I’ll honestly admit that taking blog photos is my least favorite part of being a style blogger. The term “photo shoot” may sound glamorous, but it really isn’t that fancy. And since visually displaying my outfits is a big part of what I do, I make it work for me. So in case you were curious, here’s what I do for my blog photos.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
PANTS VIA LETOTE | WHITE TEE | SHAGGY COAT | HEELS | SEA AND GRASS TOTE c/o | REBECCA MINKOFF CHOKER | LIPS: Grande Cosmetics in Desert Peak
Photography by Kevin Thonkulpitak
OUTFIT DETAILS:
PANTS VIA LETOTE | WHITE TEE | SHAGGY COAT | HEELS | SEA AND GRASS TOTE c/o | REBECCA MINKOFF CHOKER | LIPS: Grande Cosmetics in Desert Peak
Have you every wondered how bloggers take their blog photos? It is very rare that someone has a photographer boyfriend who takes photos of what they are wearing every day. From my experience, most bloggers shoot multiple outfits a day, rather than shooting every single day. I mean – can you imagine having to look photo ready every day? Not me!
People’s routines always interest me, even if they are just boring things like what toothpaste they use or whether they sleep on their back or their side. Maybe I’m just weird, but I like to know the day in and day out things about other people’s lives.
Here is how I shoot blog photos when I work with a photographer. Sometimes I have Dan snap a few photos here and there, but when I’m working on something for a brand I like to hire someone with a nice camera who knows how to take and edit photos really well.
Blog Photos: The Night Before The Shoot
I personally like to shoot on the weekends. The night before the shoot, I will lay out about 5 outfits on my bed, including the bags, shoes, and jewelry. I try on all the outfits if I haven’t worn them before, because it isn’t fun to get to the shoot and realize that an outfit just doesn’t work. Once I have everything finalized, I snap a photo so I remember everything. I choose four outfits and pack them up in a bag for the shoot, with some extra makeup and hairspray for touch ups.
Blog Photos: The Day/Morning of The Shoot
My favorite times to shoot are the morning when the light is soft and the crowds aren’t out, or the golden hour just before the sun begins to set. Recently I’ve been shooting in the mornings to knock it out and look really fresh with my hair and makeup. I get up about 2 hours before I’m supposed to meet my photographer and do all the hair and make up prepping. I used to wear lashes and do really intense makeup for shoots, but now I keep it as natural as possible with a little more lipstick, blush, and contour so that I don’t look washed out in the photos.
I wear my first outfit to the shoot location so that we can get started right away!
Blog Photos: During the Shoot
If I haven’t sent my photographer photos of the outfits, we will do a run down of the outfits so that we can plan locations that look good with the colors and vibes of each look. Then we get started! Shooting in the city involves a lot of waiting for people to walk by, random people asking where my shoes are from, and generally not caring about what anyone thinks. If you want to be a fashion blogger, you have to get over people looking at you and wondering what you’re up to. It takes practice, haha.
I’m not a stellar poser, but I’m learning my angles with time. I know that I suck at making a serious face, so I typically try a couple serious and couple smiling. A good photographer will help guide your posing (chin up, chin down, adjust your necklace, fix your hair, etc.) and make your vision come to life.
Blog Photos – Misc. Tips
Some photographers charge by the hour, and some charge per outfit. So it really just depends on your speed and how you like to work. I’ve worked with photographers that take 2 hours to shoot 3 outfits, so they shoot by the outfit. Some photographers take 1 hour to shoot 3 outfits, so they prefer to charge by the hour. It ends up being about the same cost, which in my opinion is well worth it. My goal is always to shoot 3 outfits, but I bring the 4th just in case I have more time.
I know some bloggers who shoot 6-7 looks in a day and change in their cars for each look. I personally like to change in Starbucks, but I’ve changed outfits in some weird places! My top 3 weirdest are the National Gallery of Art, the Union Station bathroom (so gross) and an architectural museum. Like I said earlier, it is very rare to find a blogger who shoots what they are wearing every single day. That’s exhausting.
Coming home after a shoot is always fun, with a hurricane of clothing to clean up and perfect hair and makeup for the rest of the day.
Do you have any other questions about how I shoot my blog photos? Comment below and I’ll answer the best I can!
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My favorite look from last week is Jodie from Jodie’s Touch of Style!
I love how Jodie mixed color and prints so well! Jodie, her stepmother, and mother all had a stylist do a personal color analysis, then put together an outfit based on the results. Head to Jodie’s post to see all three of their outfits and color matches!
This is a fun post! Your photos are gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing with us !
Amazing and interesting!
Thank you!
How to shoot better in dark light with contrasting clothes
You look so chic! IM loving that fur coat!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
This was so fascinating to read! When I started blogging I did more outfit posts but now I definitely am more of a “lifestyle” blogger. I bet you do have to change in some interesting places if you’re going to get multiple outfits in!
Loving your style! You are so chic. Would you like to follow for follow on Bloglovin? 🙂
Xx,
http://beatricebalaj.com/
LOVE this post. Thanks for sharing… I laughed when you mentioned people walking by and asking where you got your shoes. Happens all the time… and I try to be nice, but i’m on the clock! HA!
Natasha | PALM + PINE
palmandpineblog.com
So cute! Loving your blog!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
I loved getting an inside view into how you do your photos!
Oh gosh, I just love this outfit! That white fur coat is SO cozy and that color works for the Spring! I also love the little tie on the bottom of those red pants! I couldn’t agree with you more… I absolutely hate shooting photos and bugging my hubby to do it!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Love that jacket, it make the entire outfit look so glam.
Xx, Nailil
http://www.thirtyminusone.com
That coat looks amazing!Lovely outfit:-)
http://www.lostindaydreams.com/
I love this post! I have always been curious about how other bloggers shoot their outfits… Starting out I was completely lost on this and am still trying to narrow down an organized routine. These tips will definitely help. Thanks for the post!
You are really gorgeous!
Giulia
http://bigiublog19.blogspot.it
Loved this fun behind the scenes look at how you take your photos! I’m with you…I find pretty mundane details about how people do life pretty interesting. Though I wouldn’t say anything about taking outfit photos for a blog is mundane! Ha!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Great tips! I’d LOVE to squeeze in 5 outfits in one shoot, but I test my husband’s patience with just 1 or 2 – ha!
Green Fashionista
You are so organised Roxanne, I’m seriously impressed! I get my husband to take my photos in the garden and it’s usually a rushed job. I’d love to go somewhere especially for photos and vary my location a bit. I love your furry coat and woven bag!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you, Emma! I like your garden shots.
Great post! I’m the same as you – I love knowing how other people do things! My shoots are similar to yours- I try to do 4-5 outfits in one shoot, on the weekend!
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
Thanks, Lee! I hope to work up to 4-5 outfits, too! I get so exhausted and it shows on my face towards the end of the shoot.
Your looks are always so fun and glam!!
xo Kat
http://www.withlovefromkat.com
Thank you so much, Kat!
These are great tips! You photos are gorgeous and those pink joggers are fabulous.
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Thanks so much!
I do the exact same thing! Since we both work during the week, we shoot a handful of outfits every other weekend.
Liz
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
I think that’s the way to do it!
I love hearing other people’s routines too! Photos are my least favorite part about blogging also. I actually like to take the pictures but don’t like being the subject, and my photo sessions are most often a hot mess. My kids are normally in tow, I’m changing in the car it’s just a mess haha! I’ve actually shifted to less “style” on the blog for that reason!
Brooke
http://pumpsandpushups.com
You always look put together, though!
I love reading about how other blogger plan and execute their photo shoots. I am very similar to you in the way I plan. Unfortunately the weather since the beginning of March has been awful and I haven’t been able to have many shoots. Praying for the warmer weather. I absolutely love this look Roxanne, those pants are the cutest!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
I prefer to shoot outside, too (that natural light is so much better) but this winter has been SO BAD so I’ve been forced to shoot in malls, hotels, etc, haha. At least we finally have more daylight!
Good for you for shooting so many looks! I’m lucky if I get just 2 in!
It takes some practice, but you get the hang of it!
Fascinating! Thanks for that look behind your process. I’m one of the lucky ones with a boyfriend photographer; I never knew there was so much planning when you’re working with a pro!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
That is super lucky. I’m teaching Dan to find his way around the camera – just so he knows the basics.
Great blog photo tips, these really are some of the best ways to get bag shots, I really like the faux fur coat!
~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com
Thanks, Sheree!
You’re like me, girlfriend- I batch shoot looks, too! It’s gotta be done; it would be crazy tough to shoot every single day. And I’ve totally mastered the changing in the car method, haha- although it SUCKS when it’s high summer and it’s about 1000 degrees outside, oy. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I don’t know how you change in the car – that takes skills! Changing in the summer heat sounds awful!
Great blog post ! I adore your look and your coat is super cute !
Nina
xox
Thank you, Nina!
Lovely tips dear! And you look fab as always! Love the faux fur coat, really makes the vibrant color of your pants pop! The nude heels are really gorgeous too.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much, Jess. I love these nude heels because they go with everything.
Love the blog photo tips =)
-mainou
http://www.looksbymc.com
Thank you, Mainou!
I hate when people stare at my while we do my pics! 4 years later and I still feel so silly 🙂
Love this cozy coat on you!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Thank you, Shauna! Do people ever ask you if you are famous? Haha!
This outfit is so cute and your schedule is so organized!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
Aw thanks, Jen!
WOW Roxanne this is so eye-opening. I do want to hire a photographer at some point and maybe use them 2-3 times a month for a few outfit shoots each time. For now I shoot my photos by myself at home or around my home but I use a decent camera. Your photos and shoots always turn out great.
I love how fun, different and unexpected this outfit is. I see how you used Spring, Winter and Summer pieces to create a chic and modern look. Great pants and coat!
Thank you, Ada! I have so much respect for ladies who take their own photos and edit them all. I’ve been there, so I get it. I love your photos, though. I think you could teach us all a course in posing!
I love this. It is really time consuming to plan and shoot the looks. I don’t have a photographer so I do it all myself! It probably takes longer, but I do enjoy the photography aspect of it!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thanks, Ruth! You do such a good job!
That was interesting to know all the planning and prep that goes into those beautiful photos- YOu are very organized!! Good Job!!
I make it seem like I’m organized, but you should see the mess of my bed as I’m exchanging accessories in and out, haha!
Ahah, I was wondering if you were gonna mention the weird places where you’ve changed clothes! It’s the most annoying thing about being a style blogger. I used to have a style blog and have some very interesting stories about changing clothes in weird places and very public wardrobe malfunctions. It’s part of the job!
http://www.lambassadrice.com/
Hahha, yes! It totally is part of the job! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
It’s interesting to see how other bloggers do photo shoots! My husband does mine in our yard, but otherwise it’s about the same! On the weekends, lay out outfits the night before and spend a little extra time on makeup and hair! We try to do ours when the girls are napping. It makes things so much easier!
I’m happy you agree, Laura! You’re a professional by now!
great to have an insight, you sound very professional, I seem to be the total opposite most of the time. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely seeing Jodie featured, I love reading her blog post.
I have just started a weekly linkup and would love you to join. #chicandstylish happens on every Thursday over at Mummabstylish.com
Jacqui x
Thanks, Jacqui! It sounds professional but it is really just another routine! I’ll definitely check out your new link up this week!
This is a fun post! I take my own photos and do several outfits at one time too. I agree that I am not in the mood to be photo ready every day! Beautiful outfit and Happy Monday!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Your photos are always gorgeous! I love hearing about how other ladies shoot their outfits.
Oh my goodness, your life sounds so glamorous to me. Thanks for sharing your routine with all of us. I honestly find it super awkward when people are around to see the pictures being taken, which is done mostly by my husband. I am glad to hear that I am not the only person who finds it a little strange. Have a wonderful week!
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Hahaha it is still totally awkward, but it is part of the job I guess! When my husband takes my photos I think he is more embarrassed than I am!
What a fabulous surprise to find your feature, Roxanne…thanks for the showcase!!
Luckily we are down to only taking 2 photos each time we get together….although I have some weeks with 3 coming up. It is somewhat exhausting, but I make sure to try thing on before hand too!!!
Sometimes we’ve even planned where to take photos beforehand, but that’s so hard. We’ve totally lucked out with some great murals on pot shops on the way to dinner…ha ha!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
HAHA of course you fabulous Colorado ladies take photos in front of pot shop murals! I love how your photos always turn out!
Thanks for sharing, I am that rare bird that shoots daily and always on a tripod with a timer. I have always wanted to try a photographer but normally feel most comfortable on my own. On vacations I do have that Instagram hubby that steps up
I like how you document your daily outfits – it feels so natural! I get bashful by myself with the tripod on the sidewalk, but perhaps I’ll try it out some day. I’m mostly afraid of someone running up and snatching my gear!
haha, I am a blogger who takes pics every day, I think spending a few hours getting dressed, changing and posing for photos sounds more exhausting! I don’t know how you do it! I can’t be that organised, hehe!
I do take all my photos myself with a tripod though, so they are definitely not the same quality or quantity as professional photo shoots, but I have a little routine and find snapping a pic so easy now, I’ve been doing it for over 6 years!
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you have had a great weekend! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
That’s amazing, Mica! I think that it is cool that we all have different styles and ways we accomplish our photo-taking. You’re certainly a pro by now!
Roxanne, this is one of my favorite outfits ever of yours! That coat is life itself! I tend to only shoot one outfit at a time. Not every day, but on days that I am going to shoot one, I get dressed and head out with my husband or my BFF with my iPhone and snap some photos, then I get on with my day! Perhaps one day I will become more professional but I’ve got to work with the resources I have for now! By the way, speaking of toothpaste and routines…I brush my teeth in the shower..that way I can make as a big of a mess as I want without the mess! Ha. I hope you enjoyed that little bit of info about me (I guess we are both weirdos!).
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I like hearing about your photo routine! Sounds like we both like to get it over with in the morning. Thanks for the sweet compliment on the coat! I call it my sheep coat, haha.
I used to keep my toothbrush in the shower, too! I use an electric toothbrush now, though, so that trick doesn’t work anymore. Hooray for weirdos!
Your coat is so nice and fluffy! It pairs perfectly well with your burgundy pants which I love the tie detail btw! Yes photo shoots can be daunting at times. I have my hubby take my pictures or with a tripod and it’s challenging if I am not ready with an outfit or had a scheduled the shoot because then I am at the mercy of hubs schedule. It’s time consuming and posing doesn’t come naturally to me. Most of my poses are the same! Lol ????
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thanks, Maureen! Posing is really hard!
It’s always interesting to har how other fashion bloggers ‘do it’. I tend to grab my husband or daughter often on the way to a occasion when I’m already dressed up! You look amazing in these photos!! x
Thanks, Maria! I love taking photos when I’m already dressed up!