Photography is one of those skills I'm always looking to improve when it comes to my blog. Obviously a good camera is an essential! Personally, I never wanted a large bulky DSLR so opted for a compact camera instead. There are various models on the market but if you're looking for the best compact camera, Panasonic have recently released some pretty impressive digital cameras that are perfect for on the go!
When I'm not using my camera, I'm using my iPhone 7 plus. It all just depends on what type of shot you're looking for e.g a close up, flatlay etc. I flick between the two regularly.
One thing that really changes up the feel of a photo is the use of props. So, what props do you need, and what do you use them for?
BACKGROUNDS & TEXTURES
Starting with the most basic aspect of any photo is your background. Now obviously you can use a plain white background, but adding more textures, patterns and layers can drastically improve the overall vibe of your photo.
I often use patterned bedsheets, a fluffy rug from IKEA and a third layer for a pop of colour. This is usually a blanket, scarf or jumper, and doesn't take up a lot of the shot. You could also use coloured card, or wrapping paper as a great background.
IKEA - White Fur Rug
E X A M P L E S :
MAIN LAYER
A main layer is basically something in which you can prop things on top of. In most of my flatlay images I use a little white tray from Home Bargains which only cost £3.
Other suggestions are wire baskets, a jewellery dish, giftboxes, magazines and notebooks, or you could even use your laptop.
E X A M P L E S :
ALL THE TRINKETS
You can never go wrong with trinkets and other small items. Honestly, pretty much everything and anything can look great in a shot, especially to create a more 'lifestyle' look to your photo.
Candles, Mugs, Plants, Jewellery, Fake Flowers, Vases.. The list is truly endless! Obviously don't completely clutter up your shot, pick a few items that tie in with the image and it's colours.
GAP FILLERS
So, you've picked your props, but what about those little spaces where it just looks like something's missing? Like I said previously, you don't want to clutter your shot with lots of bulky items. Instead, make use of other things around the house.
Leaves, Petals, Rings, Fairylights, Paperclips, Confetti, Ribbon.. Whatever you can get your hands on and is pretty small, try and make use of. Again, just make sure not to over do it, or add completely irrelevant things.
That's pretty much it! It's not so much what you use that I find important, it's how you use them. I like to think of my photo in layers. Build up each layer by adding a couple of things at a time, until you get the desired look!
What are your favourite props to use in your photos?
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*This post was in collaboration with Panasonic. All words and opinions are my own.
*This post was in collaboration with Panasonic. All words and opinions are my own.
Great tips! Will be taking note for my next blog photo sesh ;)
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
Great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteBritt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
You've got some fantastic tips here Terri! I love adding texture to my flatlays, I have been trying to up my photography game on Insta lately and I think it's paying off but we can always improve, right? I need to buy some more trinkets to use as gap fillers!
ReplyDeleteAbbey ❤️ http://www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk
Your pictures are so pretty! Thank you for suggesting some of these! Once my no spend is over I’m going to get some of these to refresh my photography a little bit!
ReplyDeleteYour photos always look lovely, I need to make mine better. I love using seasonal items in my photos more recently (I’ve been trying to get better)
ReplyDeleteTasha x
I love blog probs, completely transform a photo, some great tips here!
ReplyDeleteI love posts like this and I always love your blog photos! Such good tips
ReplyDeleteEllie x
http://elliesbitsofbeauty.com
This is great! I love little trinkets they are perfect!
ReplyDeleteSophia xo // https://sophiaaaxo.com
I love this post and its inspired me so much to find some new bits to upgrade my blog photos! Your images always look SO amazing xxxx
ReplyDeleteThese are really fantastic tips and your images truly do look flawless - professional level! ✨
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to improve my photography so these tips are great for me right now, thanks for sharing! 💙
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Some great tips xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and informative post! I really need to up my insta game and youve honestly given me a burst of inspiration to sort myself out! I love the little trays you use they are so cute!
ReplyDeleteSarah | http://www.sazsinclair.com xx
My favourite recent cheat was wall paper samples from b&q ;)
ReplyDeleteMichelle | www.wanderingcuriosities.com
This is such a helpful post! I love using scarves and throws to add layers and colour, I really need to get one of those trays though!
ReplyDeleteI must say, the photography for my blog does need a bit of work. Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeleteFaye Jessica | fayejessica.co.uk
Some great tips here. I always keep hold of patterned pages from craft magazines or scrapbooking kits x
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post, I'll need to bear these in mind when creating content xx
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic post Terri - super helpful. I'm always on the look out for new blog props!
ReplyDeleteRachel // www.thebeautyisabeast.com
I adore your photography so this is really great! I try to use props and extra bits and bobs but never thought about textures! I often just use wallpaper samples as a background!
ReplyDeleteSian x
www.theenglisheverygirl.com
I'm so glad you wrote a post on this because I envy your photography skills all the time so I'm definitely going to be getting some props like those above x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lifeascaitlin.co.uk/
There are really great tips here, your photo's always look amazing!!
ReplyDeleteVikki | planetvikkiblog.wordpress.com
Blog photography is definitely an area that I think I struggle with the most so I found this post so useful. I never really know what to use as blog props but you've definitely given me some inspo! xx
ReplyDeleteYour pics are stunning omg, I am going to have to take inspiration from you!! I might ask for a few things fo rmy xmas lol xox
ReplyDeletewww.emmalanglands.co.uk
I always love your pictures! Such great ideas
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Has give me some great ideas as someone thats new to blogging.
ReplyDeleteGetting blog photo Props is sometimes so much easier and cheaper than everyone thinks, haha! I‘m also all about texture in my pictures and little details to fill any gaps Xx
ReplyDeletehttp://get-ready-with-laura.blogspot.de
There are some fab tips here, I always struggle with blog photos, but I'm hoping that after reading this I'll be able to up my game! x
ReplyDeleteHan | lifewithhan.blog
I've found this post at a perfect time! I'm moving out in the Autumn and I am currently on the hunt for lots of blogger friendly decorations. Just ordered that rug from IKEA, deffo going to order a few of the other bits you've mentioned too! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFran | www.franciscarockey.co.uk