A little behind the scenes look because creating a blog involves many resources. When I first started in 2011 I had no idea what I was doing and learned a lot on the way from other bloggers, articles, and mainly trial and error! This resource page will be devoted to what I have found helpful or what products and equipment I might be using.
Note: No affiliate links unless noted
When I first starting blogging, I used a Canon Powershot SD1300IS. It was (and still is) a fun camera to own. The pictures were ok but I didn't know much back then about white balance or how to compose pictures.
Current camera - Since December 2015 I have been using a Canon 6D and feel this camera will stay with me a long time! It's a full frame and I really love it. My current go to lens for food photography is the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro. I also own a Canon 50mm 1.4 that I use for overhead shots and portrait photography. My newest lens is a Canon 24-105mm - this is a good all around lens that I take on vacations and just bumming around. and sometimes I use it for food.
Prior in 2012 I started using a Canon Rebel T3i that came with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. I bought the Dummies book for this camera and have read it many times! I mainly shoot in manual mode and manual focus which is why I always use a tripod when I'm home.
Photography books - to help with styling and camera settings. The three I currently have on the shelf are:
- Food Photography for Bloggers by Matt Armendariz
- Food Photography From Snapshots to Great Shots by Nicole Young
- Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin (probably my favorite)
I also purchased an e-book from Pinch of Yum called Tasty Food Photography. (note I receive a small affiliate fee if you do purchase but not on the other links). This one and Plate to Pixel are the two I refer to the most.
Editing - I'm currently using Lightroom 5 and would highly recommend it. Prior I used Photo Elements 11 and when I want to make a collage or special overlay I use PicMonkey which is free (or $35/yr for the upgraded version).
Lens - I mainly use a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens and occasionally a 50mm 1.8 prime lens.
Props - this is where I need an intervention! I find many of my items (plates, silverware, napkins) from Pier 1, Home Goods Store, World Market and Crate & Barrel (and yep, I probably have too much stuff!)
Lighting - I really try to shoot in natural light - it is the best! But in the winter I've had to rely on artificial. I own 2 softboxes similar to these.
Creativity - are any of you on Pinterest? Did you know you can create a secret board? Well, true confession, I have a board where I pin photos that I like. I don't copy other photos exactly but it just helps me with inspiration, composition ideas, colors, etc. when I get stuck (though stacking cookies is done by everyone!) It was suppose to be my secret but now you know! Though I doubt I'm the only one who does this 🙂