When it comes to my blog I’ve changed a whole lot over the past few years and that is most apparent in how I take photos for my blog. I get a lot of questions on how I take photos for my blog so I’m spilling all the beans in this post and the next few posts to come.
How I Take Photos for My Blog
IphoneX
I like to use the iPhoneX for more in the moment shots. So if I’m going to the movies, the park, or anywhere else and I’m dressed up, I just whip it out and ask someone to take my photos.
My favorite features to use on the iPhoneX is the Photo mode, Portrait mode, and Square Mode.
- Photo mode is the regular photo taking mode so I like to use this mode when the photos may be used on multiple platforms like my blog, my Instagram feed, or anywhere else. It’s also the easiest mode to use when you’re asking a not so photography savvy person to take your photos…like your 9 year old child, boyfriend, or friends.
- Portrait mode literally makes me contemplate why I need a DSLR sometimes because I honestly can’t tell the difference in the quality. The photos turn out very crisp and clean with a blurred background like some of the pricey DSLRs.
- I like to use Square mode when I need to be sure what I’m capturing will fit perfectly into a square dimension which is ideal for Instagram. I think this is best for scenic shots, flat lays, and quick selfies. Nothing worse than taking bomb photos only to realize they were taken too close and won’t be able to fit in Instagram’s square format.
Photog-Bae
I enlist the help of my boyfriend aka photogbae when he’s on the job. The two of us have been able to get some fire shots when we work together that even professional photographers have loved. I mostly work with him when he’s off on the weekends and I need multiple outfits shot at different locations.
When I first started working with my boyfriend, I did a lot of the work in terms of finding locations to shoot, picking the time of day to shoot, and the settings on my Canon Rebel camera Now I trust him to get great shots without having to do much.
Here are some pointers for anyone looking to have a friend or significant other take your photos.
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Use them as a stand in.
- At the location, have them stand in the same spot that you want your photos taken. Adjust the camera’s ISO (lighting settings) in manual mode. If your photography buddy is comfortable, show them how you’re making those changes so that they can get the hang of it on their own. The longer you work together the better at it you’ll get. and take photos from of them from the different angles you’d like.
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Create Visuals to Make the Vision Clear.
- More often than not, I take a couple photos from the different angles that I’d like my outfits captured to show my boyfriend what I envisioned for the photos.
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Intermittent Checks.
- After a series of shots in one angle, stop and check the photos to see if they’re to your liking before moving onto the next idea.
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Be open!
- Remember that whoever you choose to use is not a professional photographer and the photos they capture may not be EXACTLY what you imagined. As long as it’s close and the photos are focused correctly you’re good to go. No need to be frustrated because that will only feed into your photographer’s “vibe” and that’s bueno! Ha!
Professional Photographer
I tend to use my professional photographer on weekends and times that I’m ready to shoot that my boyfriend isn’t available. I also reserve my photographer for shoots that I think are going to be a bit more challenging or for posts that are sponsored.
This is the best route to take if you want to bring quality phots to your audience and you either don’t have your own professional camera or anyone that’s up to taking your photos for you. I did an extensive post on how to find a professional photographer for your fashion blog and you get more details about professional photography here. It also allows you to focus on your content when you know your photos are of a certain quality and already taken care of.
I know a lot of bloggers shy away from using professional photographers in the beginning of their blog journey because they think it’s expensive. However it doesn’t have to be a financially draining investment when you find the right photographer and your photoshoots are planned out right.
This sums up how I currently take photos for my blog and it’s been working out really well for me!
