So probably the #1 question I get asked is, “who takes your photos?” And everyone is always shocked when I respond with, “me.” Yep. Almost all of the photos you see here are taken by myself! My mom occasionally takes them and I really wish I could be organized enough where I could take 5-6 outfits at once with my mom but I just can’t seem to get it together to do that. So I take them on my own schedule and I take them myself. It’s all just a part of it now. And honestly, it’s pretty dang rewarding too! I’m proud of my photos!
So how do I do this? Well I’ve definitely learned a lot after taking my own photos on a tripod for close to 2 years now so I thought I’d share the wealth with you guys! It’s a great and affordable way to do outfit photos if you own a DSLR. Tripods and remotes are pretty inexpensive and then it’s just a lot of trial and error from there. Today I’m going to share a few essentials & tips for getting great shots!
Essentials For Great Tripod Photos:
- DSLR Camera with compatible remote
- Tripod (doesn’t have to be fancy, I actually prefer my cheap one over my nice one! I use this $20 one from Best Buy.)
- PATIENCE!
Tips For Great Tripod Photos:
- Learn your tripod. It took me far too long to realize you could extend the base higher therefore eliminating cutting the top of my head off in waist up photos!
{So many photos like these! They’re not terrible, but I was much more limited!}
- Learn how your camera works with the remote. I had heard about this magical 2 second delay setting but couldn’t get mine to work. When I realized it had to be set on the camera, not the remote it was groundbreaking! (and that was like a month ago)
{Both hands are remote free!}
- Even though the 2 second delay is great, I still like having the remote in my hands some for fast shooting and moving/posing. So learn how to hold that remote so it’s hidden.
{I’ve mastered the right arm behind the leg/skirt.}
{And even the behind the purse, under the clutch!}
- Try to shoot straight on. Like straight down a sidewalk, straight on a wall, etc. It’s much easier to align yourself dead center of something then it is at an angle! (I have hundreds of blurry photos to vouch for this!)
{I focused the camera in the dead center of the stairs and the sidewalk and made sure I stood in the center and got to snapping!}
- Find a few go-to shoot locations. I look for places that are shaded/in good lighting, pleasing to the eye, semi secluded and easily accessible. I love my go-to locations but am always on the look out for new ones! I have a few go-to’s in Knoxville & and Madisonville so when I’m in a bind for time I know I always have some somewhere to go!
{One of my most photographed locations! A favorite in Knoxville.}
- Last but not least, practice, practice, practice! It’s taken me quite some time to master my tripod photography skills and it’s definitely not easy. I probably have just as many blurry, out of focus, totally not working photos as I have great ones. Just like anything, keep working at it and they’ll get better!
I hope these have helped or maybe inspires some of you to try out tripod photos for yourself! As always, please feel free to email me with questions or leave them in the comments!
These tips are life changing! I have a tripod but have never had the energy for it. My fiance will thank you for this so he will no longer have to take my photos haha! Is a remote sold separately? I have the Canon Ti and don’t recall having one with it
Yay! So happy to hear that! And yes, you do have to purchase a remote separately. I got mine off Amazon!
Lord Jesus. Amen to this! Over and over haha. The struggle is real. I have a 2 second delay on my remote, it’s so nice. I also just learned a couple of things that have made taking my own photos 100% easier. It’s all a learning experience.
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
My husband hates (that’s a strong work but it’s pretty true) taking my photos after work. I gotta get better at the tripod! Thanks for extra tips.
Samantha
great tips lady! i never knew you took all your pictures yourself – consider me, big time, impressed!
xo
Ah! You’re so sweet! Thanks lady!