigues viewers.
42. I zoomed in to see the texture on her dress.
• zoom in (phrasal verb) - To enlarge a part of the image, focusing on details.
• Use ‘zoom in’ when discussing magnifying a picture to get a closer look.
• A: Can you zoom in on that corner? B: Sure, we can see the details better.
43. She took a macro shot of a butterfly’s wings.
• macro (noun/adjective) - A photo style capturing extreme close-up shots, often of small subjects.
• Use ‘macro’ for discussing ultra-close photography, highlighting tiny details like insects or textures.
• A: How do you get such detail? B: I used the macro mode on my phone.
44. Monochrome photos can evoke a classic feel.
• monochrome (adjective/noun) - A photo in varying tones of a single color, typically black and white.
• Use ‘monochrome’ for black-and-white or single-hue images to add mood or simplicity.
• A: Why is your profile pic monochrome? B: I love the timeless look it gives.
45. I added a geotag to show where the mountains are.
• geotag (verb/noun) - A location tag attached to a photo or post.
• Use ‘geotag’ to indicate the geographical location in a post, helping others see where it was taken.
• A: Did you geotag that beach picture? B: Yes, it’s marked in Malibu.
46. He checked the photo’s metadata to confirm when it was taken.
• metadata (noun) - Information embedded in a file, such as date, location, and camera settings.
• Use ‘metadata’ to reference hidden details of a photo that can provide context or technical info.
• A: What does the metadata say about this pic? B: It shows the exact date and GPS coordinates.
47. The algorithm often prioritizes popular posts first.
• algorithm (noun) - A process used by platforms to decide which posts to show in feeds.
• Use ‘algorithm’ to discuss how social media platforms rank and display content to users.
• A: Why did I see that ad? B: The algorithm thinks it matches your interests.
48. Her video went viral overnight.
• viral (adjective) - When content spreads quickly and widely online.
• Use ‘viral’ to describe content that gains sudden, massive attention and shares.
• A: Did you see that cat photo? B: Yes, it’s gone viral everywhere!
49. I adjusted my privacy settings to friends-only.
• privacy settings (noun phrase) - Controls that determine who can see your online content.
• Use ‘privacy settings’ to discuss controlling visibility of your photos or personal data online.
• A: Are your privacy settings public? B: I prefer to keep my posts private.
50. With a public profile, anyone can view your photos.
• public profile (noun phrase) - A social media account visible to all users, not restricted by privacy.
• Use ‘public profile’ when referring to open accounts accessible by anyone on the platform.
• A: Should I make my account public? B: Only if you’re okay with strangers seeing your posts.
51. She has thousands of followers interested in photography tips.
• followers (noun) - People who subscribe to or regularly view your social media posts.
• Use ‘followers’ for those who have chosen to see your updates and content regularly.
• A: How did you get so many followers? B: By posting consistently and using good hashtags.
52. My following includes several photography pages.
• following (noun) - The list of accounts or profiles someone chooses to see updates from.
• Use ‘following’ to describe the set of people or brands whose content appears on your feed.
• A: Who are you following now? B: Mostly travel bloggers and art accounts.
53. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for new photo tips.
• subscribe (verb) - To sign up for a channel or account to see its updates regularly.
• Use ‘subscribe’ for ongoing content updates, especially on platforms like YouTube.
• A: Where can I get more of your videos? B: Just subscribe to my channel!
54. This hashtag is trending across all platforms.
• trending (adjective) - Topics or content currently popular and widely discussed online.
• Use ‘trending’ when referencing hot topics or viral content that gains widespread attention.
• A: What’s trending today? B: Looks like #NaturePhotos is blowing up.
55. Her feed has a minimalist aesthetic with neutral tones.
• aesthetic (noun/adjective) - A set of principles guiding the style or look of photos or profiles.
• Use ‘aesthetic’ to describe the overall visual theme or vibe in one’s photos or profile.
• A: How do I build a consistent aesthetic? B: Stick to a color palette and editing style.
56. Higher engagement often boosts post visibility.
• engagement (noun) - User interaction with content, like likes, comments, or shares.
• Use ‘engagement’ when discussing the level of interaction your posts receive.
• A: How’s the engagement on your last post? B: Pretty good—lots of comments and likes.
57. She planned her grid layout to maintain a pink theme.
• grid layout (noun phrase) - The pattern or arrangement of photos on a profile’s main page.
• Use ‘grid layout’ for discussing how your overall profile feed is organized visually.
• A: Do you use a tool to preview your grid layout? B: Yes, it helps me keep it cohesive.
58. Tagging your friend helps them see the post instantly.
• tagging (verb/noun) - The act of labeling or identifying people or places in a post.
• Use ‘tagging’ for referencing the process of naming accounts or adding location to your photos.
• A: Should I start tagging the restaurant location? B: Definitely—it’s great for discovery.
59. He sent me a snap of his lunch break view.
• snap (noun/verb) - A quick picture or a short photo/video message, often ephemeral.
• Use ‘snap’ informally for a quick photo or short-lived message, often on apps like Snapchat.
• A: Did you check out my snap? B: Yes, it disappeared after I viewed it!
60. I reposted her photography tip to my story.
• repost (verb) - To share someone else’s content on your own profile or feed.
• Use ‘repost’ when you want to share another user’s post or photo with your audience.
• A: May I repost your picture? B: Sure, just credit me in the caption.
61. She took a screenshot of her chat to share later.
• screenshot (noun/verb) - An image captured of what’s displayed on a screen.
• Use ‘screenshot’ to show or save a conversation, webpage, or photo from your device screen.
• A: Can you screenshot that comment? B: Yes, I’ll send it to you right away.
62. I archived my old photos but didn’t want to delete them.
• archive (verb/noun) - To store or hide posts from your main profile, keeping them private but not deleted.
• Use ‘archive’ for a way to remove posts from public view while retaining them for personal access.
• A: Why did you archive your posts? B: I’m cleaning up my profile for a fresh look.
63. She decided to unfollow pages she no longer reads.
• unfollow (verb) - To stop subscribing to someone’s updates or content.
• Use ‘unfollow’ to describe discontinuing viewing content from a user on social platforms.
• A: Why did you unfollow that account? B: The content wasn’t relevant anymore.
64. Type the hashtag in the search bar to see related posts.
• search bar (noun phrase) - The field where you enter keywords or usernames to find specific content.
• Use ‘search bar’ when guiding someone to find posts, people, or hashtags on any platform.
• A: Where do I look for your profile? B: Use the search bar and type my username.
65. Her bio says she’s a travel photographer.
• bio (noun) - A short description about a user, usually found in their profile.
• Use ‘bio’ for that concise intro or personal tagline at the top of a social media profile.
• A: What should I put in my bio? B: Mention your interests and location.
66. She mentioned me in her thank-you post.
• mention (verb/noun) - To directly reference a user by their handle in a post or comment.
• Use ‘mention’ to highlight another user, typically with the ‘@’ symbol in captions or comments.
• A: Did you mention me in your latest photo? B: Yes, check your notifications.
67. My notifications blew up after my viral reel.
• notifications (noun) - Alerts indicating activity on your account, such as likes or mentions.
• Use ‘notifications’ to talk about the updates you receive about interactions on your social accounts.
• A: How do I turn off notifications for certain apps? B: Check your settings under alerts.
68. She created a highlight for her trip photos to keep them visible.
• highlight (noun/verb) - A saved collection of stories or moments displayed on a profile beyond 24 hours.
• Use ‘highlight’ for grouping key stories or special event posts so they remain accessible.
• A: Did you watch my travel highlight? B: Yes, it’s like a mini travel diary!
69. I need to clear my camera roll; it’s almost full.
• camera roll (noun phrase) - The storage area on a device containing all captured or saved images.
• Use ‘camera roll’ when discussing the phone or tablet’s main photo storage.
• A: How many pics do you have in your camera roll? B: Over 2,000—it’s insane!
70. I saved my photo edit as a draft to finalize later.
• draft (noun) - A post saved for later editing or finalization before publishing.
• Use ‘draft’ for content not yet published but stored for future completion or review.
• A: Have you posted that snapshot yet? B: Not yet, it’s still in my drafts.
71. He started a caption contest to boost engagement on his post.
• caption contest (noun phrase) - Inviting followers to come up with a creative caption for a photo.
• Use ‘caption contest’ to spark audience interaction, letting them propose witty text for your post.
• A: Should we do a caption contest for this funny pic? B: That might generate more comments.
72. I got a spam comment advertising a random product.
• spam (noun/adjective/verb) - Unwanted or repeated messages, often irrelevant or promotional.
• Use ‘spam’ to describe nuisance comments or messages cluttering social media feeds.
• A: Why are these spam accounts following me? B: Just block or report them.
73. She added a watermark with her logo to protect her photos.
• watermark (noun/verb) - A faint design or text placed over an image to identify the owner.
• Use ‘watermark’ for branding or preventing unauthorized distribution of your pictures.
• A: Should I put a watermark on my photo? B: It helps if you worry about unauthorized use.
74. I use creative commons images to avoid copyright issues.
• creative commons (noun phrase) - A license allowing people to use and share works with certain conditions.
• Use ‘creative commons’ to discuss a licensing framework that helps share or reuse creative works legally.
• A: Can I repost your photo? B: Sure, it’s under creative commons—just credit me.
75. Some platforms use face recognition to suggest who to tag in photos.
• face recognition (noun phrase) - Technology that identifies or verifies a person using facial features.
• Use ‘face recognition’ when discussing automated tagging or security features in photo apps.
• A: Why did it tag me automatically? B: The face recognition system recognized you.
76. He made a time-lapse of the sunrise over the city.
• time-lapse (noun) - A video technique showing slow events quickly by capturing frames at intervals.
• Use ‘time-lapse’ to showcase processes or scenes that unfold slowly, like sunsets or city traffic.
• A: That time-lapse of your painting process is so cool! B: Thanks, it took hours in real time.
77. We took a panorama of the entire mountain range.
• panorama (noun) - A wide, extended view of a scene, often stitched from multiple photos.
• Use ‘panorama’ when discussing wide-angle or 360-degree shots that capture broad landscapes.
• A: How did you capture the whole view? B: I used the panorama mode on my phone.
78. Shooting in RAW file format allows for more detailed edits later.
• raw file (noun phrase) - An uncompressed photo format containing all data from the camera sensor.
• Use ‘raw file’ for advanced photography discussion, where maximum data is crucial for post-processing.
• A: Should I use RAW files for better quality? B: Yes, if you’re comfortable with larger file sizes.
79. That lens flare added a dreamy touch to your sunset photo.
• lens flare (noun) - A bright or hazy effect caused by light reflecting inside a camera lens.
• Use ‘lens flare’ when highlighting or avoiding the burst of light artifacts in photos.
• A: Is that lens flare intentional? B: Yes, I love the artistic look it creates.
80. She joined the new dance hashtag challenge and shared her video.
• hashtag challenge (noun phrase) - A social media trend encouraging users to post content under a specific hashtag.
• Use ‘hashtag challenge’ for trends that invite everyone to post themed photos or videos.
• A: Should we try the latest hashtag challenge? B: Sure, it could boost our reach.
81. I spend hours browsing the photofeed for inspiration.
• photofeed (noun) - A dedicated stream of photo posts, often found in social media apps.
• Use ‘photofeed’ when discussing a photo-centric stream, typically on image-sharing platforms.
• A: Which photofeed do you check daily? B: Usually Instagram’s, it’s full of creativity.
82. He experimented with camera settings to get the perfect shot.
• camera settings (noun phrase) - Adjustable parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.
• Use ‘camera settings’ to talk about technical adjustments that influence photo quality.
• A: How did you blur the background? B: I tweaked my camera settings to a wide aperture.
83. I posted a poll on my story to decide which photo to print.
• poll (noun) - A feature allowing users to vote or share opinions in social posts.
• Use ‘poll’ to engage your audience by letting them pick or comment on photo choices.
• A: Did you vote in my poll? B: Yes, I chose the beach picture.
84. Her highlight reel shows the best moments of her travels.
• highlight reel (noun phrase) - A curated collection of top or most memorable clips or stories.
• Use ‘highlight reel’ to gather and present your favorite or most impressive content.
• A: Did you see my new highlight reel? B: Yes, it’s a great summary of your trip.
85. The cat ears face filter was hilarious in our video call.
• face filter (noun phrase) - An AR effect applied to a face in a photo or video, adding creative elements.
• Use ‘face filter’ for playful or decorative digital overlays on selfies or video chats.
• A: Which face filter should I try next? B: The flower crown one is really cute!
86. She got her verified badge after her account became famous.
• verified badge (noun phrase) - A checkmark symbol that confirms the authenticity of a public figure’s account.
• Use ‘verified badge’ to reference the official status marker on notable social media profiles.
• A: Do you think I can get a verified badge? B: You need a significant following first.
87. This latte art is definitely insta-worthy!
• insta-worthy (adjective) - Describes something attractive or interesting enough to post on Instagram.
• Use ‘insta-worthy’ informally to highlight visually appealing or social-media-friendly scenes.
• A: Is my dinner setup insta-worthy? B: Absolutely, post it!
88. The tag cloud shows the most frequent hashtags on her blog.
• tag cloud (noun phrase) - A visual representation of popular tags or keywords used in posts.
• Use ‘tag cloud’ to see or display a summary of your top or trending tags visually.
• A: Any tool to generate a tag cloud? B: Several apps let you see your most used hashtags.
89. The comment thread on her wedding photo was so positive.
• comment thread (noun phrase) - A series of replies and discussions under a single post.
• Use ‘comment thread’ to talk about multiple replies or discussions under one post.
• A: Did you read the comment thread? B: Yes, it’s nice seeing everyone’s supportive messages.
90. She got various reactions on her new selfie, from likes to laughing emojis.
• reactions (noun) - Quick response icons (like hearts or emojis) to show feelings about a post.
• Use ‘reactions’ to refer to emoji-based feedback, especially on platforms offering more than a simple ‘like.’
• A: Which reactions did you get on your photo? B: Mostly hearts and thumbs-up.
91. Dark mode makes browsing photos easier on my eyes at night.
• dark mode (noun phrase) - A display setting that uses darker colors for user interface backgrounds.
• Use ‘dark mode’ for a dimmer interface setting, beneficial for nighttime or comfort viewing.
• A: Do you prefer dark mode or light mode? B: Definitely dark mode—it’s easier on the eyes.
92. She made an in-app purchase to unlock premium filters.
• in-app purchase (noun phrase) - Buying extra features or tools within a photo or social media application.
• Use ‘in-app purchase’ when discussing buying add-ons or special features in apps you already use.
• A: Is that filter free? B: No, it’s an in-app purchase for the pro version.
93. She uses a grid planning app to visualize her feed.
• grid planning (noun phrase) - Strategically organizing future posts to maintain a consistent look.
• Use ‘grid planning’ when describing how you plan your next series of photos for a unified aesthetic.
• A: Need help with grid planning? B: Yes, I’m trying to align all my tones.
94. The bokeh in that portrait really highlights her face.
• bokeh (noun) - A blurred background effect emphasizing the subject in focus.
• Use ‘bokeh’ when discussing that dreamy, out-of-focus background in professional-looking photos.
• A: How do I get that soft bokeh? B: Use a wide aperture or portrait mode.
95. I turned on the flash to capture a photo in the dark restaurant.
• flash (noun) - A burst of light from a camera to brighten dim scenes.
• Use ‘flash’ to talk about illuminating subjects in low-light situations, but be mindful of glare.
• A: Why does the picture look too bright? B: The flash might’ve been too close.
96. Switch to daylight mode to correct the color balance outdoors.
• daylight mode (noun phrase) - Camera or editing setting optimized for photos taken under daylight.
• Use ‘daylight mode’ to adjust color temperature and exposure for sunny or bright environments.
• A: Why do my outdoor photos look yellowish? B: Use daylight mode for natural lighting.
97. We used the timer for a perfect group photo without someone missing.
• timer (noun) - A countdown feature on a camera allowing hands-free shots.
• Use ‘timer’ for self-portraits, group photos, or stable shots when you have no one to snap for you.
• A: How did you get everyone in the shot? B: I set the camera’s timer for 10 seconds.
98. She made a boomerang of her coffee cup cheers.
• boomerang (noun) - A short looping video, typically moving forward and backward quickly.
• Use ‘boomerang’ for playful, looping mini-videos often shared on Instagram stories.
• A: Let’s do a boomerang jumping shot. B: That’ll be so fun to loop!
99. He made a multi-post showing before and after editing.
• multi-post (noun/adjective) - Sharing multiple images or clips in a single upload or post.
• Use ‘multi-post’ to group pictures or videos in one entry, allowing followers to swipe through.
• A: Should I do a multi-post of my vacation? B: Yes, people can swipe through them easily.
100. She looked back at her archive story from last year’s party.
• archive story (noun phrase) - A saved copy of an expiring story, keeping it accessible past its usual timeframe.
• Use ‘archive story’ to keep ephemeral posts for personal viewing or future sharing, beyond the typical expiry.
• A: Can I view your old stories? B: Yes, I have them saved as an archive story.
101. Checking my analytics helps me see which photos resonate most.
• analytics (noun) - Data and insights on post performance, engagement, and audience demographics.
• Use ‘analytics’ to track how well your content is performing and guide improvements for future posts.
• A: What do your analytics say about your new post? B: It’s reaching more people than usual.