Let’s dive right on into the topic of how to take your own blog photos. If you follow my Insta-stories, this post has literally taken 2 years to write. There is so much that goes into it. One of the questions that I get asked the most is “who takes your photos for your blog?” I would love to say that my lovely fiance is my “Instagram husband” but that just is not the case. It’s also not ideal for everyone me to be able to hire a photographer. So for that, I took matters into my own hands. About 95% of my pics are shot by ME! When I tell people this (bloggers, photographers…seasoned or new) they wonder how. Today I’m going to share my tips and tricks. Trust me, you can do it too!
Things you will need:
- A DSLR with manual focus (MF) and auto focus (AF) capabilities
- A tripod
- You MUST shoot in manual (M) mode to do this (don’t worry it makes you a better photographer)
- Self-timer
- Optional: a remote —> If compatible with your camera
- Lots of practice, time and patience
As with learning anything new, this does not come easy at first. As far as equipment, I use a Canon 70D DSLR with a 50MM lens (often referred to as the ‘Nifty Fifty’). DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex in case you never knew that. With this camera, I am able to change the lens according to what I am shooting be it portraits, scenery, etc. When I first started blogging, I used a Nikon point & shoot and then upgraded to a Canon Rebel T5 after a year. I am finally happy with the camera I have now. Remember it’s not about the camera, it’s about the lens.
First, put the camera onto the tripod. Next, the tricky part….focusing. Once your camera and tripod are in place where you would like to stand, put an object like a purse/bag where you are standing. Go back to your camera and make sure your focus button (MF and AF) is set to AF. You want to automatically focus where the purse/bag is sitting. Once you see your focal points (the squares that pop up when you focus on an object in your camera) are on the bag, change the switch to MF. By switching the focus to MF, it will “lock in” the focal point you have set for where the bag is sitting. Even if you move your camera around, that focus is set for that distance.
Now you will go to your settings and turn on your self-timer. For the 70D, to activate the self timer, simply push down the ‘drive’ button and you will have the option of choosing a 2 second self-timer or 10. I always use the 10-second option to give myself time to get into position. If I am using my remote, I don’t need that much time in between shots so I use the 2-second option. The downside of this camera, I have to shoot one photo at a time. The Canon Rebel T5 gives you the option to shoot up to 10 photos in a row! Anyway, as the timer counts down, you must run replace where your bag or placeholder is. If you are too far in front or behind of the spot, your picture focus will be blurry.
I cannot stress the importance of practice!!! There is definitely a learning curve. When I first started doing this, all of my pictures were straight on “portraits”. Once you get more comfortable, you can play around with angles and get creative. I do try my hardest to not make it look like I take these pictures. If you have any questions, are confused, feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email. I really hope this helps.
Thanks for reading!
Great tips! I’m totally the person who’s always going back and forth between wanting a photographer and taking the plunge to do it myself. The cost of photographers are very costly.
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Girllllllll. I’m not paying a photographer cuz they really try to get you. Except my cousin cuz he’s amazing and gotta keep money In the fam lol. But If I can do it myself why not it’s a great skill to have. Especially if you are pressed for time for a campaign. I think it’s been the best thing since I started blogging. I hope it helps you and let me know!
These are great tips! You’ve truly become a pro!
Keep up with the good work and check out my blog,
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you so much I appreciate that so much! I’ll def check you out
This is great, love! Thanks for sharing. Definitely thought you had an Insta husband!
Xo,
Anita
http://www.oh-anita.com
Author
Thanks babe! I’m glad to help. I “technically” have an Insta husband but most of the time I just want to get the shots out of the way so I do it myself lol
Wow, what a great tip!! This is so impressive, Davida! Your pictures are beautiful 🙂
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Thank you so much Lauren!!! I so appreciate that! ?
Great tips! It’s so nice to have this up your sleeve and not always be dependent on someone else to take photos! <3
Tanya
http://www.streetstylephilosophy.com
Author
Hey girl!!! Thanks for stopping by and yes I love lending a helping hand out to my fellow blogger babes. It’s great to know how to do it yourself too especially if you are ever in a time crunch
I just discovered your blog and it is lovely. I’m a 50 plus Philly blogger and when my instagram husband is not able to photograph me I do the same thing. I have discover a remote device you can pick up from amazon, which is easy peazzy! Check out my instagram feed @2chicdesigns and my blog http://www.2chicdesigns.blogspot.com
Well done!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
http://chicglamstyle.com
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Any time! Thanks for stopping by again!
Wow, I’m so impressed! I definitely appreciate this post and thought for sure you had a pro shooting you! Thanks for sharing this! Great work!
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Thanks so much Laura!!! I hope it helps if you ever wanna give it a try!!!