What I Use To Blog & Vlog
Hey y'all! How is everyone's week going so far? I am chugging along and getting as much done as possible and trying to organize and plan because I know things are about to get super crazy with travel and so many other things. But let me tell you I am so ready to get on the road, or in the air, and start traveling because I feel like we have had these trips book for so long and we have just been waiting patiently. We are now just inching closer and only a small amount of weeks away from lots of adventures! You all will of course see everything but I am just so excited to finally be going!
Lets hop into today's post because I have gotten so many questions as to the equipment I use when I take my blog pictures and shoot videos for my vlogs that I thought I would just put it all together in one post to share with y'all! I hope I recap everything and cover all bases but if I don't please feel free to ask me any questions and I will be happy to help in any way that I can.
C A M E R A E Q U I P M E N T
What camera did you start with when you started blogging & vlogging?
I am going to be straight honest when I say that I started Southern Style with my iPhone, which at the time I do believe it was the iPhone 5 or 6 and I really didn’t know how to edit at all, so the photos were quite underwhelming. When I started getting into and blogging more, I got my Canon EOS 60D with a EF-S 18-135 mmf lens.
For vlogging I started out the same way using my iPhone as well as my Canon EOS 60D and soon realized that I needed to get a proper vlogging camera, so I got the Canon G7X Mark ii that is truly amazing!
What is your favorite camera?
My favorite camera is my current camera that I mainly use for vlogging and that is the Canon G7X Mark ii because even though my big Canon takes amazing pictures, I just love having this small portable camera that can take great pictures and video at the same time. Makes packing for trips really easy because it just doesn't have that much to pack. There was for sure a learning curve when I first got this camera because I was so used to using my big Canon that doesn't have a flip up screen that lets me see myself like the Canon G7X Mark ii allows me to do... and its TOUCHSCREEN!
What is your favorite lens?
So I only have one lens but I have tested out other lenses for this camera. But my favorite lens is still the one that I have for my Canon EOS 60D and that is the 18-135 mmf lens that takes amazing pictures! It is great for everyday use as well as distance shots, close-up shots, and any other shots you can think of. This lens has a super amazing zoom that I truly can't get over and captures so much light and color that I truly couldn't ask for a better lens with this camera!
If you were buying a new camera today, what camera would you buy?
Ahhhh the possibilities are endless! This is truly such a tough question because there are so many amazing cameras out there in today's world. If I was buying a new camera today, I would buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV because it is super sleek and not as bulky and heavy which would make it a lot easier to travel with and carry around. A lot of YouTuber's that I follow use this camera and the quality is out of this world!
Does your photographer use the same camera you use?
So my photographer is either my best friend Kaitlyn or my sister Hailey and they both use MY big Canon camera. Since they are the ones who are doing it and don't really see themselves having a full blown career in photography, it is just super easy to use my great Canon camera and call it a day! This is actually perfect because I am able to get the pictures off of the camera when I need them and use it for other things as well. Kaitlyn and Hailey are both very familiar with cameras, especially with this one since they have been using it for so long.
Do you use any camera equipment besides the camera body & lens?
ABSOLUTELY! I have a ton of equipment besides just my camera and the lens just in case I don't have someone to take pictures for me! When I am taking pictures I typically don't need anything other than the lens and body but I do have a tripod to set up if I am just taking pictures in my apartment and don't necessarily need someone there to snap the picture. I don't typically use it for style photos but I give 100% props to the bloggers who do because y'all are doing the dang thing!
I have a ton more vlogging equipment though because I have to be on the go when recording video, so I have to things that can help me do this. I have several different sizes and variations of mini tripods from Joby that have literally changed my life. They are super handy and so small that they are super easy to pack and carry around with me in my purse or just in my hand.
Now I do also have other smaller cameras, like my GoPro Hero 7, that allows me to take SICK pictures and videos underwater and other conditions that you typically can't take a regular camera!
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Were you into photography prior to blogging?
Yes! For a while I actually thought that was what I wanted to do as my profession. I have loved photography for as long as I can remember and have always had some sort of camera to take pictures with. However, having the camera was to capture memories and fun moments but I never took the style of the photos too seriously or learned much at all about shooting other than point and shoot!
How do you instruct/train someone to take photos for you?
Lots and lots of trial and error and practice! You can’t expect your significant other or BFF or mom to become a pro over night. It takes time! Also, it may not be something they’re passionate about as you are, so have patience! Before the shoot actually happens, I find pictures of what I want it to look like from other bloggers or instagram influencers so I can physically show whoever is taking my pictures to give them a better idea of what in the world I am talking about! Once I have that I will explain to the person shooting how I love that angle of that shot or how it was framed. This really helps when shooting with someone new or someone who isn’t too into photography and just helping you out!
After that I will have them be my subject and setting the camera settings exactly how I want them. I then take a few snaps of them, have them walk over to me, show the snaps to them and explain what I want. Then have them stand EXACTLY where I was standing. That way they’re sure to get the angle I want. Trial and error people, trial and error!
What time of day do you shoot?
During the summer, I will shoot in the early morning and it is actually perfect because you are still getting some of that sunrise light. I also do this because I want to beat the heat and humidity because my hair becomes a different being during the summertime. Besides summertime, I prefer to shoot midday when there is a lot of lighting. I stay clear of late afternoon because I feel like shade is everywhere and it is exceptionally hard to find sunlight at that time so that is super frustrating. When I am traveling, I typically will shoot throughout the day because we are exploring and wandering around. I am not the type of person when I travel that I go back and forth to the hotel to change my outfit because most of the time I am traveling for adventure and sights, not to shoot looks.
Do you prefer to shoot when it’s sunny or cloudy out?
I actually don't mind shooting in either one but each does have their pros and cons! I theoretically prefer to shoot when it is sunny outside because there is nothing better than natural lighting.
I use to prefer shooting when it was cloudy out as it is easier when you’re just starting out with a camera. You don’t have to play around with settings as much and you don’t have to find the perfect place to stand, pretty much everywhere works because it’s cloudy. There aren’t shadows and bright spots to worry about.
However, now I love shooting on sunny days. Yes, some clouds are still ideal but I love having the sun shining through and the depth it gives my photos. So I would opt for a sunny day 9 times out of 10 now!
How do you plan where to shoot your looks?
I have been asked this question so much lately and it makes me REALLY HAPPY because lately I have been doing a lot of prep and really thinking about what I want the photos to look like. I am very organized, so for me, I have to think about everything when it comes to getting ready to shoot an outfit or a blog post topic. I have about 3 spots that I will frequent and y'all probably will recognize some of them because I will use them time and time again. But honestly, for me, a location really will depend on the topic of the blog post because it has to help the purpose or what you are talking about.
When I am scouting locations for blog shoots, I am looking for places that will compliment my look or create some excitement on my feed! I love to take pictures in front of wall murals or colorful backgrounds because I think it adds more texture to the pictures and just more fun and excitement! Downtown Raleigh is great for this but I will also go look in random neighborhoods or shopping centers or places like that, once again depending on the topic of the blog post I am doing.
What is your biggest photography tip?
Have patience and creativity! Be patient with yourself and whomever is taking your pictures for you. Photography is definitely a learning process and one that never ends because there are always so many cool new tricks and techniques that you can use for your photos. There is always something new to learn about your camera, the lens you are using, or even the setting that you are taking your pictures on. So be patient with yourself as you learn more and as you teach whomever is shooting you (unless it’s a pro-photographer, they’re skills will blow you away).
Also, invest in a lens! Lenses are what really make the difference in photography. They are worth the investment! If you’re thinking of upgrading your camera vs. upgrading your lens, always go with the lens! You’ll be amazed at how much a new upgraded lens changes your images!
V I D E O G R A P H Y
Were you into videography prior to your YouTube channel?
I guess in someway you can say that I was. Growing up when I was a kid there were always cameras around and I always wanted to be front in center in front of the camera. As I got older of course then we had social media pop up with Snapchat and Instagram and I was on Snapchat a ton taking videos and sharing things with people. I have just always wanted to capture memories and moments and taking videos was just part of that!
What program do you use to edit your videos?
Currently I am using iMovie to edit my videos but I am working towards getting Final Cut Pro and that becoming my new editing program, if only it wasn't $300!
How do you come up with ideas for your videos?
I like to think of myself as being creative and always have so much going on in my life that I just want to share it! I have always traveled a lot so why not share some of the cool places and things that I get to do. Also why not share the amazing people in my life and show why they are so amazing.
Now when I do hit a roadblock and can't come up with ideas, I turn to my fellow YouTubers to get some inspiration and figure out how I can see their ideas and turn them into my own and make them mine. I will also turn to friends to give me ideas and even ask my Instagram stories as to what people are looking to see on my channel
What made you want to get into videography?
I got into videography because I started seeing other bloggers that I follow start posting videos and I thought, you know I have all the equipment, I love doing all of this, it would be really cool to create my own videos and share more parts of my life. It turned out to be one of the best decisions ever because I am addicted to it and I love getting to show people parts of my life that you can't sometimes see in pictures!
What is your biggest videography tip?
Take the time to learn! Learn the program you are using to edit, learn different tricks and tips for creating content, and definitely learn what it takes to create and shoot videos and actually put content up on a regular basis! Videography is for sure a learn-as-you-go kind of thing because you learn new things watching other creators but it is all super helpful and can lead you to create some pretty cool videos. It also lets you figure out what kind of videographer you are and what you want your videos to look like!
I hope these questions helped y'all understand all the tools behind the pictures and videos y'all see here on Southern Style!
As always thank y'all for stopping by and reading! I will see y'all back here next time!
Love, D
