We now know ourselves and other bloggers deeper through the first volume of this blog series: You Blog You. Since photography is my all-time interest, I decided that the second volume will be all about photography.
Due to my passion for photography, I always find myself wondering if other blogs do put time and effort with their blog photographs as much as I do. Wouldn't it be great to learn what other bloggers use or how they come up with great photographs in their blog sites or even Instagram feed? Let's end this intro and get to the Q&As!
◢ Volume II ◣
It's not only important to me because this is something I love but also because of the the behavior of online users nowadays. People are now easily bored. We need to catch their attention first and lead them to the real content. We need to capture their interest before we start talking. The better way to do it is to produce eye-catching photographs."Images don't just paint a thousand words. They can communicate some things far specific than words - specific emotions, specific feelings, specific moods, things that are almost impossible to convey using words.
Images act like shortcuts to the brain: we are visual creatures and we are programmed to react to visuals more than to words." - The Power of Visual Storytelling
2. What gadgets do you use to take photos? You can name more than one.
Nikon D5000
This was given to me by my parents for school. Most of our projects involve photo shoots, we were somewhat required to have our own DSLR. Luckily, my uncle knows where to best buy this kind of cameras and I will be sharing it with you now. If you have the time and willing to travel to Quiapo, it's way better to purchase from there than in malls because it's cheaper. Tips on how to be safe in buying camera from Quiapo would be live soon.
Samsung S6
This is my dad's phone which he bought earlier this year. I was very impressed with the image quality of this phone. When I'm with my dad and go to places worth blogging, and I accidentally left my DSLR, I use his phone. Some shots from my Bag of Beans post where taken using his phone; especially the picture that shows me in the staircase.
iPhone 5
This was a graduation gift from my parents. I had to buy a new phone because my Blackberry that time was in its dying period. Haha! This was my first time to own an Apple product and was very happy. Now, I'm more than satisfied at the quality of this particular phone. The camera is really impressive and so is the phone itself. Learn why I love this phone so much, aside from the photo quality, soon.
Olympus VG-170
I bought this camera in SM Appliance store because I was looking for a budget camera since I cannot always bring my DSLR with me. When I was around the store looking for a camera, I saw this brand and model on sale. After testing it, I was convinced to buy it. Unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. Though it gives good images, it has stability and noise issues. I only use this for outdoor travels.
Canon PowerShot A620
This is actually my uncle's camera which he made me borrow when DSLR and Olympus was not functioning well. I've occasionally borrowed this before too, way back 2009 for my friend's party. It's still functioning well. I used this during the Beauty Bootcamp.
These are the recent gadgets I used in this blog. If you back read, you will find some photos that were taken using my dad's old phone, Sony Xperia.The gadget I used to take the photo for this question was the iPad Mini I won from FoodPanda. I used VSCO cam to enhance the photo. (Filter: 10/LEGACY, sharpness +3)
3. For how long do you own those gadgets?
A) Nikon D5000 = 5 years
B) iPhone 5 = 2 years
C) Samsung S6 = less than 1 year (dad's phone)
D) Olympus VG-170 = 2 years
E) Canon PowerShot A620 = not mine
4. Will you recommend those gadgets to your fellow bloggers? Why or why not?
From the gadgets mentioned above, I will only recommend the Samsung S6 and the iPhone 5. These phones take good quality shots which can become really handy if you don't own a digital camera or in case you forgot your digi cam at home.
I will no longer recommend the DSLR because it's no longer in the market and because mirror-less cameras are what's popular now.
5. Do you use any other application to edit or add filters in your photos? If yes, could you share it with us?
I use Lightroom to edit most of my photos. I use this to enhance the contrast and sharpness of the photos especially when they're taken as RAW. I only use Adobe Photoshop if I need to do some retouching on the photo.
For images taken using my phone, I use the famous smartphone app, VSCO cam. It allows me to either enhance the photo or add a filter. My favorite set of filters would be The Minimalist Collection which is an in-app purchase.
6. Who usually takes your photos aside from yourself especially on OOTD shots? Show gratitude by mentioning them here.
Most of the photos found in this blog are taken by yours truly. If you see me in the photo, I either asked a stranger, my mom or dad, or my friend Jomar to take the photo. For my #ootd shots, I used my ever so reliable tripod, unless otherwise stated.
I would like to grab this opportunity to thank my parents and of course Jomar Tito for always taking photos of me when we go out. Thanks for being patient and understanding towards me. I know I can be too demanding. Haha!
A) Vinyl stickers
B) Flowers
C) Tripod
D) Fashion accessories and beauty products
E) Color pens and pencils
8. How do you come up with your photos? Do you research first how you should pose, how the products should be presented or it just goes naturally?
Before I take photos or visit a restaurant or attraction, I do some research. I check Instagram tags, check Google and some magazines. Browsing through those gives me an idea of how I should shoot and inspires me to bring out the creative part of me.
But for the events I've been to, everything goes naturally. I just keep shooting and when I get home, that's when I look at each one and eliminate the bad shots.
9. Do you have gadget you wish to receive this Christmas? What and why?
Yes! I've been eyeing this two gadgets: Xiaomi Yi Action Camera and Fujifilm X-A2. I want to own an action camera for my travels and also, I've been looking for an affordable camera that I can use to vlog. I believe this is a nice choice.
As for the Fujifilm, I'm too tired having a DSLR in my bag every time I go out. I need a much smaller and lighter good quality camera.
10. Do you have an Instagram feed or blogger you look up who upload great photos? Share them with us!
11. Share three (3) photography tips to newbie bloggers.
1) Invest in a good camera. For newbie bloggers, you may find this an expense but I want you to open your mind. You will need to create good quality photos for your blog to attract readers and even brands. Visual Storytelling is the in-thing now. Audiences are now too tired of reading so we have to attract them through graphics.
This will unfold the different opportunities for you. It may not be as quick as you want it to be but having awesome photos in your blog is the same as having great work in your portfolio.
2) Take as many photos as you can. Unlike before when people have to save on film, we don't have anything to worry about. We can take as many photos as we can and do the editing later. Take photos in different perspectives. You do the cropping and the selection later. Just make sure that when you keep shooting, those are good shots and not blurred ones.
3) Keep learning. Not just because you know the basics, you can already settle with that. Keep learning the different techniques and keep practicing. Borrow books, watch videos or ask help from people you know who are into the same interest.
It's okay if you don't like photography because I'm sure when you keep doing it, you'll eventually fall in love. It's easier to keep learning for those who already has a passion for this. But for those who don't, just remind yourself that this is not a hobby but a skill you want to master to make your blog site more professional and exciting.
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