After doing this post, you guys asked about my blogging experience and the tools I use for doing it. Because I love to share my process, I decided to write a post focused on the blogging tools I use on a daily basis. When I talk about blogging tools I mean every single thing I use to compose a post or an Instagram shot. Of course, as your blog evolves, so do the tools you use to post. In the beginning, I used to only do collage posts, where no camera was required. Then, I slowly started to incorporate photography. Eventually I did my first outfit of the day post. And everything sort of went from there.
You have to think about your blog as an experimenting tool. No one has all or one answer to how you do things. You just do them. Don’t expect your shots to always be perfect, your writing to always be sharp or even your outfits to be on point. You’re bound to make mistakes along the way and the true lesson is to learn from them. I can’t tell you how I cringe, looking at old posts. But they are part of this journey, who I was at the time and how I wanted to visual reflect what I saw. Blogging tools can be preferential. I might be using something you won’t find any use in. But these are my basic blogging tools.
#1 Computer
This one is sort of duh, Eduarda, we know. But it’s the single most important tool you can have. A computer with internet access. If you have that, you’re practically set. TIP: if possible, always have a laptop, so you can carry it to meetings, or even work in a coffeeshop. Especially if you find yourself too confined in the space you always work at.
#2 Camera
This has become imperative to me. I carry my camera every where I go. Meeting friends for lunch? Camera. Having a stroll by myself? Camera. There’s no escaping that heavy bitch. But I want to be able to capture the moment as I see fit and my camera allows me that freedom. I know a lot of people use their phones to capture pictures – especially for Instagram – but I don’t like the quality of the ones I take. And it’s always good practice for angles, composition and color. Not to mention, when I edit them in Photoshop, the sky is the limit. I have a lot more options with a RAW file than a JPG file.
I’ve been using a with a . I know it’s quite an investment but if you’re just starting out, there’s no reason to have more expensive equipment. You can find cheaper alternatives and even second hand gear. TIP: there are lighter and smaller cameras/lenses. I’m actually saving up to buy a smaller camera that also shoots film. At least for those Instagram and candid shots.
#3 Cell phone
Regardless of the brand you have, a phone is always a must-have. And also something that travels with me anywhere. Besides its basic functions, I always use my phone to post pictures on Instagram. And you can find exactly what I do before posting them here.
#4
A (which you can read about it here and here) is an external battery case for iPhones. I’m not sure if you can get it for androids, but if you can, do yourself a favor and get one. We probably all have battery problems with our phones. Especially when you’re checking out Instagram, Snapchat, e-mails, text messages. This little miracle helps you extend your phone’s life so you don’t have to postpone yours.
#5 Tripod
Ever since we moved to New York, I’ve started using a tripod. It was a hammy down and I could not have accepted at a better time. It’s such a useful tool for when you need your shots to be in the same position, or when you have no one to shoot you and have to set the timer. I’ve used it countless times!
#6 Agenda or calendar
If you plan your posts, events and affairs ahead, you need an or calendar. I love to write everything down, so I go old school on this matter. I haven’t yet converted to the digital agenda slash calendar world. I use the daily Moleskine ones and have been using them since 2008. TIP: it’s important to have a small notebook on you to write down sudden ideas, events or anything else you might remember. I always carry a smaller notebook on my purse – instead of a huge agenda.
#7 Props
I know you’re probably going like what? But believe me when I say, it’s important to have small props on you for unpredictable shots. I carry around a few more lipsticks than I need, pens, the aforementioned notebook, a scarf tied to my bag, some small jewelry items and a cute cell phone case. When the time comes to take a picture, you want it to be as perfect as possible. So I just dig in my bag and pull out one or two things that are going to make a better shot composition.
#8 Instagram husband
I realize he’s not a tool (or is he?). But he’s a highly important part of the process, for sure. Without him I would have to succumb to constantly using my tripod, which is less than ideal. Safe to say he’s one of the best, if not the best blogging tools.