Let me just kick this off by saying, I am by no means a pro when it comes to photography, not even close. I am so critical of my own photography, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills behind the lens, it’s a constant work in progress. I have however managed to learn a few tricks here and there, that have certainly helped me improve my outfit photos so much, so I wanted to share a few of them with you.
How to take better outfit photos for your blog
1: Loosen UP!
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, it will absolutely come across in your pictures, so loosen up, babe. Yes people might stare at you, yes the whole thing might feel a little awkward at first, but the bets thing to do is forget about everyone else, and just have a little fun with it. You don’t have to grin from ear to ear in every photo, but try to avoid chronic bitchface, as it can make you seem unapproachable to your readers. Soft expressions work really well, so does looking off camera, or down at your bag/shoes/ect, but the odd laughing and smiling photo looks so welcoming too. Another tip is to avoid static, stiff pictures by adding some movement and looseness into your poses. Walk around, fix your bag – heck, even flip your hair! Little movements like these will make your shots look so much more interesting, especially when you manage to catch one of those oh-so-perfect candid shots.
2: Location, Location, Location,
An interesting location can make ALL the difference with your photos, so do a little research and pick a few new places to try out. Your locations should match the overall aesthetic of your blog, so whether it’s monochrome, neutral, or colourful backgrounds you’re after, scout out locations in advance and make sure to check the weather forecast to avoid disappointment. Another tips is try shooting at off peak times (ie early in the morning) to avoid having too many people in the background of your shots, which can be a pain to work around on the day.
Shop the Look:
Jacket: VEDA via Shopbop (sold out, similar here) | Top: Missguided | Skirt: H&M (sold out) similar here | Bag: Louis Vuitton | Boots: ASOS (sold out) similar here
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3: Hire some help
Although it is absolutely possible to shoot outfit photos with a tripod, most professional or semi-professional bloggers have a designated photographer that they work with regularly to help create their content. I am so lucky to have Yoseph (my boyfriend of six years) shooting all my outfit photos for me, and in the past two years he has put so much time and effort into learning new photography and editing skills to help build this blog with me. Sure he has his own job, but I still insist on paying him for his time because it’s that important to me. If you don’t have someone close to you who is happy to shoot with you on the regular, then I strongly recommend hiring someone. Many photographers (both amateur and pro) are happy to work with bloggers, and most of their rates are very affordable too, especially if you block-shoot three or four outfits in one go. Yes it can be an expense, but photography is such an integral part of any blog, and having consistent, professional quality photos will really set yours apart from the rest.
4: Take your camera off Auto-mode
I for one have been guilty of investing hundreds upon hundreds of euros into a camera, and then never taking it off Automatic mode. This is such a shame because you lose all the control over how your photo looks, and you are essentially “dumbing-down” your camera, because it can do so much more than that! Yes, figuring out cameras can be time consuming, but there are so many instructional blog-posts and Youtube videos out there for each and every model, so there’s really no excuse not to dig out that manual and sit down to learn the basics of your equipment. Doing this will make a huge difference in your photos, and you’ll actually find taking pictures so much more enjoyable, I promise!
My Photography Kit:
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5: Get creative
Sadly, there’s no exact formula for the perfect set of outfit photos, and it’s up to you to find the styles, locations, poses, and photography that works for you and your audience. A great way of figuring this out is to get creative. Don’t just copy what you see on other people’s blogs, try to put your own unique spin on your pictures. Maybe its a quirky detail shot, an off-beat composition, or maybe it’s a specific filter you use in your editing, but adding that touch of personality to your outfit shots is what will keep your readers coming back for more.
Shot by Yoseph on an Olympus Pen E-PL7 with a 75mm lens
I did read it all! Amazing post, I am still learning because I am only a beginner. Thank you for sharing the tips ♥
http://www.sinnamona.blogspot.com
Hi Ciara, what lens would you recommend for the blurry back ground? I just got my camera & realised I bought the wrong lenses… Devistated. Love your blog!
This post is so helpful, thank you! x
You have really beautiful pictures, you don’t use DSLR? Only olympus??
I love your blog, I’m in love with ya!