Hello Friends!
I hope the New Year back into a routine is going well for you. I am adjusting because I haven’t had a set routine since September before I left for my Senior Leaders Course and then immediately moved from North Carolina to Texas right after. All the Holidays that followed my move did not help me build a routine so I am excited to finally get into one.
In this blog post, I am going to share how I take my own blog photos. It is a tricky business but with some determination, you will succeed. Although my husband will take my pictures when he is with me, I do not make him take all my photos. I have days where I plan to create content and he is not involved. Here are some considerations when taking your own photos:
Take Your Own Photos and Choosing Location
Sometimes I have locations and outfits already planned out, which is probably the best way to create content. Other days I am more spontaneous, it helps me not appear so “cookie cutter.” I am inspired by so many other fashionistas every day. It is too easy to appear the same and I do love sharing what is currently inspiring to me.
If I am shooting locally, I get familiar with a time and place. I am mindful of how populated the location is, the season, and the weather. I am also mindful of the lighting, and time of day. You want your location to be shaded but not too dark. If you had to choose sun or shade, you want to go with a shaded area because you can always adjust the lighting on your camera and when you edit photos.
If I am traveling, I look for interesting spots that are less crowded. I usually try to capture backgrounds that depict the location of where I am. Most of the time, these pictures are taken with my iPhone because it is easier to carry.
What type of Camera To Use
I am not an experience Photographer but you may what to bring different lenses for different backgrounds. I have two lenses, a 50mm, and a 35mm. One is good for distance and the other can take a better up-close picture in smaller spaces. Usually, I know what kind of lens I need for a certain space. The 35mm is usually my go-to lens.
Tripod and Remote
I have two types of tripods; one for my camera and one for my phone. If you are going to take your own photos, you will need a tripod. A tripod will make life so much easier. I set up my tripod and camera to face the background I desire to shoot in. I will take a few shots, look at them, and adjust as necessary. This can be a lengthy process. I have a remote for my camera and I use a timer app when I take pictures with my phone. The app is called Phone Timer +
With a little time and patience, you can achieve so good photos without the help of an expensive photographer or “Instagram Husband.” This picture was from winter 2018, taken with a tripod and a camera. If you head over to my Instagram, I save a Highlight called “Behind Scene” which shows my adventure this day of getting the perfect shot. Below, I am linking some items I use and details to my outfits.
Let me know if you have any questions! If you are a blogger, what works for you when you take your own photos??
XoXo
-Brandi Kimberly
