The Compendium

Regardless of whether you’re taking pictures with your phone or are using the most expensive SLR and lens out there - there are a few basic things to keep in mind when taking pictures for your blog. In my case, I take a lot of pictures of food for my food blog, but maybe you’re an Etsy shop owner who takes pictures of the handmade jewelry that you list in your shop. Maybe you’re a fashion blogger who loves sharing their latest pair of shoes. Maybe you just like sharing pieces of your life. Either way, here are three basic things I keep in mind when I’m taking pictures (of food) for my blog.

Lighting 

Find the place in your home with the most natural light. This is your “studio.”  Maybe it’s your kitchen, maybe it’s your bathroom. I don’t care - if it’s got the most natural light, this is where you take your pictures. For me, it’s my living room. When you can, take pictures in daylight. Natural daylight is so much softer-looking than a flash ever will be.

Clean surfaces

When I take pictures of food, I make sure that the table or surface the food is on is clear. This means moving ingredients and plates out of the kitchen, and setting them on a table in my living room (where my best natural light is). This way, background “stuff” won’t distract from your photo. 

Eye-level

This is especially important when taking pictures of pets or children. Get down to their level. Sure, that might mean you’re crawling around on the floor a little bit, but that’s the fun part! 

The same rule applies - sometimes - with things. It depends on what you’re shooting, but play with different angles and include an eye-level shot in the photos you take, and you may find a new perspective! 

There are many great resources out there on how to stage and set-up great, professional-looking photographs from the most unlikely places (and with basic equipment!) in your apartment, and these are three of the tips that I keep in mind with every photo.

Doniree Walker is a freelance writer whose clients include UMoveFree, a service that helps renters find River Oaks apartments. She’s based in Portland, Oregon, and spends her free time at the local farmers’ markets, learning how to cook from scratch, and planning her next adventure. Check out her personal blog, and follow @doniree on Twitter.