4 Tips for Your Personal Blog Photographer

As a blogger, it can be nerve-wracking to put your trust in any one photographer (whether that be your friend or your significant other). Make sure you're getting the shots you want by passing along these four tips for shooting style bloggers!

I’m guessing at some point as a blogger you’ve had your boyfriend/husband/bestie take your pictures for your blog.

It saves you time and money, and it’s super convenient. But…do you ever wish it would go a little smoother, or your images could be better than they already are?

I wanna help make your next shoot with your personal blog photographer even better. Here are four tips I have for them (that you can pass on) to make your next shoot even better!

Dallas Blogger Photographer Megan Weaver

TIP 1: Learn How to Shoot in Manual Mode

If they’re shooting with a DSLR camera and aren’t already comfortable shooting in manual mode, I would highly recommend they learn how to shoot in manual mode and practice it as much as possible

They can get started by reading this post where I shared the basics of manual mode and how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together to get the correct exposure (or light) in your image.

ACTION STEP:

After they've familiarized themselves with the basics, do a few practice shoots with outfits that won't necessarily go on your blog — just so they can feel more comfortable and confident shooting in manual in a no pressure situation.

TIP 2: Create A Shot List

I would recommend (especially if you’ve just started shooting with them) to create a shot list

of images you both can refer to during the shoot. This will ensure that even if you run out of ideas and aren’t sure what to do next, you’ll have a go-to list of actions and suggestions to try next. And you’ll have a variety of images to choose from after your shoot.

TIP 3: Be Encouraging

This isn’t necessarily a technical or creative tip, but I think it will make a HUGE difference in your shoot and your final images.

I would tell them to be as encouraging as possible

while they’re shooting with you. Over the past two years of shooting with bloggers, I’ve learned that it’s hard to create a great image if the atmosphere is tense and they feel like they’re not doing something right.

That’s why you’ll never hear me say things like “That looks horrible," “Hmmm maybe not,” or “Don’t do that.” Instead, I try to smoothly transition from something that may not be working to something that I feel confident in shooting.

If your photographer is being negative or nervous it can completely crush your confidence, make you self-conscious (even though you’re incredible) and bring the energy of the shoot way down.

Rather than negative feedback, I would suggest they constantly give you positive feedback like “I love what you’re doing," “These look amaaaaazing,”

ACTION STEP

Remind them before your shoot that positivity will create better images!

TIP 4: Shoot in Morning or Evening Light

Plan to shoot when the lighting is best outside. This is most likely during the first two hours after sunrise or the last 2-3 hours before sunset since the lighting is softer and more flattering in general.

If you want the light to be really soft, wait until right before sunset — especially if the horizon is in the background. This will create a gorgeous glow in your images.

ACTION STEP:

Watch this video

I created with indoor and outdoor lighting tips and then plan your next shoot during one of these two times!

All of that said, I'm sure you're wondering who this stunning lady and stylish boy are!

This is Olivia Barr of The Fashion Barr, a personal stylist and blogger based in Dallas. And Theo is probably the coolest guy around — Jordans and all. :) Loved getting to shoot with these two.