Sis Step Your Photography Game Up

If you hadn’t noticed photos tell thousands of more words about your brand on social media when it comes to business. Yet too many of us keep trying to take a selfie here and there when we can events, pre-event, the car- whenever! 

Sometimes it’s because we’re too busy to plan a shoot,  we can’t afford a photographer, or we don’t have much to wear or if you are like me, you and the camera have a love-hate relationship. 

People always say, “Oh you should love the camera, but then I always feel like they’re disappointed after the shoot because I keep about the same two expressions. Put it this way, I don’t make love to the camera but I probably confuse it and make it uncomfortable. However, I noticed that I take waaaaay better pics when I am alone. 

About two years ago, I purchased a camera through Facebook Market to take photos and cover events for the magazine, but I never did much with it. When I was about 23, I was studying to be an event planner so and prior to that, I had worked with a photographer in his studio, so while I’m not really experienced at all, I realized I did have some ideas about where to begin if I wanted to commit to this. 

Unfortunately, I played around for like two years while constantly oohing and ahhing over everyone else photos. While I did discover Unsplash which is a really great site for free and non-copyrighted photos and more Black stock photo options are available, I still also wanted my own photos.

While going on my walks in the park, I began to notice the lighting in different areas. I am fascinated by lighting and love to try to capture it, so I began to take mental notes of the places I liked best for photos.

Initially, I thought I might ask someone to just use my camera and I have asked everyone in my household to take my pics at some point or another but again I noticed I took my best photos myself.

So I decided to buy a better more sustainable tripod because I’ve had several but I needed one with some height and that could hold both a camera or a phone. I like to be able to take pictures of me in work mode, but since it’s usually me I knew I needed a tripod that could hold both. I found the one I currently use on Amazon. It’s perfect for me and I’ve even traveled to Atlanta with it, but after checking the name, I realized it was created for travel. (See our Amazon Store for product).

I already had a light that I used for going live on social media, so I decided to use it temporarily but I also already knew that most of my photos would be taken outside. I love natural lighting, but I also knew I would not be taken many photos in my home until I had it decorated to my liking. Plus I’ve had lights before and I realize it’s better to get the more expensive ones than the little cheap kits. Also be mindful, that bulbs can burn (and show) differently. (See our Amazon store for product).

Because I also want to get some nice photos of the magazine’s printed issues and travel books, I got a lightbox. Lightboxes are used for product photography. So a lot of the product photos you see that look really nice and the lighting is just right, are taken in these boxes because they help to trap the light. (See our Amazon store for product).

Since I’ve started here a few photos I took of myself.

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Of course, I am still learning, but this is where I am so far. The lightbox is still a little tricky for me, but I’m going to keep it at. However, I would suggest paying a little more and getting one that is more closed in. They appear to be easier to work with and you can find more tutorials. Although, ESSDI team will work with you if you reach out for support.

I’m also going to share more about my photography discoveries and finds soon, but don’t forget the whole thing is to start with what you have. I purchased these things because by now I should have already had them, and I did own some of them before but lost them over time. If you purchase any of the equipment, I’d love to know how it works for you. Until next time….

Note: I started writing this blog late last year, which is my photos aren’t the most recent, but they are coming!