If you are a blogger (or just a person who uses the Internet) you probably know that photography is everything. Now, more than ever, people are telling their stories with photos. If you aren’t a blogger, you probably don’t realize that outfit posts are hard. They take a tremendous amount of work (and courage). After all, you are putting a picture of yourself on the Internet and inviting people to judge both you and your outfit. That’s scary — because people can be not-nice online. Fellow bloggers, I salute you.
I am always looking for ways to make the photography on Clarabelle better. Since it is just me and my husband running this site, we have to get creative. I have compiled three fool-proof tips to ensure your outfit posts rock the house everytime.
Invest in a good camera (and a good lens)
The photo on the left was shot with my old point and shoot. Seriously, the same camera I used to use in college. I must say, it did a great job! But there are obvious differences between the two photos. While both photos are great, the one on the right that was shot with a DSLR (Canon Rebel XS with a 50 mm 1.8 lens), has a clear, vibrant color and great depth. Also, a DSLR allows for more overall options in a variety of settings which makes shooting outfit posts easier. Check out the difference between the very first outfit post I ever did and the ones from today!
Shoot Outside:
Many fashion bloggers are novice photographers. Taking a great photo indoors requires great skill (or a great lighting kit). The point of an outfit post is to show off clothing. Shooting indoors greatly distorts color — as you can see above, not only are the photos tinted an awkward yellow so that I look like a deranged lemon, but a lot of the detail and texture in what I am wearing is lost. Do yourself a favor and use natural light. It will make everything easier and more beautiful.
Shoot in Interesting Locations:
This is one piece of advice I definitely need to work on. It is easy to get complacent and shoot in the same location over and over — but shooting in fun, diverse locations makes your photos that much more interesting. No matter where you live, there are tons of amazing places to shoot. Use them and make your photos come alive.
PREACH!! love this post.
Excellent post! I completely agree with everything you said. Unfortunately I have just started and am still a student so I haven’t got round to getting the camera just yet and I live in Ireland so the weather is not my friend and sometimes my only option is to shoot inside.
Love your blog 
Definitely take your time! It took me quite a while to save for my camera (and I already want a new one haha). Shooting by a window is also helpful if the weather isn’t cooperating. It is awesome you live in Ireland, though!
Thanks. I’m still a bit of a novice but I’ll get there. The summer is coming now so hopefully I’ll be outdoors a lot more.
LC’sCloset I live in Ireland too and I always have the same problem with the light! I always get so jealous of blogger outfit posts from California etc. where they have..y’know…ACTUAL sunlight >< Don't get me started on the wind and rain…..
I just started, thanks for tips!
Welcome to the blog club! Hope these tips are helpful.
Thanks for the great post! I totally agree with everything but the hardest part for me is braving the daunting task of switching up locations. I shoot with a tripod by myself and I can barely handle the neighbors from my apartment complex watching. I don’t know how I’ll ever make it out into public places, haha.
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Oh yes, I have shot by myself with a tripod before and it is was VERY awkward — especially in NYC because everyone was asking me what I was doing. First, I told them truthfully that I had a style blog but that just confused people so I started telling them this elaborate story about how I was working on a semester-long project about the art of the self-taken portrait. That shut them up lol.
your post is really well done and much more important, reflects the whole truth! You have much to teach us why your photos are stunning! I wait you to see my new POST all emerald green ! A big kiss and have a nice day !
EIDESIGN GLAMOUR
great tips dear
Great post and some really great tips for a new blogger like me!
Great tips. I need more interesting locations for my pictures.
Great tips! I totally agree with them!
Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
Facebook
Bloglovin’
love this post. Great tips and you definitely show off your breadth of knowledge!! =) Your blog is great! New fan!
xo,
nancy
I am with you, girl. I need to work on shooting at more interesting locations. I live in the country (soon to move to the city, though), so I don’t always have the most interesting backgrounds. But I’m determined to change that once I make the big move!
And I use a 50 mm lens with a Canon Rebel TSi (or something like that); it’s the best lens for shooting!
Caitlin
re-mix-her.tumblr.com
Such GREAT tips!! I am a new blogger and this was super helpful! Thank you!
MacKenzie
theprettyandsimplethings.blogspot.com/
Great tips! I know I get used to using the same location for my pictures. I need to change it up!
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
Great tips! I know I get used to using the same location for my pictures. I need to change it up!
These are great tips!!! My boyfriend and I had a shoot yesterday, because I’m redoing my header. Let me tell you, you’re so right about using the right type of camera and going outside. The photos came out bananas! Any tips for getting onlookers to leave you alone while you shoot?
Hahah, I have that problem too! I usually just ignore them and they go away
Thanks for the awesome tips, Clare! I just found your blog and I’m in love with it.
Liz
http://liz-makes.blogspot.com/
I love this post. I’ve been trying to take good pictures with a simple digital camera. Still saving for a DSLR but seriously, pictures make blogs so much more interesting.
This is such great advice!! I just found your blog and LOVE it! Thanks for the tips girly!
-Bridgette
http://bridgettenicole.blogspot.com
Yay! So glad they were helpful! Thanks for stopping by!
Gret tips and ohhhh sooo true!!!! As for the last tip on fun location, i definitely think you’re starting to explore this area with your recent outfit post !!!
Just clicked into the link to your very first outfit post and gotta say, huge improvement!!! But you still looked gorge in that black maxi dress=)
p.s. how did you write those words and add those frames in that first pic???
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
Thanks for these great tips! I recently started a fashion feature on my blog. I love to take pictures, but I have to admit it was the most awkward feeling ever. I have an even greater respect for my fav fashion bloggers now!
Awww thanks girl!!! It takes a bit of practice but you will be wonderful in no time!
I definitely need to work on the last tip. But how do I shoot in different locations in different outfits on the same day? That’s tricky. My course is really demanding and I cant afford to have photo-shoots as often as I would like.
I shoot most of my outfit posts on the same day, too! It is way to hard to try and shoot during the week. So I always shoot on the weekend. The locations do not have to be entirely different. Even if it is just switching the side of the street where you usually take your pictures (which I often do). I find that if I shoot in the same location over and over, it becomes a habit and it is harder for me to branch out. But if I force myself to look for changes — even if they are small, it is more creatively fulfilling.
xo
Thanks a lot! That was helpful.
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