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My Photography Set Up

- July 24, 2013 | by April -

When I asked you guys what “big” mistakes you’re making when it comes to your creative biz, many of you said that your pictures are lackluster.

Today, I’m going to show you exactly how I take photos for Blacksburg Belle.

You’ll see my set up, exactly what I do during the photography process, and the prop that I use often. I hope it inspires you!

21 Comments · Filed Under: Photography

Comments

  1. Sage Grayson says

    July 24, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Great tips! I know exactly what you mean about not shooting in direct sunlight–way too harsh! I love it that your dogs were photobombing you the whole time. 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:04 pm

      My dogs wanted a cameo appearance on Wednesday Wisdom! 😉

      Reply
  2. Louise says

    July 24, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    Thank you April.
    Will be using these tips to shoot product this weekend.
    My new website is coming along swimmingly 🙂
    You are amazingly inspiring.
    I was up at 5.30am again today.
    x

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:04 pm

      Sounds awesome! I’m so happy for you!

      Reply
  3. andi says

    July 24, 2013 at 5:04 pm

    Hi April, Love your tips! It’s amazing to see how much you’ve progressed in so many ways. You are such an inspiration! Gorgeous work! Thanks so much, Andi

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks Andi! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Marian says

    July 24, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    I think it was your husband in the background holding up a white circular lighting aid. What is that? Do you always use it when you are photographing outside? Where should it be positioned when you are shooting in the shade?

    Thanks. Your videos make me wish I were very young again…………so much to learn and so many fun things to do, and you do a super job.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:09 pm

      Yes, it’s a light reflector. I have one that’s white on one side and gold on the other. I also have another that’s silver on one side and black on the other. You can use a piece of white foam board instead.

      It reflects light onto an object. I use it when there are shadows or when I need the picture to be “cooler” or “warmer.” The silver cools down the photo and the gold warms up the photo.

      You should position it so that it lights up the shadows–play around with it! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Anne says

    July 24, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    awesome! I will be sending clients to watch this! xo!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Thanks Anne!

      Reply
  6. Nicky says

    July 24, 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I really liked the format of this video too. I’m making pictures way too complicated; it’s time to just start taking them!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Thanks Nicky! I take A TON of pictures. That way I have lots of choices when I upload them onto my computer. Try that and see how it works for you. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Carol Dillman says

    July 24, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    Do you have any suggestions for photographing shiny objects that reflect you and/or the camera and background in their surface? I make lampwork beads and have a terrible time esp. with black or solid colors.
    I, too, like to photograph with wood as a background and to work outside.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Have you tried using a dark reflector–like black. I have a black light reflector, but I’ve never used it before. I’ve never run into that problem, so I don’t really have any other tips! Maybe someone else will read this comment and have a suggestion! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Brian Hudson says

    July 24, 2013 at 8:26 pm

    Hi,

    Just finished watching your photography session. I would think if you were photographing something more intricate than a pile of books, you would use a tripod. Walking around casually snapping handheld grab shots is not appropriate for jewelry shots, for example. Even for my paper note cards at etsy shop HudsonArtworks, I will always use a tripod. Just thought you might want to let your audience know about the value of using a tripod.

    Thanks,
    Brian

    Reply
    • April says

      July 24, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Hey Brian! I know lots of people use tripods–I never do with photography. I like being able to move while I take pictures. I used to sell jewelry and took the pictures the same exact way. I have steady hands, so it’s not a problem for me. If you have any blur in your images, trying a tripod is a great idea! Thanks for adding that tip. But, I wanted to show how I take photos and this is exactly how I do it.

      And, I just used the pile of books as a reference that people could see easily in the video. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Tabassum says

    July 25, 2013 at 8:02 am

    Hi April!

    What kind of camera are you using? I’m camera shopping at the moment and wanted to get some suggestions.

    Btw,I liked your video and loved the addition of the music 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 1:59 pm

      Hey Tabassum! I’m using a Nikon D90. It’s my first DSLR and I love it. It was quite a learning curve to figure out how to use it but now that I do, I can’t imagine going back to a point and shoot.

      Reply
  10. Dana says

    July 25, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Great video April! I love, love, love your shirt with the horses on it!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      July 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm

      Thanks Dana! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Phoebe says

    July 29, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    cool, thank you. =) And I loved seeing the dogs. =)

    Reply

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