Behind The Blog: Photography Questions Answered
In today's installment of Behind The Blog, i'm diving into photography; sharing a few of my editing tips; and explaining how I keep my photos (and therefore my Instagram Feed) consistent. It amazes me how many questions I get about photography and editing. When J and I first started on this blogging journey, we really didn't know anything about cameras, photography, or the Adobe Creative Suite. But, over the years we've gotten new equipment and learned a lot along the way. I've honestly fallen in love with photography through the blog, and more often than not you'll find me with my camera by my side.
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First things first, it's entirely possible to learn photography on your own. This post is a great example of where we started with our photos (ugh, it hurts to look at), but it just goes to show how far you can come with a little time and a lot of patience. Here are a few of my most frequently asked photography questions answered!
What Kind of Camera Do You Use and Who Takes Your Photos?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this blog could and would not run without my husband Jordon’s help. Most of the year he takes every single photo you see of me on the blog. My mom also steps in from time to time when she’s in town, which is a huge lifesaver. Typically, I’ll adjust the camera (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed etc.), then pass the camera off to him. (More on those terms can be found here).
I used to shoot with a Cannon T5I but recently upgraded to a Cannon EOS 6D, which I LOVE. It’s helped me get cleaner, crisper images in bright light and even at night. You can learn more about what lenses I use (this one is my favorite) and my other camera recommendations here if you’re in the market to up your photography game!
How Do You Edit Your Photos?
There are a few different apps for editing that you can easily find on your computer, but the only one that I use personally is Lightroom. I’ve been using it since I launched this blog in 2015, and while I’m by no means an expert I have perfected my process for editing blog photos within the app. So here is my step-by-step process on how I edit the photos you’ll find on the Blog and on IG.
Find a Preset that Works for You:
Lightroom enables you to install presets that put your most used adjustments on the photos you import. I highly recommend installing presets, because they’re a great jumping off point and help keep your photos and feeds cohesive. I personally the VSCO Film 02 Package, specifically the Kodak Portra 160 VC – filter. I’ve made a few minor tweaks to the filter to create the bright white images you’ll find most often on my IG. (i.e. desaturated, up the whites and lower yellow hues).
Make Adjustments:
After adding a preset to my photo, I’ll go in and make a few adjustments based on the photo (examples below). My first tweak is to add a little bit of grain to the image to give it that vintage look you’ll often find on my IG feed. Next, I’ll likely bump up the exposure because I love my photos a little bit more white.
Then, I’ll add a slight pink tint to my pictures, because I prefer to eliminate the green glow. I’ll also slightly pull down the blacks (depending on the photo) to make my images really pop.
It’s important to note that no two images ever have the same settings or require the same process. Natural lighting, backgrounds and angles play into each photo so much, and the only way to get a clean image is work on your photography. Bad light can very rarely be fixed, so take the time to work on your shooting skills!
What are your tips for a cohesive feed?
Want a cohesive feed, but not ready to invest in Lightroom and a preset? I get it! Try starting out with the VSCO APP you can purchase in the App Store. There are tons of built in presets that give you the same dewy look you’ll see in my photos (I like C3)!
I also use the UNUM app to plan out my feed before it’s posted. That way, I can see where a whiter background is needed or where I should post a colorful outfit.
Have more questions? Shoot them my way and I’ll do my best to answer!
BTW, find more Blogging and Photography tips here.
XO, K
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