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When I started my blog, one of my biggest challenges was deciding on what photography tools to use for blogging. Perform a single Google search and you’d be swamped with a myriad of options.
It was very overwhelming sifting through posts, reading reviews, and narrowing down my selection. If you are looking for the best photography gadgets for bloggers, particularly fashion bloggers, you’ve come to the right place. These are exact products I use/have used, love and recommend.
THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY GADGETS FOR BLOGGERS
1. CANON REBEL T5I
Learning how to use a DSLR camera can be daunting especially if you are completely new to the world of photography.
However, it is also very rewarding when you get your first ‘perfect’ shot on manual settings. I played with my camera a lot and took photos whenever I got the chance (at events, get-together). If I got confused or totally messed things up, I simply reset the camera back to factory settings.
I read the camera’s user manual, watched YouTube videos, and read blog posts to help me learn how to use my DSLR camera quickly. Among my blogging friends (bloggers and photographers), many of us started with a Canon Rebel series like the T3, and T3i and upgraded as we grew.
I personally believe that the Canon T5i is the best camera for bloggers and photography enthusiasts who are just starting out with photography and want better quality images. I am sure that the newest Canon T7i is just as amazing if not better but I have never used it.
For starters, do a few test shots indoors and outdoors in automatic setting to get a feel for how the digital camera works. Once you get comfortable with the camera layout, take a few shots on manual setting. Manual setting is where you’ll get your money’s worth of your camera. With the right lens, you can bring your images to life.
2. CANON 50MM F/1.8 LENS
The Canon 50mm f1.8 was the highest hyped lens in the discussion. This is a great portrait lens beginner’s and seasoned bloggers.
The Canon 50mm lens gives you the best bang for your buck. For a little over $100, you are going to get more uses out of this portrait lens than most other lenses. No wonder they call this lens the “nifty fifty” (think thrifty lol).
It gives you the lowest f-stop so you can focus on your subject without the need to invest in a pricier prime lens to get this same capability. The Canon 50mm lens at this price point makes blurring out your background a breeze ?Here’s a portrait shot of me taken with this 50mm lens.
3. MEMORY CARD
Do not overlook the importance of a good SD card. If you’re not planning on recording a lot of videos, you’ll be fine with a small size memory card like 8GB.
However, if you plan on shooting videos or taking higher quality photos in JPEG or RAW, you will need a memory card that can deliver both on speed and performance.
Since I bought a 32GB Sandisk Extreme memory card, I’ve had no problems. I also keep an extra (8GB) memory card in my camera bag just in case I need it.
4. CAMERA BAG
A camera bag is essential to protect your investment. After spending so much money on your ideal photography gadgets, you want to make sure that these delicate tools are well-cushioned and protected anywhere you go. Go for a bag that is durable and made of high-quality material.
I currently use this camera bag by Case Logic. It has served me well over the years. I love the hammock-style strap because it allows me to quickly access my camera and lenses. I have traveled internationally with this bag and every time, my gear arrived intact.
5. WIRELESS REMOTE SHUTTER
Now you may not think you need a remote shutter but if you plan on being your own photographer or shooting at a slow shutter speed, a wireless remote shutter (and a tripod) are absolutely necessary.
The wireless remote reduces camera shake and increases the stability of your camera to prevent getting out of focus images. I use this RC-6 remote for closer shots.
It is very small, lightweight and portable. The wireless remote shutter also comes with a tiny CR2 battery that lasts forever! It can easily be concealed in your palm, behind your purse, or thrown to the ground within the two seconds before your shot is taken.
This is totally what I do when I shoot my own photos. Alternatively, you can get a Viltorx wireless shutter for longer range photos.
My Canon T5i seems more responsive to this remote than to the RC-6. The Viltorx is slightly bigger than the RC-6 and requires two AAA batteries that I replace almost every month. Now you can do your photoshoot single-handedly (no #InstagramHusband necessary haha).
RELATED: How to Take Your Own Photos for Your Fashion Blog
6. EXTRA BATTERY
The last thing you want is to get ready to shoot and then realize that your battery is halfway dead. What is even more frustrating is getting dressed up and driving to your shoot location only to see the dreaded red battery light. I now have an extra Canon T5i battery as a backup.
My sister thought she did not need one until this happened to her a few times while recording videos. She was not a happy camper. She ended up buying two extra batteries. The ones for the T5i are inexpensive too.
7. BALL HEAD TRIPOD
Oh, tripod! An often overlooked gadget. For your photoshoot, you need a sturdy tripod that will hold its ground when a gust of wind comes your way. The free tripod that comes as a bundle deal when you buy your camera will not cut it. I tried it and almost lost my camera on a few occasions.
A few months later, one of the legs came off! I knew it was a warning sign so I did some research before settling on this Dolica Proline tripod.
I had no idea why it took me so long to buy this tripod because it makes my life so much easier. It can go as high as 62 inches which is more than enough for full body shots. This tripod is made of aluminum alloy and includes a ball head for 360º degree rotation.
I used to get frustrated fiddling with my old tripod trying to get it to turn vertically for full body shots. Now, those days are over!
8. SOFTBOX LIGHT
If you are mostly going to be shooting outdoors, you may skip this tool. But if your goal is to take product shots like food and beauty products flat lays or record indoor videos, a soft box light will keep you from getting frustrated.
I live in Alaska where we get about fours hours of gloomy daylight in the winter. Suffice to say I pulled out my softbox light on many occasions.
Soft box light illuminates the subject perfectly which in my world makes it the next best thing to natural light. It also does not create that weird washed out color that regular fluorescent lights cause because the light spectrum is designed to be as close to natural light as possible.
Set yourself up for success by getting the best photography gadgets for blogging. With these best photography equipment be rest-assured that you’re off to a great start taking remarkable photos for your blog.
Interested in more blogging-related tips? Check out these popular posts:
- How to Start a Blog in 30 Minutes
- How to Create a Newsletter for your Blog
- 20+ Best Blogging Tools for Bloggers
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Santa brought me my first DSLR this year, the T6i…I love it!! Still getting used to it, and I know I’m only using a fraction of the power of it. But for now that’s all I need. I still need to get the 50/1.8 lens, and that is next on my list. I’m really lucky that I have a large window in my kitchen, right at my dining room table, and I get a lot of light. So I use a piece of white board that I got at Walmart for $1 to bounce light from the darker side, and that does the trick
Author
OMG! How exciting. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying it. The 50mm/1.8 lens is just amazing. You’ll love it just as much + the price is a no-brainer! Having large windows and lots of natural light makes life a lot easier when shooting. Luckily the softbox light helps a ton for those of us who don’t have large windows.
These are great suggestions. I’ve never needed a remote shutter because I mostly shoot products and overlays but now I just want one. 🙂
Excellent post. You make me feel like taking my equipment with me every day. I am a Nikon lover though.
I’m new to blogging and I only have an iPhone to take pictures of my outfit. Any advice for me? Can’t purchase a camera due to budget
Author
Hello Anne, a great start would be to familiarize yourself with how to take and edit photos on your iPhone. There are a lot of amazing apps on your phone that can help you improve the quality of your photos. Some of my personal favorite are Snapfeed and VSCO. You can also try to borrow a camera if you have a friend who owns one. Another option is to rent one. In the past when I rented, I would batch shoot a ton of photos at the same time to save on cost and then slowly release those photos on my blog. You can try to reach out to bloggers/photographers in your area to see if they’d be interested in doing trades (you volunteer your time to do something for them in exchange for free photos). Hope thid helps!
I agree. A good photography set up is key. 🙂
My camera came with a bag, and I haven’t liked it since day 1. But I also haven’t been sure how to pick out a new one. Thanks for sharing yours!
All of you bloggers amaze me with your great articles and beautiful pictures. These sound like some great items to have even for non bloggers. Thank you so much for sharing
Author
Thank you Linda! These photography gadgets are definitely nice to have for just about anyone 🙂
Great blog. I am getting ready to purchase a camera and buy all the needed items. Extremely useful and simple equipment. Thanks for sharing.
Author
My pleasure Megan! Glad you found this post helpful.
Great post! So helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Darriyan xx
Author
You are welcome Darriyan! Glad you found it helpful.
I dream of getting a light box to allow me to shoot day or night, but with such limited space in my apt, I’m strictly daytime only. I’m also too lazy to constantly setup and breakdown my space 🙂
Author
Ah I see your point Cheryl. I live in a small apartment too. I set it up and kept it to the side where I have all my photography gadgets. That way it’s ready to go when I need it. It’s lightweight and does not take a lot of space which helps.
These are all great tips. I can use my phone as a remote but I like the smaller remote you have listed. I also need to get a tripod.
Author
The small remote is amazing!
These are great tips/gadgets. I use quite a few of these myself, or I guess I should say my fiance does. How does one measure ISO?
Author
Hello Roxy, your camera display shows the ISO setting you have. I usually turn up or down the dial depending on how sensitive I want my camera to be (keeping in mind grain/noise). Hope this answers your question.
I totally agree with all these gadgets! My first camera was a T3, too! I just upgraded to a Canon 80D which was been so insane; it does so much and is such an upgrade! I have a 35MM lens with it since I do a lot of close-up shots but I am thinking of getting a 50MM too since it’s so affordable. Thanks for the advice!
Author
Glad you found this post helpful, Sharon. Oh yes, an 80D is a pretty nice upgrade. The 35mm lens is one badass lens for sure. Can’t go wrong with the price and value of the 50mm lens!
This is helpful. I need to up my game when it comes to pictures and video. My iphone doesn’t do any more 🙂
Author
Glad you found it helpful 🙂
I just bought a new camera and I’m so excited. These are all such great recommendations.
That’s so funny, I literally have every one of these gadgets. I have a sigma art 35 lens though, I absolutely love it.
This is right on time! I’ve been knowing I need to stop up my photography game but was not not looking forward to all the time I’d have to put in to the research. This is really helpful, I’m bookmarking for sure and going to look into that camera. They can be so expensive and that Canon looks like a great investment/upgrade option. Much appreciated!
Author
Glad you found this post helpful Marquita. I promise the time you put into understanding your camera will pay off (and save you lots of frustration). It can also be a nice little break from blogging.
Great list! I’m a Nikon girl but I agree 100% with the tripod and softbox! I would die without mine!
I’ve been considering getting a soft box light for when I take indoor photos. Do you need to have a reflector to use that effectively?
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Author
Hello Belle, I think having a reflector is helpful but not necessary. I do not use a reflector for my indoor photos but I’ve had a handful of times when it could have been helpful.
This post is perfectly timed for me! Are you spying on me? I’m starting my YouTube next week and am laying out my plans for future gadgets. Thanks for this!
Author
You are welcome Maggie! I promise I’m not spying on you 🙂
Yes! I love all of those!! My canon now has an app and I can remote shot with my phone. It’s a game changer, I love it!
Super helpful post!
I’ve been thinking how I need to invest in some legit camera equipment. I’m still just using my phone camera – haha! Thanks for the roundup – very, very helpful!
– Kaitlin
kedgotwed.com
Author
They can be a total game-changer! Glad you found this post helpful Kaitlin.
This is such a great detailed post! I’m a travel photographer and work with a Canon 5d MIII. I definitely agree with having a sturdy tripod and a wireless remote shutter! They are lifesavers for solo travel. And the 50mm 1.8 lens is a great little lens.
http://www.daninaughton.com
I just bought my first DSLR so I will be coming back to reference this page for sure!
Author
Sure thing! I’m sure you’d like it.
Just got a new camera and I’m terrified to move the setting from auto.
Author
I know that feeling! Just do it and play with it. You can always move it back to auto. You can also find helpful tips in your manual.
I was wondering how people hide those remotes!
Author
Hahaha know you know the secret 😉 Sometimes, I even hide it behind my purse or quickly tuck it into my back pocket.
Great Post thanks for always sharing.
xoxo Jenny
http://www.jennifashtips.blogspot.com
Author
Thanks Jenni 🙂
I love this post! So helpfull, thank you!
Author
My pleasure girl 🙂
Excellent post. Helps us a lot. Thank you.
Author
Thank you. I’m happy it helps out.
Great list. I will be sharing it with my newbie photographer boyfriend ASAP! I really want him to get that lens!
Author
Ah totally! It’s a great lens.
It’s like you read my mind! I’ve been longing to find a great roundup of must have photo equipment and this was perfect! Pinning for later!
Author
Thanks wonderful Emma! I’m glad you found it helpful and thanks for pinning 🙂
After getting a DSLR camera for blogging my next important thing was to get a new lens. I don’t regret it. It makes pictures look better.
Author
Agreed 🙂
Love my Cannon Rebel! I also use my telephoto lens quite a bit. I have a remote, but haven’t tried it out yet.
Author
Canon is awesome! Once you get a hang of using a remote, you would love it.
Great information! I have just begun to look for the best lighting for food photography. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Author
You are welcome Nelle 🙂
Thanks for the tips!!
Author
My pleasure, girl!
I normally use my iphone for photos (I know, I’m the worst!) but when I can I use my Nikon! I’ve wanted to invest in a soft box light or even just some big light reflectors, but I just don’t have anywhere to keep them!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbrunette.com
Author
Haha Sami you’re not alone. I use my iPhone for many of my Instagram photos too. Finding a place to store my reflector kept me from getting it at first. But once I got it, I easily found two places to stow it away.
Great roundup! I’m still getting used to my DSLR – so much to learn!
Author
There is definitely a lot to learn with DSLR cameras and it’ll pay off. Thanks for stopping by Rachel.
Great gadgets and tips. I would also include a ring light. Ever since I purchased one, my blogging life has changed forever!
Author
Yes Tiffany. I actually have a ring light but I only use it when I make videos and I haven’t made a video in over a year. It’s definitely a must-have for YouTubers.
Love Canon! These are great tips and gadgets too!
Author
Me too Jessica 🙂 Canon is a great brand.
Cannon is the best for me !
https://strong-power.blogspot.com/2016/07/badz-cichym-bohaterem_4.html
Author
Me too! 😀
Sooo glad to have read this post!! I'm always trying to find ways to improve my photos and video quality so thank you so much for sharing this! xx
http://lifeofacameo.blogspot.co.uk/
Author
I’m glad you found this post helpful Natalie 🙂
I'm a sony kind of girl but thanks for sharing these.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
Author
Thanks for stopping by Amy. I’ve heard many good things about Sony too.
I have a Canon T3i and it was my first DSLR. I once bough a cheap tripod that could get as high as 62" and it once fell with my camera on it, the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens has been damaged ever since… Not a nice story. And I have never owned soft box lights, I instead cover a regular lamp with white paper and it creates the same effect.
Author
Oh man, that’s not a happy ending for your lens 🙁 That’s a cool diy option for a soft box lens.
Great post! I just recently got that Canon lens and I LOVE it!
– Jessica
Miss Moore Style
Author
That’s awesome. Enjoy it!