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How to Take Your Own Blog Photos

This past year, I've been sharing more of my outfits and trying to create a little more lifestyle content. Unfortunately, I haven't shared any recently since we're in the middle of a pandemic and I haven't ventured out anywhere. Hence…

How to Take Your Own Blog Photos - JenniferMeyering.com

This past year, I’ve been sharing more of my outfits and trying to create a little more lifestyle content. Unfortunately, I haven’t shared any recently since we’re in the middle of a pandemic and I haven’t ventured out anywhere. Hence not wearing anything new and having any new outfit photos.

However, as soon as we’re allowed to get out again and I feel safe doing so… I will start sharing again. Until then, I thought I would share how I take my own blog photos for all my outfit photos.

This whole blog is a one-woman show and instead of spend hundreds of dollars – that I don’t have (yet) – on photo shoots, I had to figure it out on my own. Honestly, it wasn’t too difficult since I already have all the equipment for my food photography.

That being said… I also wanted to share the tips with you! Especially now that we are in a global pandemic. It’ll make taking your own blog photos easier and safer.

Here’s all my tips, tricks, and equipment needed to take your own blog photos. You might even be able to take some of your own family photos, too.

How To Take Your Own Blog Photos - Jennifermeyering.com

How to Take Your Own Blog Photos:

I do have to admit, there are days when the hubby takes my photos. I’ve also had random family members take them. It just depends on when and where I am at the time. However, 95% of them are taken by me.

With the hubby working such crazy hours, it’s just not feasible to rely on him, or anyone else for that matter, to take them for me. When I did that, I would usually end up not taking any photo at all.

I also have 4 kiddos that are all home with me all day, every day. It’s hard to get out to meet with a photographer or a friend and take photos or even grab some when we are out – like to dinner. So most of the photos are taken right before we get in the car to go somewhere. It’s just much more efficient and easier to do. Then, I can also get the photos done and out of the way to be able to enjoy the rest of the day without worrying when or if I’ll be able to grab a photo.

What You'll Need

DSLR Camera

I have a Canon T6i camera and I love it. This is what I use daily for all my food photography and it is an amazing little camera. There are also cheaper alternatives that you can buy if this particular one is not in your budget.

The one thing I would make sure to have, though, it a swiveling view screen so you can see yourself while trying to take photos. If not, then you’re just guessing about your positioning and could be off a little or a lot. Which would cause all kinds of frustration having to keep reshooting.

Tripod

You can’t take photos of yourself without a tripod – so grab one. When I started out, I just had the basics one from Amazon and that worked perfectly. I have since upgraded and, honestly, for outfit photos the upgraded one isn’t really needed.

The new one much sturdier, though, so if you’re worried about a gust of wind (or kids) knocking down your camera, I would grab something heavier or use sandbags to weigh it down.

Wireless Remote

You could feasibly do this without a remote but it would take way longer. I started out this way – focusing the camera, setting the 10 second timer, then jumping in front right before the shutter clicked. However, this only worked so well and most of the photos ended up blurry.

I then invested in a wireless shutter release and that also worked well for a time. With this one you set the timer on the camera then, after getting in front of the camera, clicking the button, hiding the remote, and getting the shot. You would then have to repeat this, clicking the button each time, until you got your hero shot or enough for your blog post.

Finally I invested in a wireless intervalometer. It comes with two pieces, the intervalometer and the remote that controls it. With this, you can customize timing, number of photos, and delay on the remote. So, let’s say, we want to take 10 photos and have enough time in between to change poses… on the remote you can set 10 shots with a delay of 1-infinity seconds (I usually go for 2 seconds) and a 10 second initial shutter delay so you can hide the remote before shooting.

Once you click the button, the intervalometer will take 10 shots with a 2 second delay between each giving you a higher chance of getting that great shot on the first round of shots. Plus, the camera refocuses each time so if you move the photo will always be in focus.

Quick Tips

Shoot in Natural Light

When it comes to outfit photos, its just much easier and more appealing to shoot outside in natural light. However, if you are inside, find a big window to stand near and try to turn off the overhead lights if you can. If you’re in a restaurant, this obviously won’t be possible but if you’re at home it’s easier. The overhead lights usually cast a yellow hue on you that is not very flattering and can also skew some of the colors in your outfit.

When you are outside, choose a spot that is in the shade or out of direct sunlight. Of course, there are some artsy shots that are gorgeous in direct light but for self-shooting it’s easier to shoot with indirect sunlight. Plus, direct sunlight can cast weird shadows on you that may be difficult to fix post processing.

Also, don’t ever use the on camera flash for your photos. It’s way too harsh and removes all the shadows from your face and makes you look flat and dull. Not flattering at all.

Use Props

One of the easiest ways to add interest and variety to your photos is to have fun with props. Grab some flowers, your purse, a hat, coffee cup, anything that you can carry in your hand so you don’t feel weird and awkward trying to find something to do with your hands.

If you don’t have a prop available, you can put a hand in your pocket, hold a portion of your shirt or skirt, or run your hands through your hair.

Props just add this little extra to your photo and help convey a sense of emotion and feeling and give it more of a story. Props also help you relax and feel more comfortable by taking your focus off the camera and putting it on the prop and what to do with it.

Find a Go-To Pose

The best trick to nailing the shot in the first few clicks is to have a go-to pose. Once that you know never fails and produces a great image.

Have you ever noticed that most bloggers have about 2-3 different poses that they rotate through and that’s it? They know what poses look good, make them feel confident, and are comfortable with.

Another trick to not make you not feel so weird taking photos is to not look directly into the camera. Turn away as if you’re looking at someone off frame – which then conveys more of a story.

Change Your Background

Honestly, this one is a little difficult for me as I shoot 95% of my photos at home. But I do try and vary it up at different spots around my home.

That being said, the best way to get unique photos for each outfit is to change up your background. Venture out of your comfort zone and find different areas around town to shoot at. Go out one day and just spend some time sightseeing, without your camera, to find some great spots. Then mark them in your phone so you know where to come back to when you’re ready to shoot.

I hope you found some useful nuggets of information in this post. What are some of your tips and trick for taking your own blog photos?

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