


You may have noticed a lack of outfit photos over the last few months. While I love sharing style posts with you it's been difficult since the launch of Glitter Guide. In addition my personal photographer (a.k.a. my boyfriend) has been diligently working on his teaching credential. Most nights we are both so tired that I lounge in my pajamas and if we go out I throw on whatever is most comfortable. In neither case am I styled for outfit photos. However, you never know. You may soon be treated to pajama outfit photos or a "whatever I'm wearing" photo shoot.
In the meantime I thought I would share some tips for taking outfit photos. I hardly consider myself an expert since I know very little about using a SLR camera but I try my best with what I've learned. One thing that is crucial is an editing system. I edit every single picture that I take for this blog. Even if it's just to adjust the level of light in the photo. Here are a few of tips I've found useful:
1. Invest in a good lens
To me the lens is more important than the camera. I have a basic Nikon D60 but I splurged on a 50mm f/ 1.4 lens. The lens really helps give my photos a shallow depth of field. It's not ideal for all my outfit photos but it's good enough until I can afford more.
2. Take photos during the golden hour
Most of the time we try to shoot pictures during the "golden hour" when the lighting is softer and warmer in hue.The time of day always changes so I use the "Golden Photo" app on my phone so I know the best times. If I can't take them during those times I usually look for a spot without a ton of harsh or speckled light.
3. Take photos from all angles
One technique that makes for interesting outfit photos (or any photo really) is shooting unique angles. Have your photographer try everything: from the left or the right, positioning in the frame, distancing, etc. Also, have them take a lot of photos. The worst is finding that you had a great shot but it was a tad blurry or your eyes were closed.
4. Wear clothes that look good on camera
If you know a certain piece of clothing doesn't photograph well don't try to incorporate it into the outfit post (I have mad this mistake too many times). I work hard to get out and take interesting photos and come to find that the skirt makes me look frumpy. This usually works by trial and error. Know what looks good on you and wear it in interesting ways.
5. Edit your photos
First edit your photos down to a minimum of 6. I prefer 3-6 photos for an outfit. If I choose to share 6 it usually includes detail shots. Then edit your photos. I have tried it all (Photoshop, Lightroom, Picnik, etc). I've never been great at learning how to add layers to change the colors in my photo so I prefer to stick to the basics. Photoshop is great but most of the time I use Picknik. I pay a small fee each month so I can have access to all the features. Typically I will enhance the photo by changing the levels, airbrushing pimples and dark circles, and sometimes I will play with the colors. It's all every easy.
6. Use Flickr
After I edit my photos and then change their size I upload them into Flickr (I pay for the premium account so I can store a lot of photos). I could save money by uploading them straight into the blog but I like the quality they have through Flickr.
These ideas, though simple and common, give the beginning photographer the tools needed to produce a good shoot.
61 comments:
Thanks for the tips!
I'm another flickr (pro) fan! The site does a great job generating various sized photos of high quality. I prefer to use a smaller flickr photo, then to instruct the browser resize them. (Faster download times!)
Thanks for the tips, Taylor! It's always great to hear how and what other bloggers do to their photos!
I think it would be fun if more bloggers posted some less glamorous outfit posts every once in awhile. I think it would be a fun change. Just to mix it up. It's nice to know that people don't look fabulous all the time. =)
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Great tips Taylor - I love to hear everyone's process! I simply edit my photos using iphoto on my mac but I've been wondering about other applications, yours always look great!
Thank you for sharing about the Golden Hour Photo app. I usually do outfit posts near dusk, but that app is really handy.
♥, Jamie
www.TheFancyTeacup.com
Thank you for these tips. I just downloaded the Golden Hour Photos app. I had no clue this existed! Thanks!
Amazing tips! I didn't know there was a golden hour app...I'll have to check it out for my iPad :D
http://www.closet-fashionista.com
Awesome tips, especially the golden hour, I have to check it out!!
xx
Emy
http://emykoster.com/
Thank you so much for sharing these tips Taylor. I love Picnik too, it's a great enhancement tool.
I just started to incorporate more personal style photos onto my blog, I absolutely love these tips, so helpful!
Yay for Picnik don't know what I'd do without it, it's so easy to use! These are great tips!
Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries
Thanks for this! Okay, note to self to get flickr and Picknik. Your photos always turn out great so thank you!
Thanks so much for the tips! This will definitely come in handy. Happy Friday!
www.ChampagneInSlippers.blogspot.com
thank you for sharing! I just downloaded this app, I am always having issues with lighting.
xo Julia
galmeetsglam.com
Thanks for the tips! Definitely something that I need to start incorporating as well! xx
Thanks for the tips! :)
I have to admit, I have been missing your outfit posts but I LOVE the Glitter Guide :)
Thank you for the tips. I always wonder if all bloggers (but me) use Photoshop!
I'm sure it's exhausting but I just want to take this chance to say how much I love the Glitter Guide! It was so fun to see you interview one of my friends from school! And you always have such beautiful and inspiring posts. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Thank you for sharing! This tutorial was very helpful. I just purchased a 50mm lens and I'm really excited to start playing with it.
So I'm basically no different when it comes to my photo-habits! A bit of editing, clothes that look good in pictures and Flickr... :o) Just wish I could finally splurge on a better camera!
Great post!
x
These were really great tips. Thanks for sharing! Im trying to improve the quality of pics on my blog so this will help
Great tips; thanks for sharing! I definitely agree with them all, and especially with the lighting and selecting items that look good photographed. Sometimes you loooove a garment and it may look awesome on you but just doesn't translate into photographs. (i find really fine pinstripes usually make my eyes dizzy on pictures, lol)
such great advice!! really liked this, you should make it a series.
Thanks for the tip Taylor! I have first-hand experience of not having any photographer so it's even difficult to get different shots and use manual settings. I LOVE that 2nd pic btw!
xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
Beautiful pictures and thank you so much for sharing this tipcs! I'll pass them to my photographer i.e. my husband...
http://notjustaprettydress.blogspot.com/
great tips, and your photos always look great!
jess
www.jesscauseblog.blogspot.com
Love these tips!! And it is the same with photographing food I have a golden hour and my 50mm lens is my go to lens as well. I am a firm believer in working with natural light. Love your photos!! XO!
Thanks for all the tips! I really love your photos every single time so it was very interesting to read this post :)
Happy Friday!
xxx,
Fashion Fractions
thank you for the great tips! beautiful outfits and pictures! =)
GREAT advice for new style bloggers like myself! :) Thanks for the tips - I'm downloading the Golden Hour app for the iphone now!
this is a fantastic post Taylor, thank you so much for sharing all this! especially that app, which i had never heard of before. that'll be great to keep in mind.
my blog is on a hiatus for a month, and i will definitely use these tips when i return to regular posting.
Thank you so much for the info. I am new to blogging and I am trying to figure things out. This is very helpful!! I read your blog (and Glitter Guide) daily and just love it!
Please check me out sometime :)
mynormalstyle.blogspot.com
Great tips! I need to get the person taking my photos to take more...I'm just a little camera shy. How do you host your photos through flickr? I have a flickr account and I would love to do that, but for some reason I thought you couldn't!
Great tips, Taylor! Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I'm completly new to blogging so any and all outfit shot tips are helpful! Your photos always look so great!
you look AMAZING!! love :)
xx
natalieoffduty.blogspot.com
Great advise!! I have a Nikon D70 and I love it!!
Thanks for the tips! I've been wanting to take outfit shots with my camera. Love your blog, girl!
Such great tips! Thanks, Taylor. It's posts like these that make your blog truly stand out.
Thank you for the tips! Lovely photos! xx
thanks, those are great tips! i always get turned off by all the tech-y, hard-to-achieve tips that are out there, but yours i might actually be able to use:)
check out my blog i write with my sister if ya get a chance:)
oneinchapart.wordpress.com
Love this post!!!! Especially the colors. SEE the boots I'm selling "ZARA taupe/beige studded cowboy boots Isabel Marant's" !!!!! Only 9 days left !!!!
Fantastic tips, Taylor! I have to work on editing my photos for sure.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com
Thanks for the tips!
xx Grace
Dream-Boating
these are very helpful. i never really though about uploading to flickr first, now i'm curious to see how much better the quality is.
www.hiimsaratee.blogspot.com
Great tips! Thanks for sharing :)
Sam
thank you for the tips :)
greetings from Indonesia
www.stylieandfoodie.blogspot.com
Oh, thank you :)
great looks! :)
xx, laura
Thanks for the tips, Taylor! you are too sweet!
love your style, as always
♥, Ette
www.thriftedkarma.com ♥
great tips! thanks for sharing.
a new lens is high on my list of big purchases...
Thanx for sharing all those tips with us..
I have a cheap camera and I'm so sad that most of the times my photo-shooting turn to be not that good because of the camera.
Sometimes its so unfair, my outfit is pretty cool and the result of the pictures is of a bad quality..:((
xx
Anastasia
I know what you mean! Every new project is a lack of posts!Going through the same with my new house!
But anyways , thanks for the tips and i'll definetly try the Picknic.
Have a great Sunday!
htt://www.cougarvintage.blogspot.com
These are great tips. I absolutely love the first outfit, so effortless and the perfect way of wearing animal print: a thin belt. :)
Ada
LOVE this! Thanks so much for the tips! Will definitely put them to good use!
http://shanelesheek.blogspot.com/
great tips!!! thanks for sharing 'em! :)
xo jeanette
www.simplychicforcheap.wordpress.com
Thanks for the tips. Your pictures are great, and I'm always looking for ways to improve mine. xo
http://tryitonmegirl.blogspot.com/
thanks taylor for the tips! i appreciate it as a girl always trying to not make hers look awkward!
xo,
tara
www.thewondergirl.com
I just wrote about how awesome the golden hour app is on my blog thanks to your recommendation! I love it :)
Thank you for the tips, they helped me a lot! :)
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