Blogging + Photography
This Blogging + Photography resource list was created to give bloggers (whether new or not) the tools to gain a real footing in the blogging community and build a successful little corner on the web.
Oftentimes, I'm asked "how did you get that picture to be so vivid and captivating"? Or, "where did you get that...?" You name it, I've been asked as a blogger who has built a community for the past 3-4 years, seriously. That is why I've decided to come up with a direct space on my blog where I can answer such questions and offer a few nuggets for any other blogger and/or photographer trying to figure it all out on this journey of starting a blog.
Disclaimer: We are a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. However, I use all of the products listed below and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy.
BEST BEGINNER:
Canon - EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens
In the beginning, I contemplated on whether to get the Canon vs. a Nikon DSLR camera, since both are neck in neck in popularity with many bloggers and vloggers! After much research, I decided to go with this beauty and it's really good for a first DSLR camera.
BEST INTERMEDIATE:
Now that I'm almost 3 years into this Food Blogging game, I've decided to upgrade my camera body to a more professional one. This Canon Mark II is AMAZING compared to my previous body. Granted, I plan on upgrading again soon, but this one is definitely worth it if you're considering the upgrade or starting off on a professional note.
BEST ADVANCED:
Now that I'm 4-5 years into this Food Blogging game, I've decided to upgrade my camera body to a more professional one. This Canon Mark IV is AMAZING compared to my previous body, although I now use both when creating my recipe videos (for different angle purposes). Currently, my photos have been super vivid, clean, and absolutely gorgeous!
MUST HAVE LENSES:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Having a great camera like the Canon is just the first step. Getting a better lens in addition to your starter lens is the next AND super important step. A better lens offers much more clarity in your photos, better focus, etc.
So, I recently upgraded my equipment and this little beauty was one that I opted for. Although, the Zomei Tripod (further below) is a great option, many of my fellow bloggers swear by the Manfrotto tripod which comes separately as a "head" and "body" combo.
ZOMEI Camera Tripod
Ok, so having a tripod for your DSLR camera is SO IMPORTANT! Regardless of the many features that your camera may have, ensuring complete 'stillness' can't be done without this handy tool! In the beginning, I purchased a basic tripod on Amazon and while it was a great addition, I chose to change things up for 2018 and invest in an even better tripod to ensure that my overhead and areal photos are more crisp and professional.
Neewer Pro Adjustable Reflector Stand
In conjunction with my tripod, I've recently purchased this adjustable reflector stand, which comes in HANDY when making my recipe videos. Using this stand along with the Manfrotto head (mentioned above), has created the perfect combo for getting perfectly aligned overhead shots and recipe video content. Definitely one that I recommend! Lastly, I love the fact that it can be adjusted extremely high for the times you choose to use a zoom lens, if you have one.
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella
I'm not one who enjoys using a lot of artificial lights, since the best light is in fact natural sunlight! However, along my blogging journey, I've learned that there may be a day where you aren't able to take your photos in natural light (perhaps due to the time of day, weather, etc.). Therefore, in those moments, this lighting kit becomes your BFF. The great thing is that it doesn't aggressively priced (only $52.99) and it displays "day light", which is the closest thing to having the real thing! I definitely recommend this!
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC SD Card
While you may be thinking about all the external parts of your camera, it's super important to remember this little plastic piece. This right here is a LIFESAVER. Trust me, there's nothing more annoying (or saddening) than to be taking a photo only to realize that there isn't anything to store your photos on. Not only is this little SD card important for that reason, but this specific Extreme Pro version is super fast and I chose to purchase a large storage space to avoid buying another one any time soon. No worries--it also comes in 16 GBs, 32GBs, and 64GBs.
EDITING SOFTWARE:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6
Ok, so I'm not that great with Photoshop, but luckily my husband takes care of the photography, so he's good with this! Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 carries a Mac and Windows version, so it doesn't matter which operating system you use on a daily basis. As for its effectiveness---this program works wonders! While you are intentional about lighting and using the best equipment possible, ever so often, your photos may still need a little touching up and this is where this program comes in. It's priced at $149, but like many other Adobe programs, it's worth the investment.
Final Cut Pro X
When it comes to editing my recipe videos, my go-to software is Final Cut Pro X. It's an awesome entry-level program, which can also be used on a professional level for those of you who are tech-savvy.
BOARDS + BACKGROUNDS:
When it comes to photo backgrounds, I've had my share of them. However, I can definitely attest to Ink and Elm's backdrops which are highly premium and are super easy to clean and store. Plus, they have so many options to choose from, so you're able to build a nice variety for your photography needs.
For a little upgrade, you can purchase these Best Ever BackDrops which are super high quality and they are so flexible and sturdy. Granted, they are a little expensive for those of you who might be beginners, but so worth it.
Recently, I purchased a few boards from Erickson Surfaces, which are absolutely beautiful! While the price tag is a bit hefty, I can definitely say that it's worth it.
Other Affordable Food Photography Backgrounds:
- IKEA LINNMON TABLE TOP
- ANTIQUE AND DISTRESSED SHEET PANS
- CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES
- CRAFT AND CONSTRUCTION PAPER
- NATURAL PARCHMENT PAPER
- THIN PLYWOOD
- FOAM BOARDS
- WOODEN CUTTING BOARDS
- CLOTH LINENS
AWESOME BOOKS TO INVEST IN:
Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots (2nd Edition)
When it comes to reading books, I'm VERY meticulous since there are so many books out there. However, after doing extensive research, I found this book to be an amazing option when it comes to breaking down the mechanics of photography in general as well as food photography (specifically). This book dishes up the basics on everything you need to know to make great food images, from getting the right camera equipment to mastering the key photographic principles of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. She offers tips on styling food using props, fabrics, and tabletops; and she explains how to improve your photos through editing after the shoot. A MUST!
Food Styling: The Art of Preparing Food for the Camera
After doing extensive research, I found this book to be an amazing option when it comes to breaking down the mechanics of Food styling and the photography behind it. This book dishes up tips + tricks when it comes to ensuring that your food looks perfect at all times. Tons of pictures and a whole lot of information worth buying and knowing!
Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography + Styling
This book is another thing to get on your list of must-haves! Another winner in sharing amazing tips + tricks to making your Food photos look great. It breaks down the importance of natural light, different camera modes and settings, how to fine-tune exposure, telling your story with light, and MORE!
HOSTING, WORDPRESS PLUGINS, THEMES, + WEBSITE TOOLS:
When it comes to getting started on your blog, there are a few backend tools that you'll need to consider for a successful blog and site. While there are MANY options available, I've created a short list of ones that I recommend.
WEB HOSTING:
- Tops Picks: Blue Host, Siteground, WP Engine, and my current host: BigScoots---their Customer Service and support teams are amazing and ready to help, always!
WORDPRESS THEMES:
- OUR FAVORITE: The Genesis Framework (With Genesis, you’re going to want to purchase the Framework ($59.95) along with a child theme(prices vary). This makes up your entire site's theme and layout.) Simply visit Studio Press Themes for Wordpress.
- Others: Foodie Pro, Daily Dish, and Elegant Themes.
WEBSITE TOOLS:
- Email Marketing: I previously used Mailchimp--It's great and super simple and customizable. Currently, I switched my email marketing to ConvertKit, which most bloggers rave about.
- Other tools that are useful: ManageWP, Codeable, Google Apps, Cloudflare, Google Analytics (Your BFF for life!), Canva, Yoast SEO, Ahrefs, and more!
WORDPRESS PLUGINS:
- Akismet (Spam Blocker).
- Yoast SEO (a great starter tool for anyone learning SEO and wants to ensure that their blog posts meet SEO standards).
- Broken Link Checker (I like it because it makes me aware of any inside or outside links that are broken on my site that need fixing).
- Pinterest Pin It button (super easy for readers to "Pin" your images with just one click).
- UpDraftPlus (for backing up your site).
- WP Super Cache (helps to keep things rolling speedily on your site).
- VaultPress (Great for Security + BackUps).
- WP Recipe Maker (Great organized recipe cards that are great for SEO also)
- Gravity Forms (Great option for your website forms).
- Imagify (Image optimizer that reduces your image size to minimize server resources).
- WP Rocket (allows you to speed up your site and enhance overall performance).
Ultimately, while creating and managing a blog takes a lot of work (especially when you're doing it seriously and running it as a business), it's still all about having fun, understanding your readers, and making killer content that represents who you are!
I've learned along my journey, that it DOES TAKE TIME AND PATIENCE to get this thing right! You'll definitely have a few rocky moments and yes, it'll take a few tries and re-tries. But overall, the road to blogging is one that will teach you A TON and you're sure to walk away a few times saying, "Aha"!
MY ADVICE:
Embrace this journey and have fun walking it the entire way there! Whether you choose to have a Food Blog or anything else that requires creativity, just remember that it's all a learning curve through experience. Always look at others in your niche for inspiration, educate yourself on ways to best market your blog/business, create a Vision Board so that you have a physical blueprint of your goals, and remain CONSISTENT! You've got this!
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