Fashion Blogger Photo Tips

Being a Fashion Blogger is amazing and fun however getting right shot isn’t always that way. Most people don’t understand that it can actually take a lot of hard work and time and lets face it, we are our worst critics. After getting tons of questions I thought I’d make this post dedicated to some of my favorite blogger photo tips.

Yes, photography is everything when it comes to blogging and well honestly they become a crucial selling point when it comes to working with brands. Although now I use professional photographers it was not always that way. I spent my first year or two blogging doing everything on my own and yes it was quite exhausting and difficult but I made it work because at the time, I was not in a position to spend on a separate photographer. So now, lets get to the tips.

The beauty about instagram is that you can use your iPhone (or smart phone) to take some amazing shots and upload them straight to IG. Honestly, it’s all about good lighting, angles and the EDITING. There are a ton of amazing iPhone apps that can turn some of those “so-so” phone pics into “wow, I can’t believe I took this,” pics. Make sure you always take your photos in natural lighting as well otherwise they will turn out grainy and become impossible to get a good edit. I’ve even seen vloggers do amazing videos right on their iPhone! Just a little practice is all you need.

Like I said, at the beginning I never had a professional photographer. Instead I would be the annoying girl that would ask my family, bf (or anyone that happened to be with me) to snap a few pics. Yea it might get kind of annoying to your boyfriend or friends from time to time but they love you for who you are so they are always willing to help. Best part is it’s super convenient and most importantly…FREE!

Another tip is to use a self timer or remote. I honestly did this for AGES back in the day! I had (and still have) my camera on a tripod and would take a ton of my photos by myself with a remote! Beauty shots, I’ll admit I still do from time to time! You will start to understand your camera as you play around with it more and you’ll see it can totally work. Word to the wise, this method is VERY time consuming but it IS doable.

Like I said above, once you get a photo you are happy with it is ALL about the editing. Make sure you get familiar with Photoshop and other photo editing software. One of my main photographers taught me that an image is still a raw image when it leaves the camera. The finished product isn’t until the editing is done and trust me, this is SO true. Half the time I see an image from the camera and I think to myself, “Yea its okay,” then after the editing I’m in LOVE with the image. It can be that dramatic so don’t get too hard on yourself if your image isn’t perfect when shot — you can always spruce it up!

Another tip is to find your best angles. Once you begin taking photos on a regular basis you will start to learn which angles are most flattering to you and which are just not. I personally like to be photographed a little higher or at my same level rather than from the ground because I feel like I look skinnier (and I mean who doesn’t want to look skinny). However, I know a lot of people who love ground shots because it makes them look taller too! It’s all about what YOU prefer and what you will be happiest with.

Lastly, find inspiration online, instagram or in magazines. You might get inspired when you see an iPhone photo that blew you away and get an idea of how to recreate it. Make a pinterest board where you gather all your favorite images that inspire you and try to recreate them in  your own way. I also love the latest IG feature where you can save your favorite pics and that is an awesome way to have all those inspiring photos right at your fingertips.

Most importantly HAVE FUN and don’t take it too seriously! I started my blog for FUN and that’s what I continue to do. When I first started I didn’t even know where this would go and I honestly think that’s the beauty in it. I did it for me and honestly didn’t care what people thought of my iPhone photos but hey, turns out it didn’t stop me from achieving my goals! Eventually you will get to a point where you can hire a photographer and amp up your game but don’t ever think you NEED it to succeed.

Love, Olia