Taking Great Photos for Your Blog
If you are not using a multimedia approach to how you run your blog or website, you are missing a huge source of interest for today’s readers. Blogs no longer have to vie for internet bandwidth so photos and videos shouldn’t be an afterthought. In today’s environment, if you don’t have visual media, you are probably going to be ignored. Good photography makes your story more interesting and imparts a personal touch on your site.
Here are a few tips for taking great photos for your blog.
Take Advantage of Your Smartphone’s Camera
A major advantage that you have as a blogger over a more traditional news outlet is the ability to upload articles quickly and at any time. This advantage has expanded to photos and videos because of apps like Instagram and Twitter.
To keep up with the fast pace of social media, using your smartphone instead of a traditional camera may be necessary. Smartphones give you the ability to directly upload in near real time, which means you can tag your followers or other pertinent people right then and there instead of having to struggle to remember their name when you can get to a computer. If you attend conferences or other shows, you can also upload photos you think your readers will find cool or interesting at the moment.
In many respects, a modern smartphone is able to take pictures as well as a dedicated camera. Many smartphones give you access to fully manual controls and RAW files, both of which give you more flexibility when processing your images. They also can shoot 4K and slow-motion videos. Plus, the autofocus systems on phones like the LG G5 have improved so you won’t miss a shot because it isn’t in focus.
Use a DSLR for Manual Control
Sometimes it is better to slow your photography down and get the absolute highest quality image. While smartphones can take good photos, there are some areas where they just cannot compete. Full manual control and interchangeable lenses on DSLRs like the Nikon D500 give you more opportunities to create unique perspectives. While you don’t need an expensive camera to get a good shot, having more control with dedicated cameras can make a big difference. Moreover, a studio lets you control your lighting so you can compose your shot without worrying about the sun or shadows moving.
No Matter the Camera, Have a Good Setup
Whether you are using a smartphone or a DSLR, you need to have a good setup. The first thing you need is a tripod. This will help you pose your subject quickly and keep your camera steady. Next, you should set up a backdrop that fits your subject. A non-wrinkled sheet will work in a pinch, but you might want to invest in some professional backgrounds that won’t be distracting to your subject.
To light your scene, you can use household lights as long as they are daylight balanced. Sunlight tends to look good on your subject’s skin and is a more neutral color than orange-tinted incandescent lights. Oftentimes, lighting comes down to personal preferences; however, in general, you want to keep hard shadows off your subject. You can achieve this by indirectly lighting them by bouncing light from a wall or through a cloth.
