Let me start by saying I am no photography professional. All of my knowledge is through trial and error, as well as a lot of Googling. With that being said, I am asked questions about my beauty blog photography on a regular basis, so I figured it was about time I shared some of this knowledge! I’ll be breaking this up into a few posts so the information isn’t overwhelming, and I’ll be sure to link them all together when I’m done.
Camera Equipment
Point and shoot camera: Sony RX100
This is a ridiculously good point and shoot. I bought it quite a few years ago, when I wanted a good camera that wasn’t a DSLR (because I wasn’t interested in learning a DSLR at the time). It takes SUCH good pictures and was worth every penny I spent on it (it’s definitely pricey, but a great option if you don’t want to learn a DSLR). Now that I have my DSLR, I use this for face shots (because the Nikon DSLR I have doesn’t have a flip out screen, so it’s hard to get properly aimed face shots).
DSLR camera: Nikon D5500
I used a Nikon D3200 for the last few years. It’s a great entry-level camera and became even more amazing when I finally took some time to learn how to shoot with manual settings. I finally outgrew that camera upgraded to the Nikon D5500. I have NO regrets- this camera is beautiful and the quality difference in my photos is definitely noticeable.
Camera lenses: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G and Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
You really only need one of these lenses, and I’d recommend the 35mm over the 50mm if you are going to be doing a lot of flatlay photography like I do. I originally bought the 50mm when I was doing a lot more outfit posts, but it’s harder to fit everything in my shot with the 50mm when I’m doing flatlays (unless I want to get a chair out to stand on), so I definitely recommend the 35mm instead.
Lighting Equipment
Light reflector: FOTGA 43″ Collapsible Disc Silver Reflector
This isn’t the exact silver reflector I have, but actually a better version of mine. Mine is black on one side and silver on the other, whereas this is white on one side and silver on the other. You can use either side to reflect light. I always take my photos in front of a natural light source (you’ll see in my setup photos in an upcoming post, but I take my photos in a narrow hallway at my front door) and position my reflector opposite to the natural light, so I’m getting even light from both sides. I’ll explain more in an upcoming post!
Ring light: Diva Ring Light Super Nova 18″
I did a LOT of research on ring lights before buying this, so I feel like I can pretty confidently say you get what you pay for with these. I asked pretty much every blogger/YouTuber I know that has bought a ring light to find out what did and didn’t work for them, because there are a lot of cheaper options than the Diva Ring Lights. Time and time again, though, I was told by friends that the cheap ones they’d bought off Amazon had broke repeatedly, so I eventually sucked it up and dropped the cash on the Super Nova.
I have zero regrets, as this light has upped my face photography game like CRAZY. I found it impossible to capture my makeup properly prior to buying this, and now I feel like you can really see the colors and blending and just everything. I love this thing. I also use it as an additional light source if I’m taking pictures of something and there’s not enough light. There is a slightly smaller version called the Nova, which I think would work fine for makeup photography as well.
Backdrops/Floordrops
Vinyl backdrops/floordrops: Mini Backdrops
Vinyl backdrops and floordrops are something that I think are totally worth a small investment. I have bought several different backdrops at different price points in the past, and the ones I ended up spending a little bit more on are the ones I’ve stuck with and been really happy with for a long time. Vinyl backdrops/floordrops are the best because you can roll them up without them crinkling, and they’re easy to wipe off if you spill something on them.
Of all the places I’ve purchased from, the only one I can truly recommend is Mini Backdrops. They have easily been the best quality out of all of the backdrops I’ve purchased. While I have bought all of my backdrops with my own money, Mini Backdrops has been so kind as to create a coupon code for my readers: use OLIVEANDIVY for 10% off your order. PS- they do custom backdrops at no extra cost. I just placed another big order with them!
DIY marble backdrops/floordrops: White foam board + DC Fix Grey Marble Adhesive Film
I don’t think there’s a more frequently asked question for me than “where did you get your marble?” Well, folks, the secret is out- I don’t have a marble countertop.. and neither does 99% of the other bloggers you see using a marble background, haha. I learned this trick years ago and this has been a go-to backdrop of mine since: take a white foam board, cover it with marble contact paper. DONE.
Editing
Photo editing software: Adobe Photoshop
I won’t be doing a whole section on editing, simply because there are a billion other websites out there with people who teach this stuff far better than I can. I will say, though, that having Photoshop is invaluable to me. A lot of people use Lightroom, but I get frustrated every time I try to use it, haha. There are free alternatives to Photoshop out there that are slightly less user-friendly (but free) such as GIMP- so definitely check that out if your budget doesn’t allow for Photoshop!
That’s all I can think of for this little equipment lesson, but feel free to ask questions if you think I may be missing something. I’m going to go into more detail on photography styling in a separate post, so if you have questions about the props I use, etc, then just hold off on those until that post goes up. Otherwise, I hope this post helped a bit!
Cara says
This is so helpful! I’ve been considering purchasing a ring light here lately and researching all the pros and cons of each, but I think ultimately I’ll end up going with the one you recommended. Like you said, you get what you pay for sometimes. Great post!
Chelsea says
From everything I’ve heard from people, it’s definitely worth it to pay for the one you know works. Another beauty blogger/vlogger had bought the same one off Amazon THREE times before she finally got the Diva Ring Light because the Amazon one kept breaking. Yikes. I’ve also heard of one called Stellar something that is apparently good too, but I’ve never tried it.
Christine says
Your photography has always been a huge inspiration to me! Your photos are incredible so this helps by seeing exactly what you’re doing! Keep on doing amazing photos because you are one of the bloggers I always look up to when it comes to photography!
Chelsea says
Awww, that’s seriously so nice of you Christine. Your photography is beautiful too! <3
Erika says
Yep. Fake wood, fake marble. Super cheap and they look fabulous in photos. As long as I’m not shooting macro. ;)
Chelsea says
Haha, see that was my problem with some of the cheaper vinyl backdrops I’d purchased… you could REALLY tell that they were fake because they were grainy looking. I could never shoot anything up close because it looked terrible! Glad to have found some that work now though :)
Christa @perilouslypale says
Ohh I’m going to look into Mini Backdrops. I ordered some vinyl ones but they are very blurry and crappy looking. If you are happy with these then I’m sold!
Chelsea says
Yeah, that’s exactly what ones I’d purchased previously looked like. Mini Backdrops does SUCH a good job. I ordered some more from them last night!
Christine Anne says
Love this post Chelsea! I also grew out of my Nikon D3200 sooooo freakin fast. I wish I hadn’t bought it haha. I have the D5200 now and I love it! I definitely need to invest in some backdrops. I have the white foam board and marble adhesive that I take a lot of my flat lays with. Definitely the cheaper way to go but I love the idea of just rolling everything up for storing. I have so many foam boards lying around lol!
Chelsea says
I would’ve grown out of it faster if I had ever bothered to learn it sooner, haha, but I’m glad I did and I’m excited to pick up a new camera! SO excited for the flip out screen especially. Glad to hear you love your D5200! And I highly recommend checking out Mini Backdrops if you look into buying any vinyls. Totally worth the price (and the price isn’t even that bad in the first place)!
Christine Anne says
Yes the flip out screen is a game changer! I’m definitely going to check them out! They look like they have quality products. :) Thanks for all the tips!
Chelsea says
Eeeeeeee I’m SO excited for it!! <3 And you’re welcome!
Christine Anne says
So how fast did you get your Backdrops? I see they are in Denmark, so I’m a little worried it might take a lifetime to get haha. I’m spoiled with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping. lol
Chelsea says
It takes about 2 weeks if I remember correctly!
Jen Mathews says
Thanks for the tips Chelsea! I just ordered some backdrops! :)
Chelsea says
Yay!! I ordered some more last night too! :)
Leeann @ Join the Gossip says
AH! I just did a beauty post this morning, if only I had this post sooner! ;)
I feel so foolish for thinking everyone has marble counter tops haha. I’m going to have to steal that idea.
Chelsea says
Hahah I totally used to think that too, don’t worry!
Miranda | SlashedBeauty.com says
My ring light was one of the best investments both for my blog photos and videos!
Chelsea says
Same here! It made me a bit sick to drop so much cash on it (especially with the US/Canada exchange rate), but it was totally worth it in the end.
Melissa says
I cannot tell you how useful this was for me! Thank you so much for the great advice!!
Chelsea says
You’re so welcome! That’s exactly what I’d hoped it would be :)
Jodi says
Great tips Chelsea! I really need some lights, but at the very least a reflector needs to be in my future. Having one dark side of a photo stinks!
Chelsea says
The reflectors are cheap and make a HUGE difference. Get one! At the very least, get a white foam board that you can use to reflect the light. It doesn’t work quite as well as the reflector, but does help.
Heather says
Such great tips, finding quality backdrops is key for sure!
Melissa says
There is so much useful information here. Thank you for sharing!
Trisha says
Great post! I just ordered the marble contact paper! What an awesome hack!
Cindy Ingalls says
Thank you so much for this Chelsea! I have an old antique piece of furniture that has a marble top I inherited from my mother, but the fake marble looks better! I also bought a book of scrapbooks sheets that work really well for small products. Ii can’t wait for your next post!
MarciaF says
I’ve got a shopping list now. I bought an expensive camera last January but then couldn’t figure out how to use it so it was returned but my Sony is showing age and not giving me the true colors. First stop though is the mini backgrounds. Wonderful and helpful article that I’ll be back to again and again.
Julie says
Wonderful post, Chelsea! I laughed at the marble counter comment, we definitely don’t all have the same exact marble counter tops! LOL I’m obsessed with my 50mm macro lens, but I do often have to get super high up to get my flatlays, so I’ll look into a 35mm. Can’t wait to see your other tips in this series! :)
Jenny says
I want to get the reflectors and ring light because I feel like my lighting is always horrible.
xoxo, Jenny
Caroline says
These are great! My goal is to start doing more beauty stuff, so I really need to start investing in some more stuff! That tip about the marble is genius though!
Phyrra says
The ring light is a must have! I have the Stellar Diva 18″ CEL-R18C Ring Light w/ Dimmer.
Marlene says
These are really great tips, I need to up my photography game!
Sami Mast says
I’ve been looking into investing into reflectors, and these ones are so cheap! I didn’t realize you could get good ones for less than $20! Also when I save up some more I’ll definitely be getting a ring light as well!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbrunette.com
Jayne Lim says
Your secrets revealed! I love the backdrops! So many options to choose from! i will definitely have to place an order!
JEnnifer L says
Absolutely wonderful guide! I need to get some much needed backdrops for my product photography.
Brooke @ Blushing Noir says
Now I know all your tricks! WOOO! LOL! I’m so excited you did this post, you have beautiful photos!
Heather Denniston says
I have spent so little time working on this aspect of my blog. I need to take a class I think to force me to complete projects and assignments so I am held accountable! Thanks for sharing all the good stuff you have to have to make it amazing!
Robyn says
Great post with some excellent tips! I’ve been dabbling in improving my photos for my blog so I’m definitely going to be bookmarking this and will look forward to your upcoming posts! Right now I use a point and shoot camera but getting a DSLR and learning how to use it is on my wish list, along with a ring light!
Julie Barrett says
Hi! So glad I found your blog through your giveaway! I’m just designing my beauty and lifestyle product review blog now. Hoping to have it up and live soon but I have a lot of samples and products that I need to post about on social media now (and later on my blog). My attempts at photos have been horrible so far. I went to a craft store yesterday and bought marble and wood scrapbooking paper and silver and gold poster board. It was a cheap way to try out some looks but now I feel dumb because contact paper or vinyl rolls make so much more sense! I don’t have much money starting out though because I’m not currently working. What do you recommend for cheap alternatives to lights, backdrops, etc? And my camera is just a cheap $100 point and shoot so I know I won’t get great photos with it but I can’t afford a new camera. Also, I live in a basement apartment so I have no big windows so I really need good but cheap lighting and tips and tricks. Any advice would be much appreciated! Your photos are so amazing for not being a professional photographer! I will check out your other photography posts too for more info. Thx! ☺
Chelsea says
Scrapbooking paper and posterboard is a perfectly fine start! I am in a basement suite myself, so I understand the lighting struggle. In warmer months, I use the hallway at my front door (with the front door open, haha) and that’s where I get the best lighting. If you can take pictures somewhere outside, that’s a great option as well. Natural light is always the best light. Alternatively, if you can save up for the light box set that I linked above, that will help immensely. A cheaper alternative to that would be to buy a couple of bendy desk lamps and buy bulbs that have white light- the bulbs are most important, because if you use regular bulbs, you’re going to have a yellowy tint in all of your photos. As for the camera situation, I have seen people get surprisingly good images on their smartphones, so you should be able to do okay with your point and shoot! What really matters is learning how to use it and figuring out what it’s capable of. Don’t use flash, because that’ll wash everything out. Do your best with photo styling- look on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration- as that makes a huge difference in my opinion. It adds a lot of interest to a photo! Hope that helps a little bit, and thanks for the reminder that I need to get the rest of my photography series done, haha!
Julie Barrett says
Those are amazing tips! Thank you so much! I can’t believe you get such awesome photos in a basement apt! lol I will definitely try out all of your suggestions and hopefully my photos will improve. And I will keep reading your blogging tips in your posts. Thanks again! I really appreciate it! :)
hilly sorek says
Great post. Thank you for sharing your tips.
My blog and instablog – dressuptelaviv.com will benefit from it :)
What do you think of the kit lens that comes with the D5500? 18mm? It’s not enough for flatlays? What will I miss using it and do I have to get one of the recommended above at this point?
Hilly