#BlogTrends – Photo Tips & Tools – Dec 5

Photography is essential in blogs and a topic that is always evolving.  With new models, lens, and technology always changing, it’s hard to keep up.  Here we talk about the basics and some sure fire tips on making the most of our photos!  Join us for our photo chat where our in-house expert, @digitalkaitlyn, gives her best tips on photography!

Q1 How do I know what type of camera is best for me? Do I need to know a lot about photography to take great photos?#BlogTrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 Depends on what kind of photos you are trying to take, how much time you want to spend on each shot,& time you spend learning #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 If you take photos on the go and have a photo journal feel then an good mobile phone or a nice point & shoot camera is great #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat A1 The best advice I heard was to read the manual, regardless of what type of camera you have!#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 If you are more editorial with your posts then you should consider a more advanced camera,this will require more time however #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: @BlogTrendsChat A good DSLR really does improve your photography, but with @instagram + iPhone 4s, great close-ups are possible #blogtrends

@iamsheabutta: @BlogTrendsChat Canon has the best lenses for the $$$ and I like small. I think lugging a giant camera around is obnoxious. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 A DSLR is a great investment and allows you to learn and grow into it. It also has full manual for while you learn#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @DigitalKaitlyn A1 Agreed! The best way to learn is to play around with it. Take the same photo w/ diff settings.#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @thelimericklane I would recommend getting a lens with an aperture of f/2.8-f/3.8.This is the amount of light let in by the lens #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: @DigitalKaitlyn True. A very accomplished street style blogger I know told me Sigma lenses on a Canon are brilliant & cheaper. #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @thelimericklane I use a canon rebel 50 mm. It’s pretty basic but wonderful! #blogtrends

@thelimericklane: YouTube is great for quick lessons on how to work your camera. I used it the other day and my pics came out better.#BlogTrends

@gritandglamour: @BlogTrendsChat If you’re a newbie to DSLRs, go with a Canon. Much more user-friendly thank Nikon. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: But most important when picking a camera is knowing your goals. If you plan to grow and take professional shots, save for a DSLR #blogtrends

Q2 What are some useful photography apps for my phone if I am shooting on the go? #BlogTrends

@backngroovemom: @BlogTrendsChat A2 – I love instagram #blogtrends

@KatiePetix: @blogtrendschat I like @pose conceptually, but I feel as though the android version is majorly flawed. any iphone used use it?#blogtrends

@nouvelle: @BlogTrendsChat instagram, hipstamatic (still love it), meitu. i’ve heard good things about burst mode. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A2 I use and iPhone and I love instagram for sharing and filters. I also love hipstamatic for fun iphone photos #blogtrends

@thelimericklane: @DigitalKaitlyn I use instagram (of course) and pic frame. I have others but I don’t use them. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A2 I also just downloaded PocketCam, it has lots of DSLR features like burstmode,& timer which is nice for less blurry photos #blogtrends

@Fashionalities: RT @blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat Try Camera Plus, it’s $1.99 but totally worth it!! #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: Photosynth is really fun, it allows you to do a 360 degree shot by stitching photos together #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A2 Also, iPhone has a Photoshop Express (PS Express) app that lets you do some basic photo editing on your phone#blogtrends

Q3 Where can I learn more about photography and my camera? #BlogTrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: @BlogTrendsChat Youtube has always helped me #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A3 I learned everything from joining photo communities. One really helpful place was SOAPhoto.com #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: @BlogTrendsChat Community college, YouTube, photo blogs, the Internet! Photography knowledge is everywhere!#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat A3 MANUAL! Also, take a class! Ask friends. Watch tutorials. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @backngroovemom Me too, I signed up for a great website run by pros, the purpose was to post your best work and get critiqued #blogtrends

@KatiePetix: youtube is a great resource, and of course lots and lots of playing around. Trial and error can be a great way to learn!#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Also just play around with the settings. It’s amazing how much you’ll learn. #blogtrends

@thelimericklane: I take free classes at B&H. They are really helpful. YouTube and online communities. I also follow many photography blogs. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A3 If you truly want to improve your photography it is mostly the details that make a good photo great #blogtrends

@novanights: Q3 if you look in your local newspapers and publications you can find photography classes that are offered in your community#blogtrends

Q4 What are the best practices for capturing quality photos? (lighting, settings, etc) #BlogTrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: I think lighting is THE most important it is the difference between good and great photos. Especially for beginners#blogtrends

@gritandglamour: @BlogTrendsChat When you can, go outside. And shoot in the morning or late afternoon. Bright sunlight kills photos.#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A4 Lighting is first and foremost the #1 thing to make your photograph. It determines quality and mood of the shot#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat I’m a big believer in loving what you shoot. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! #blogtrends

@iamsheabutta: @BlogTrendsChat I always take pics slightly above the subject’s head. That seems to get their best face:). #blogtrends

@LeoJTravis10: @DigitalKaitlyn Also I would say meetups provide a good way to learn techniques in person plus fun activites to improve skills. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A4 Whenever possible, get an assistant to help you hold reflectors, adjust clothes, etc… They are invaluable! #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat A4 Have patience too. The best shot is never going to be the first! #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A4 When possible, using a reflector will make a huge difference in your shot. It fills in shadows& can create great effects#blogtrends

@gritandglamour: And let us NOT forget that photo editing plays a HUGE part in gorgeous photography, even if the shot didn’t start that way !#blogtrends

DigitalKaitlyn: A4 Also a Tripod is vital when shooting in low light situations. Even the smalled movement can cause blur #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @gritandglamour Yes! One HUGE benefit to shooting with a DSLR is RAW mode. You can set you camera to capture RAW photos (cont..) #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: RAW mode retains massive amounts of information but allows you to later adjust exposure, contrast, blacks, saturation etc.. #blogtrends

@thelimericklane: What are you guys using to edit photos? I have Lightroom but I need a tutorial. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: There are also free options like Picnic #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: @BlogTrendsChat @thelimericklane I don’t have time or patience for Photoshop. So I use Picnik. #blogtrends

Q5 What are some ways to to take great photos on a budget? (tips, tools, DIY, etc..) #BlogTrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat A5 Use free apps, free programs, and free classes. Use your location to your advantage. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A5 When shooting with a DSLR is to look into pre-owned lenses. You can get adapters to fit most any lens to any body#blogtrends

@thelimericklane: Reach out to photographers on twitter with questions. I have found many to be very helpful. #blogtrends

@novanights: @blackblondeone I’ve got to find some of these free programs plus I need a new affordable camera #blogtrends

@mbhahn: i used a program called ifranview sp you can do an auto resize and add water marks #blogtrends

@thelimericklane: @blackblondeone Agreed. There is room for everyone at the top. Many have offered great advice. #blogtrends

@thelimericklane: Craigslist is a great place to buy or trade cameras and lenses. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A5 another money saver is to DIY lighting. If you take a lot of photos consider setting up a small area in your house#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A5 there are lots of tutorials about creating lighting, backgrounds, and other tools. #blogtrends