Props for taking good blog photos
I can’t remember a moment when I was not fascinated by photography. I love everything from product photography to landscapes, portraits and even landscapes. Although I wasn’t particularly good at it when I started, I became more and more interested as I learned more.
You may not find the technical aspect of photography appealing, and I have much to learn myself. But I am always curious to see how I can show the world an object, person, or place from my point of view.
As a blogger, the owner of an Etsy store (where I sold jewellery), and an online store, I was forced to improve my skills in product photography and post-production editing.
And I hope to inspire you to follow suit. The truth is, you don’t need much more than a few simple tools and some creativity.
The benefits of using your camera outweigh any cost. Consider working with brands. Brands want unique photos of their products, and they will choose a blogger who takes high-quality photographs.
Instagram and other social media platforms rely heavily on posting consistent content. The quality of your photos can also determine how quickly your account grows.
There is no reason to ignore blog photography, whether it’s for the sake of a great-looking blog or to grow your audience. You can also make money working with brands. If you want to improve your blog photography, then you are in the right place.
Some links in this article are affiliate links. It means that I will receive a portion of the commission from the sale made through the link at no additional cost to you. However, I honestly recommend these products and use them.
What is required to take great blog photos?
A Good DSLR Camera
To take better-than-average product photos, you’ll need either a high-quality camera or a phone with incredibly good cameras. By a good camera, I do not mean the most expensive Olympus or latest Nikon. A good camera does not have to be costly. It is just a matter of having a vision.
I use a Canon Eos M, Which is a great price and a good choice for those who are just getting started and haven’t used a DSLR before. Once you learn how to use manual mode, you’ll quickly become an expert.
You may consider upgrading your camera and lens in the future, as it will improve the quality of the photos you take and reduce the amount of work you have to do to edit them.
Below, you can find more of my favourite DSLRs, which are available from Amazon.
WHITE SURFACE/BACKGROUND
Most products are more noticeable when the background is white. If you want to make your product the main focus, then other solid colours like beige or soft pink are acceptable. You can also shoot your objects on interesting wood tables, marble designs or colourful patterns.
This works well with flat-lays.
I usually have a white desk. You probably already have white tables around your home. Use them! You can easily find backdrops online if you don’t have one. PVC paper is another option for diversifying your blog photography backdrop, as it is available in many different colours and patterns.
Bloggers’ and bloggers’ personal favourites are the simple board because it is easy to adjust and carry. Below are some of my personal favourite background and backdrop options.
GOOD LIGHTING
Everyone knows that good lighting is essential for taking great pictures. I have personally confirmed this. Shooting in daylight and near a window has improved the quality of my photos dramatically.
I still like to use extra accessories, even when the lighting is perfect. I can direct the light to the right place and adjust the way it falls on my products. Some of the must-have accessories for photography are:
- Small LED Studio Light—This set’s adjustable height, angle, and intensity make it easy to find the perfect amount of light for the ideal spot. A ring light, which is slightly more expensive, is another great option.
- Light reflector. This 5-in-1 set of disc reflectors is my own. I’m amazed at how inexpensive and effective these are for diffusing and re-directing the light.
- A light can be useful even if the sun is shining in all directions.
- White light is good for most products, but its brightness can be too intense and ruin the pictures. You can “tame the light” by using a diffuser. A simple white sheet can also be used, provided it allows light through.
OTHER INTERESTING POST
You want to use photo props that complement the main subject and not distract from it. You probably already have everything you need in your home. Here are some examples of things I use.
- Candles make a wonderful prop and can even add some magic to your pictures.
- I love flowers. They are often used in my Instagram flatlays or my Etsy photos. If you’re using depth of field, where the background is blurred and only one thing is in focus, it is best to use something subtle and soft in the back. Artificial flowers are a good option if you don’t like to buy flowers every week.
- Stationery can elevate photos and make them look more natural. Blogging Mode and Paperchase both have an amazing selection of accessories, and I’ve tried them all in the past. They are a blogger’s heaven!
- You can use any interesting frames, bowls, or random objects you may have lying around your house. When you begin to look actively, you will be surprised at how many props you already have. So get creative!
Below are a few other interesting (and very cheap) props I found on Amazon:
AN EDITING SOFTWARE
Editing the photo is as important as taking it. Any photographer will save a little magic for post-production.
To make my products stand out, I use Photoshop and Pixlr Editor. All I do to make the photo look good is crop the image, adjust the brightness or contrast, and sometimes vibrance. Even if you’re not a master of the software, it can make a big difference.
PicsArt is a free app that I use to edit photos on my smartphone. It has all the features I need.
Photoshop and Lightroom are two of the best software programs for aspiring professionals. Both require an Adobe subscription, but they are so affordable that it is worth paying for them rather than buying a fancy camera you may not understand.
GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY Skills
You will improve your skills by experimenting with different camera settings, angles and props.
I recommend taking a course if you want to learn faster and use your camera to its full potential.
Ask a friend with a camera who knows how to use it well for some tips and tricks. If that doesn’t help, you can take online courses to learn how to create amazing blog photos.
Here are some of the courses I enjoy most:
- The Beginner’s Photography Starter Kit
- Fundamentals Of Photography
- 30 Days of Photoshop
- Photoshop for Photographers – The Essentials
- Conquering Crappy light
- Food Photography 101
