Today I caught up with Yeldah, the reader behind the camera at @beautiful.bibliophile, to talk bookish pics, Insta tips and fave reads.
Yeldah takes beautiful bookish snaps that show off both her current reads and the amazing landscape in her native Canada. She also takes some cozier pics that never fail to remind me how wonderful it is to curl up with a good book and a hot drink when the rain’s coming down outdoors. Here’s just a few fave images from her feed:
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Yelda, thanks so much for joining me! Can you start by sharing a little about yourself: Where are you from? What do you do when you’re not on Insta? How did you get into bookstagramming?
Hey Everyone! Well first up my name is Yeldah. I’m from Pickering, Ontario but usually I just tell people I’m from Toronto, which is one of the biggest and busiest cities in Canada. I was born and raised in Canada but my parents are from Afghanistan.
When I’m not on Instagram, I’m usually studying (thank god it is summer break right now), reading, taking photos of books or working. I’ll soon be finishing up my undergrad as a Biology-Chemistry major but I want to start my Masters right after.
Well, my Instagram was a personal one at first in 2012, but I didn’t really like posting photos of myself so I started taking photos of my books instead in 2014 and haven’t stopped since. It has been the best decision ever!!
Can you tell us a bit about your Instagram account: What inspires your posts? Do you have a particular aesthetic or theme? Has your account changed/developed over time?
Well, the books I read inspire my photos and also all the lovely photos that are posted on Instagram daily. I don’t have a specific theme to my feed or for my photos, it’s very random. You can, however, see the difference from my old photos, they were filled with props I guess. Now I try to make them more simple and minimalistic. I also love taking photos outside in very season so you can see a change from autumn to winter and so on.
What camera(s) and editing software (if any) do you use for your pics?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a professional camera at the moment so all my photos are taken with my iPhone 4s (ugh I know it’s so old). I think it’s easier that way but I’m hoping to get a camera soon. I try to keep my photos as natural as possible and use the VSCOcam app for filters and to just change Contrast, Brightness and/or Saturation.
How often do you post and do you plan posts in advance, or are they more spontaneous?
I don’t normally plan my posts, it’s rather something spontaneous but I do plan when to take the photos because it is time-consuming and time is currently a limiting variable for me. Sometimes I post once or twice but if I’m busy maybe once every two days or so.
What do you think makes a good post?
I’m not too picky about what makes a good post. I think you should post whatever you want to. Get excited about a book, fangirl/fanboy about it!
What do you love most about being part of the bookstagram community?
All the great friends I’ve made. I didn’t even think it would be possible to make Real Friends online but it is and I’m so grateful for all of them.
Is there anything you’d like to see change/improve in the community?
A couple of things, I can’t stand any hate. So when people are rude to others based on what they read, etc. Also, people stealing other people’s photos and posting as their own, like DO NOT DO THAT! People put so much time and effort in taking these photos so just don’t.
Who are some of the bookstagrammers who inspire you?
Oh gosh where do I begin??! There are so many people who inspire me. These are just a few of them:
Yes, I know these are just a few of all the wonderful accounts I follow!
What kinds of books do you like to read?
Favourite Genres are: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi, Fairytale retellings, Mystery, Detective Fiction and much more. Fantasy and Historical Fiction are my favourites though.
What are three key things you look for in a good story?
A good plot and storyline, something to catch my attention. Developed characters and great world building or setting that is effective throughout the book.
What do you love most about reading, and why do you believe reading is important?
“We read to know we are not alone.” — C.S. Lewis
This quote hits me right in the feels. When I was growing up reading helped me in ways I don’t think anything else could. It helped me when I was down and it helped me grow into the person I am today.
I think reading is important because gives me the freedom to explore different worlds, to take a part of myself and let it grow through fiction. It amuses me (and worries me at the same time) how much I can relate to fictional characters and ultimately obsess over them as well.
I read for the pleasure and I read for the experience. I read so that I can share my opinions with those who have read the same thing. I read to know that I’m not alone and so should you.
Some other quotes I love and which have inspired me to read more:
“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.” –Vera Nazarian
“Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.” –Author Unknown
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” –Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.” –Joseph Brodsky
What’s been your favourite read so far this year?
Vicious by V.E. Schwab and a bunch of others but this one was just amazing!
What five books should everyone reading this add to their TBR pile?
I honestly have way too many but these are just wonderful!
1. Harry Potter by J.K Rowling (if you haven’t read them already)
2. Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
3. A Song of Ice and Fire by G.R.R Martin
4. Ingo by Helen Dunmore
5. Vicious by V.E. Schwab
What advice would you give to new bookstagrammers?
Just be yourself and have fun. You should try to post regularly and try to post your own photos. Commenting on other photos is a good way for other’s to find your account as well. Don’t force yourself to post if you don’t feel like it. Talk to other people and be friendly, I always talk/comment on photos because that’s half the fun of Instagram.
And finally, where else can we find you talking books?
You can find me all over the internet haha.
Tumblr: http://beautiful-bibliophile.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/b_bibliophile
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/beautifulbibliophile
Snapchat: yeldah18
Pop over to @beautiful.bibliophile, say hi to Yeldah and see what she’s reading on Instagram.
Like what you see? Keep in touch:
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