With my inner Beyonce in tow I stepped out again last weekend with my tripod and drove around the corner to our local school to take shots of this outfit. I used my Canon 6D camera, which I would highly recommend for taking your own outfit photos, as the screen flips out so you can see what you are doing. And personally, I think it gives a better end result than shooting with the iPhone remote on my Olympus Pen 7, which I used on this outfit post here: What do you think works better?
After getting re-aquianted with using my tripod and camera with the remote for something other than filming. I feel like I have managed to take some shots that turned out OK, although I wasn’t able to get as many action shots as I can with some one else shooting and it took me twice as long to get 1/2 the photos than usual!
Below are some things that I have learned:
A Remote is your new photographer
I am sure you could focus on one point, set the timer and then run in front of the camera. But, I don’t think it would have such a good final effect and you will probably end up breaking into a sweat or missing the shot! So, if you can go for a camera that allows you to shoot photos with a remote.
A handbag (or handheld prop) is your best friend!
I was able to hide my camera remote in my lovely new Radley Beaufort handbag or in my hand whilst holding it. BTW, does it remind anyone else of a Saint Laurent Sac De Jour? It has curbed my cravings for one at 1/10th of the price! So this time around I think I managed to avoid having an awkward remote on show in my hands – as I did in this post here (if you can spot it?) If you can have something to hold in your hand it will allow you to hide the remote out of view.
Move on the spot
Usually I like to twirl, spin and walk around as James shoots my outfits. But, with the camera being stationary and the remote being temperamental with it’s focus – I was also unable to get the remote to work with multiple shots on my Canon camera – I tried some still movement shots in two ways:
1 If I am confusing you with this statement, I purely mean that instead of walking forward I put one foot in front of the other and “pretended” I was walking forward, staying stationary. Think slow motion and positioning your feet and body where they would be if you were moving then point and shoot!
2 Moving on the spot works with your camera and tripod, which was great fun shaking my pink poms poms from my Chicwish pom pom jumper and tassel skirt combo. As you are in focus if you move on the spot, you should be able to get the action shot you are after.
Stay Comfy
Wearing comfortable shoes whilst you get the hand of taking your own outfit shots will stop you from going over on your ankle or having an accident. I went for my comfortable Nike Sock Dart trainers, which are now available to buy in a range of colours from JD Sports here. I also love a good pair of trainers as well – as you probably already know!
Use Your Mouth
Now you may look rather silly to passers by: but who cares if you get the shot! When my head wasn’t in the view of the camera and I was taking close up shots of my outfit I placed the remote in my mouth so it was out of the shot completely: Beware, this involves some juggling if you are holding a bag or shooting jewellery shots, as I was trying to capture my classic Rotary watch.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with anything, the more practice you get and different angles that you try, the better your photos will become. Going forward I am pretty sure that my outfit photos will be a mix of those taken by James and those by myself. If you spot this background then generally I have shot them myself. As no one really walks past this area and before my confidence grows to be “that weirdo with the tripod” I will continue to stick to my comfort zone.
How Do You Take Your Blog Photos Without A photographer?
Let me know your tips in the comments below…
Awesome tips! These photos turned out great!
LIVING IN PLAID – Personal Style Blog from Brussels
Author
Thanks lovely 🙂 Hopefully you can’t see the remote lol xx
i would never have guessed that you took your shots with a remote! you hide it so well! and the fact you think to put it in your mouth when doing close ups! i swear you have this down to an art haha I’m really lucky that i have some one to take my photos for me- i’d be far too scared that someone would steal my camera or something haha. some great tips especially the bit about wearing something comfortable whilst practicing. thanks for sharing so glad i read this post 🙂
http://www.thewhimsicalwildling.com/
Author
I just hope no one watches me when doing it lol. I have a feeling I will have to take more in the Winter myself as my husband will say he is too cold to take them. So, I best get him a good pair of gloves hadn’t I lol xx
Great tips. Love this cute outfit.
Nina
Nina’s Style Blog Giveaway __ Enter to win $100
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Thanks Nina 🙂 xx
I can’t believe you took these photos yourself, they looks amazing!
Emma at http://www.collagemepretty.com
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YAY! Thanks Emma 🙂 Too Kind! xx
Wow, I would never have thought that you took these photographs on your own! Brilliant photos and you look amazing! Really love your outfit! I always worry that if I leave my camera on a tripod someone will take it!
Much love,
Marianne x http://www.beautiful-in-essence.blogspot.com
Author
Thanks Marianne! OMG yes, I am totally the same! But I have found somewhere no one seems to walk past. It isn’t the backdrop I want but it saves me worrying about that! xx
I never would have guessed you took these yourself! Very impressive 🙂
theButter.co.uk
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thanks Lizzie 🙂 xx
The handbag is very fashionable!
http://www.onechristianlove.com/member/view_blog.php?profile_id=427001
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Thanks Dorothy 🙂 xx
Love this look! And definitely found the post very helpful.. Your photos are amazing and you don’t even have anyone taking them for you!
Much love,
HER FASTEST FASHION
Author
Thanks Terri – That’s so kind of you 🙂 xx
amazing! http://www.j-anne.co
These shots look amazing! Great work! I think I definitely need to find some confidence and a quiet area to try this out xx
Kirsti – http://www.silentsweetheart.com
LOVE! so gorgeous and very helpful.
http://www.georginahartofficial.com/
I’m lucky that my twin and I have eachother to shoot blog pictures, so we don’t always have this problem! Although taking pictures with both of us in frame is so hard, will have to look into using a remote! Great tips 🙂
Holly x
The Twins’ Wardrobe
Love this, I used to shoot in a tripod with a remote but was never as good as you at hiding the remote!
Made In The 1990s
Photographer done great job itself. I like these photos and I want also say that this outfit is also really adorable. I’m looking for this type of girls dresses online in UK. So I will got the useful information about blog which is really essential for me.