Fashion. Beauty. Lifestyle

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

5 WAYS TO TAKE YOUR OWN PHOTOS!

One thing you need to learn when starting a blog in order to be productive and adaptable is take your own photos. I don't mean arms length selfie style photos. Pre COVID I always worked alongside my husband for my photos whether they were indoors or outdoors. But since now going out to take photos is limited and even more so with a baby I had to pivot and make a shift. 

I started experimenting taking photos at home and using my iPhone! I first bought an affordable tripod via Amazon. It helped a lot because trying to stack books or items to prop my phone toke more time than actually taking the photos and again with a baby I am only allotted a certain amount of time until he wakes up from his nap!!!

Once I got my tripod I was able to have fun and start taking my photos. 


1. Use the save button on Instagram and create a folder titled inspiration 

Save photos you come across on IG to use as creative inspiration for your shoots. That's the first thing that I did and was motivated from a lot of photographers and other creatives to use what I had at home to create beautiful photos. 

The photo here is us in our backyard. We grabbed our backdrop stands and used an old comforter sheet to use as our backdrop. We embraced the unconventional and allowed some of the stands show in the background or the grass show. It's authentic, real and I love the simplicity of it. 

 

 
 
 
2. Get Familiar with the Self Timer

Before this I never used the self timer on my phone or DSLR camera. It one of the most under utilized functions on our devices and equipment. It has proven to be extremely helpful during these times as a ONE person show. But the best part it is FREE! 
One tip I learned: DO NOT ZOOM! You will lose the sharpness and clarity of your photo. Just move the camera closer to you. 
If you have an iPhone self timer option can be found in your camera. The timer icon looks like a clock. You can either pick 3 seconds or 10 seconds. I prefer 10 seconds to get the focus on me and pose but to each their own. 

You also want to make sure that you are in the best lighting possible. I know for me lighting is an obstacle. Where we are currently staying (my mother in laws) natural light doesn't come into her home much so I had to get experimental. I used white walls in our bedroom to abstract light and made sure I was right in front of the window. Amigas make due with what you have! 

"Well done!' the king exclaimed. 'You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.' - Luke 19:17 NLT
 
3. Make sure to clean your lens
 
I often time don't realize how dirty my camera lens is! Our phones come into contact with so much everyday that more than likely it is dirty and will create a hazy, fuzzy photo. You can give it a quick swipe down with a cloth ( I personally love the ones that come with sunglasses or eye wear) or even the top you are wearing! Make this into a habit before using your iPhone to take photos! Trust me! Its such a small detail but it will save you time and aggravation when you realize that your photos came out fuzzy because you forgot to wipe down your lens :) 
 
4. Try Portrait Mode
 
The portrait mode setting on your camera helps create depth of field effect. This lets you create a photo that keeps the subject sharp while blurring the background. You can also add lighting effects to your image using Portrait mode. 
 
Here are some ideas on how to use portrait mode:
 
a. Play with angles Change the perspective by shooting from above or below to get creative. You will be amazed how visually stunning a photo can look this way! 
b. Try black and white
c. Shoot your reflection If you have a stunning or unique mirror use it! You can capture your reflection to create a visually stunning self portrait. Many influencers use this style to shoot beauty, lifestyle or fashion shots. Don't worry if you iPhone is it in the shoot. It actually looks cool this way.
 
 
5. Up your editing or use presets
 
I really recommend this step! My photos have elevated since I started using Adobe Lightroom app on my iPhone and purchasing presets. There are many presets being sold everywhere, so choose the one that you like to purchase. I personally love ChasingDenisse presets and have purchased many of hers. 
You can also download free Adobe Lightroom presets. 
To use Adobe presets just download the app Presets for Lightroom - FLTR in the app store.
 
If you need help learning more in depth about presets and how to use the filters check out my post here:
 
 
BONUS: Ask for help! 
 
If you are having trouble executing your vision don't be afraid to ask for help. Have your background, props, outfit and floor mark ready and grab your husband, child, friend or mom to help you take the photo. To ensure that they take the photo right, have them stand in your place and take the photo the way that you want them to take it. It will be easier for them to see your inspiration and the type of angles and shots you are looking to capture. 
 
Make due with what you have!
 
This is the main theme here amiga! Dig deep and get creative with what you have. When you make amazing photos by being creative and scrappy, imagine what you can do when you have a beautiful cobble stone street or a gorgeous studio to shoot from. Get resourceful. You don't need to always hire a photographer if you aren't financial there yet. Don't let your small beginnings deter you from chasing after your dreams and working towards your vision! 
 
 
 
 

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1 comment

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