Blogging is a big business these days, whether you are just starting out, or a pro-blogger looking to increase your audience base, content rules!
What’s important to remember is that your imagery on your blog is also content- and like your words, it helps to keep your audience engaged over time. It’s OK to source photos from all over the web or purchase stock content. But, (I hope my high school English teacher doesn’t see that I just began a sentence with “but”) both can be very time consuming and if you are project, DIY, or recipe blogger neither of those options will work. Creating your own images will help you and your website stand out! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read the full disclosure policy.
Now you may be thinking:
“I don’t have time for that”
“Where do I start”
“I don’t have a big budget for camera gear”
I’ve got you covered; from Photography Basics, to Photoshop Shortcuts, Pinterest Image Optimization and More. Start with these 5 Blogging Photography Essentials and access all the rest in in the Life-n-Reflection Resource Library and the Ultimate Blog Photography Bootcamp. Now, Just remember learning to take great photo’s doesn’t just happen over night, so give yourself some time and patience. Let’s get started!
5 Blogging Photography Essentials to get you started
1. Lighting
It can be your friend and your enemy. Take the time to explore it and notice the types of shadows it creates, soft or hard? Soft-edged shadows from a diffused light source often create a more flattering look for your subject than a hard-edged shadow. I recommend finding the best natural light source in your home for photographing handmade projects or baked goods.
2. Tripod
A good sturdy support for your camera lets you take incredibly sharp and detailed photos, or perfectly steady video that helps to bring viewers to your site and keeps them coming back. Basic tripods are a good start, but an upgrade will make your life easier in the long run. With a tripod you can use shutter times of 10 seconds or more to get perfectly sharp and detailed product photos.
3. Camera
Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fuji, etc, everyone has a brand they prefer. The best thing about each of these brands is that they provide equipment for amateurs and professionals alike, ranging in prices and accessories. So if you’re just starting out, I’d recommend a basic DSLR, such as Canon T6, or Nikon D3400 to help you get the job done. Use the lowest ISO so, you can to get the most detailed photos with the lowest digital noise (colored spots and general “grittiness” in the look of the final photo). P.S. I’m a Canon Girl, I’ve been shooting with Canon for more than 15 years.
4. Lenses
Most basic cameras come with a lens that is well matched for general use (usually an 18-55mm kit lens for Canon/Nikon) but it can of course be upgraded for specialized applications like Macro-photography to highlight product details, or a telephoto lens which is better for landscapes and bokeh. Whatever lens you use, try to shoot it “stopped down” 2-3 stops from max (between f/4 and f/8) which is where it is usually the sharpest. Consequently, a tripod will help with the longer exposure times you may need when shooting indoors.
5. Processing
My tried and true software for processing images is Photoshop. Nothing else compares to it’s capabilities. If you’re new to Photoshop you can try it with Adobe Creative Cloud for 1 month free with my link. After, select the Photography Plan to pay less than $10 a month!
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Do you have any tips or suggested tools for stepping up blog photography? Share in the comments! Ready to learn more? Go beyond the basics and take your blog photography from Blah to Wow with the Ultimate Blog Photography Bootcamp. And don’t miss my 10 Must Have Blog Photography Props! If you are on the cuff of investing in your 1st DSLR or a new camera, I recommend shopping online for cameras and accessories, no matter your price range.
This is so helpful. One of my goals is to get better at my blog photos this year. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, I know photography can really make a difference in driving to traffic to our blogs!