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Photography…such an art. It is an art I love but didn’t really understand until recently. I used to think that photography was something I was only going to be able to do in Heaven, like playing the violin or drawing a perfect circle. Photography is so much more than just pointing a camera some direction and shooting. It’s shadows, and lighting, framing and fractioning, and SO much more. For all of you professional photographers out there, you are WORTH IT! It truly is an art and a science. Disclaimer: I am NOT a professional photographer, nor have I spent ANY time in a classroom for photography. The only device I use to take photos is my phone. But I really have found a love taking photos from my phone for social media or even just for myself (I have some pretty cute muses). Technology has come so far, that my phone camera is much better than any camera I have ever owned. My brother would argue that Polaroid or disposable cameras are still better…bless his old soul. But I can take just as artistic photos now than ever before, thanks to a few inexpensive or free tools. With a little bit of research and a little more free time, I have been able to take and edit photos that look pretty professional, if I do say so myself! I would love to break down these tools to show you exactly what I use to take my photos as well as edit them so you too don’t have to wait to see the pearly gates before you can take awesome photos too!
Backdrop
The backdrop I typically use was actually given to me by one of my besties. God love her, she is always looking out for me. She told me to take it home and use it for my flat lays. It was brown, so I had to paint it white. Once I did, it became the official backdrop for all of my flat lays. Now that I am taking more artistic photos for my IG account, I am using it even more often, and it still works like a charm! Backdrops can be as simple as a piece of hardy board, or a cool door or outdoor location. Other options might be an interesting interior door or fun couch. I’ve even seen people wrap cardboard in felt or even wallpaper a piece of plywood. The door behind the board in the picture below would be another great option for a backdrop. The options are endless!
Selfie Light
I have found that natural lighting is the best lighting around. However, there have been many times I tried to take pictures on a day when that was scarce or a time when it just wasn’t possible. That’s when the selfie light came in handy. You clip it to your phone and choose the lighting that is best (mine has 3 different options), then shoot away. The battery on mine has lasted a really long time! This is great for videos as well.
Tripod
Tripods are a MUST if you plan on shooting anything still. I am pretty steady, but once I try and hit that circle, all bets are off! I love my tripod, and I especially use it for photos of myself (selfies, if you will). I have had to get over my self conscious tendencies and chalk it up to art! People may stare, but more often than not they are just interested in what you are doing, just as they would if you were on the street playing a saxophone, painting a grand work of art, or making taffy in a storefront window. Photography is mesmerizing, so own it! **Side note-you will need a phone adapter to use this with your phone, but with the bundle below, it is included!
Remote
I have to admit, I haven’t used this very often, but it only took me one time to fall in love. Now, instead of hitting the 10 second delay, running in place (trying not to get sweaty or hair out of place), hoping not to trip or fall over; I can just get in place, shoot a couple shots, check on placement, and continue. The fact that I have to hold the remote is a bit of a challenge, but I think it just adds to the creativity. You do have to download an app, and connect it to bluetooth, but it was a very simple set up. Viva la selfie!
Over app
You can take the most amazing photos ever, but even a little bit of shadow can tarnish perfection. That’s where the apps come in. Over is a great app to create fun printables and add text to an image. However, it’s also a great way to format a picture to fit a specific media outlet. You can download a version for free, and of course there are much more options in the “pro” version. Right now I am just using the free version, but I am always finding a background or font that I would love to use in the Pro version. Maybe someday…
Snapseed app
The other app I use to edit my photos is Snapseed. This app is Ah-mazing! It can truly turn (almost) any photo into a work of art. There are a bajillion tools (that’s not a number, so don’t quote me on that) that are really all you need to edit your photos on your phone. In hopes of creating a more unified and consistent presence on IG, I recently switched to a certain filter to make that happen. I have come to realize that it is a pre-tuned setting on that app which would’ve taken me light years to find or learn (pun intended!). This is also a free app and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Well, there you have it. 6 tools of the trade that will immensely up your photo game right from your good-ole phone. Good luck and happy snapping!
I’d love to know-what are some basic tools that you use for photography?
To see some of the pictures that I have used these tools for, check out my Instagram account: simplelifepastorswife by clicking icon under “Follow Me” on the sidebar.
Blessings!