A Bloggers Best Friends | Photo Props & Wish List

As a blogger, content creator and avid Instagrammer, I know that images are everything. The old warning ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ has become irrelevant in our day and age, in which we place as much value on accompanying images as we do the content itself. We double tap the dreamy, well-lit pictures, the perfect flat-lays and pretty poses which draw us in and leave us wanting more. Even the very best writer would struggle for success online without the power of imagery. I’ve always viewed myself as a creative person, but over the last year I think that with practice my photography and attention to detail has come on leaps and bounds, so I thought that I’d share my essentials for great content.

Wishlist

A High-Quality Camera

Although I’m typically pretty impressed with the kind of quality the iPhones provide, for a while now I’ve been on the look-out for a more professional camera. The Panasonic Mirrorless 12-60mm Lens Camera is one which has recently caught my eye as it has the worlds fastest in class burst shooting. The camera enables amazing shots of pretty much everything and it’s definitely one which I’d love to have to take on future holidays.

Wooden Bath Tidy

I love bath time setups, scrolling past Instagram posts of colourful bath bombs and relaxing bathroom decor never fail to hit the mark. Some of the most gorgeous bath themed images I’ve seen feature bath tidies, racks which rest across the width of the bath hosting a variety of photogenic goodies. I’ve had my eye on this one from The White Company for a while, and I think I’d definitely get my moneys worth from it.

Paperchase Post Cards

I bought a ‘when life gives you lemons’ postcard from Paperchase a while ago and I think it makes such a great photo prop. Next time I’m in Cambridge I’ll definitely be on the lookout for a few more, as they’re just the perfect flat lay feature.

What I Use

iPhone X and iPhone 8

I’m lucky enough to own an iPhone 8 and also have access to my partners iPhone X, both of which have great cameras. I love the portrait mode, which gives depth effect and enables professional photography in seconds.. the only drawback being its need for a very well lit environment.

Props

New Look, Mermaid Tray

I only bought this quite recently but can’t find it online! The principle is simple though, pretty trays will always make great backgrounds, propped either behind or underneath the product you’re shooting. It basically acts as a pretty cover up to any mess around you. Other great props include jewellery, candles, beauty products and..

Flowers

This rose wall from Milk Train is stunning, and you bet I’d install one in my house if I knew how/ could afford to/ had room/ didn’t have hay fever (it’s not looking good). Although I don’t use anything quite as elaborate as a whole flower wall at home, I always make sure that I take advantage of fresh flowers whenever I have some around. The artificial ones from Neptune are stunning too if you’re looking for something longer lasting. They’re on my wish-list for as soon as I find the perfect vase for some peonies.

All of the Apps

It will never cease to amaze me how photo editing apps can take a picture from oh no I can’t post that to wow in a few seconds. My favourite for dramatic effects and toning yellows to bright whites is Lightroom, but check out this post if you want to know which other apps I rate.

Backgrounds

Sometimes the wooden floor and crumpled duvet (true story) just don’t cut it anymore and you have to find a way of upping your backdrop game. I picked up some wallpaper from eBay recently which I’ve found to be a great background for product photos.

 

Let me know in the comments what your blogger essentials are for great photos!

*  This post is a sponsored post in collaboration with Panasonic. It also contains PR Samples which I have been sent to review and give my honest opinion about. All words, images and opinions about the suitability of these products is my own. Please read my full disclaimer for more information.