Blogging // Tools of the Trade

|

Best Tools for Blogging

Having been a blogger for almost five years (whaaaaat?!?), I’ve spent lots of time developing systems, processes, and a list of tools that make my job so much easier. I thought I’d share a list of the tools that I use on a daily basis, in case it helps anyone out there to build an arsenal! Some are digital and some are analog, some are no-brainers and some are smack-me-why-didn’t-I-think-of-that-forever-ago. Read on for my tried and true tools, and please leave a comment with your own favorite tools of the trade so we can all up our game!

White Foam Core Board The answer to everything! I use it for white backdrops on flatlay photos, to bounce light around when there are too many shadows, and sometimes to sketch things out or test paint patterns, and so on. They’re affordable, easy to store, and so useful!

Colored Posterboard So cheap and so fun to play with! I keep a rotating stack of different colors to use as backdrops for DIY projects or Instagram photos. Lay them on the floor for flatlay photos or tape them up on the wall to act as a backdrop.

Camera Remote Shutter Lots of what we use this for is personal family photos, but I’ve used it plenty on the blog! This little remote shutter pairs with your camera and you can set up a tripod to take photos from a few yards away. That’s how we get shots like this one, no photographer needed!

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Camera I saved and saved my duckets to spring for this camera, and I can actually pinpoint the time when I got it as the time that my photos improved vastly and my business improved because of it. This is the one area where, for me, it made sense to invest in my business.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens This little lens is a cheapie but has been a workhorse for me. I love shooting on a 50mm because it’s pretty versatile and this little guy helps me get nice, bright photos even when the weather isn’t necessarily cooperating. My next purchase will definitely be this lens
; also 50mm but a higher quality.

Camera Hand Strap I get asked all the time about my hand strap for my camera! For some reason I don’t get along with a regular neck strap, so this hand strap is my favorite way to go. I’ve toted my camera all over the place this way — on shoots, on vacations, and just around home — and it’s been great. It feels secure in your hand and helps me steady the camera.

Apple Time Capsule We’re in the process of revamping how our computers and files are backed up, but this is always our constant. It backs up your computer automatically, and if you ever have an issue with lost files or crashed computers, you can reboot your system to replicate what was in your computer at a certain day or time. It’s crucial and has saved us a few times for sure.

Apps, apps, apps! I did a post on my favorite apps a while back, but I’ve definitely got some new ones. Stay tuned next time for the apps that help me the most. And until then, find more blogging resources in the rest of our Blogging column!  xoxo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

7 Comments

  1. Thanks for posting these awesome tips! And congrats on your blogging success. I’ve just recently begun my blogging journey and these are so helpful. I have to look into this hand strap business. I work without the neck strap a lot, particularly when I’m shooting video, and holding the camera can get so tiring. That just might be my next accessories purchase!

    1. I find that I do have to replace my foam board every few months. Mostly they need replacing if I do a project or recipe that involves wet materials. But otherwise, they stay pretty fresh looking!

    1. Definitely try the strap then — I think you might like it! And yes on the Mark III. Oh man. That thing is like a member of the family. 😉