Those who have followed me for a few years know : I take my photos alone. It may seem confusing, but it is indeed possible ! In this post, I’ll share all my tips on how to take your own photos – whether it’s for a blog or social media.
Be autonomous in the creation of your content
Initially, the blog was focused on beauty and cooking. In itself, having a simple self-timer allowed me to take my photos easily at home. Then, when I started wanting to do fashion posts, I tried to find some girl friends to take pictures of me. These friends are not bloggers and at the time, I lived in a lost hole, Instagram was only in its beginnings so I had not yet met in this universe. So I let you imagine the failures, the giggles and the tinkering that it was for a few months…
Then, when I saw that it was an impossible logistics : find a time that suits me and that suits the friend, initiate her to use a device (device that I did not master at the beginning), etc., I told myself that I had to find a solution.
The solution came from bloggers whom I followed and from whom I learned that she was doing their shoot herself. I said to myself, of course, “since they’re getting there, why not me!”
Taking your own photos is a challenge. To give you an overview of the question, here are the pluses and minuses of doing everything yourself !
Advantages
It is a great freedom. We depend on no one. When we feel like shooting, we’re going to shoot. Also, when we take pictures we usually have an idea in mind of what we want (personally I’m like that). So, yes, sometimes it is possible to be surprised by the reality that does not end up as we wanted or, on the contrary, to obtain a result that we did not expect.
Another positive point : we know our equipment, we are familiar with it. We know how to set up the camera, which style (format, expressions, etc.) of photos we want, so we can be quite efficient and get to what we want quickly.
Inconvenients
The aspect that is always a bit complicated to deal with is the look of others. Depending on the places we choose, the hours when we shoot, it requires a real effort not to be (too) distracted by passers-by and their curious glances. It even happens that some come to talk to me. In itself, that doesn’t bother me but it takes me out of my mental state in which I immerse myself for the shoot. So it’s both an inconvenience and a waste of time – even if in general it’s quite nice.
Another negative point : having to carry the equipment. It may seem silly but generally, it weighs these little things !
The last disadvantage which is rather the fear is that of having your equipment stolen. Indeed, when you do a shoot, you are usually a few meters from your equipment and a person with bad intentions could steal your belongings.
How to take your own photos
To take your own photos, you will need to put together a kit with the essential equipment. With experience, my choices have been refined and I try to find the balance between efficiency and budget. Here is how my kit is composed :
- Camera : The basics ! Personally, I have a Canon EOS 700D and two lenses : the 18-55 lens that came with the box and I bought a fixed focal length : the EF 50mm F/1,8 STM lens from Canon.
- Tripod : A photographic tripod is a transportable three-legged stand designed for a photographic camera. Mine is the Manfrotto Compact Advanced Kit with a 5-section 3D ball head. I would invite you to favor tripods whose feet are not connected to each other because this can be disabling depending on the places where you do your shoots. Having each foot independent allows you to create unevenness, adapt to the field and even shoot in staircases !
- Remote control : I need a remote control to take my photos remotely. Certain camera references are activated via an application on Smarphone. The remote I am using is the Canon RC6. From my experience at the start of the year, I will invite you to have a back-up because when your remote control fails and you have to work, you find yourself blocked ! The remote control is quite compact and it is quite easy to “hide” it on pictures. Having the trigger on a smartphone can therefore lead to this “volume” concern.
- SD Card : The basic ! Mine are generally from Sandisk.
- Carrying case : Practical, which allows you to store your camera, your lenses and small accessories such as remote control, spare batteries, memory cards, etc. Next to it, I have a large tote bag in which I will put my tripod. I also have a special backpack but it is quite large so I only keep it for specific occasions. Otherwise, I prefer the small satchel and the tote bag. My model is the Bodyguard 5* case which is compatible for some Nikon and Canon cameras.
- Insurance : I don’t think this is a reflex for everyone, but since I had a mishap during a shoot, I have taken precise measures. There are no direct contracts for cameras but you can make tailor-made contracts. Personally, I had to provide proof of purchase with precise references for all the equipment I use and I am covered in the event of theft or damage.
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