Behind a blog photo

Behind a blog photo or a photo for instagram there can be a lot of work. I didn't use to plan my photos a lot, but now I do, especially for the blog, sometimes for my instagram. I have written a post about background and props ideas here: ... Now to the actual work behind it. 
First it's all about the topic, theme, title, book etc. Then I usually like to collected things connected to the theme, maybe make something, get some matching flowers etc.  This is the example of my summer lipstick post. I found a great card to go with it, decided to add some kisses on a white piece of paper, of course gather all the lipsticks and then think about the background. I didn't want to go with just white tiles, so I added my marble papers. 

Afterwards it's about arranging the backgrounds and all the props. I always have to move them around several times until I'm happy with it. Lighting plays an important role as well. When the sun is shining outside it's much easier to take photos. Then there is your shadow, make sure it's not in your picture and be careful with reflections. I usually take my pictures on the phone, I think the result is very good and it's easier for me. I use my camera from time to time, when my phone is on the picture or for other reasons. I'm not a big photography pro, so I didn't even know what my camera can really do. 

Having found the right arrangement I start taking the pictures. Here I did it with all the lipsticks first and then I put them in groups. I also took one, where they were closed and one where they were open to actually see the colours. 

Depending on the type of blog post or topic you need different perspectives, sides etc. In this example I also watched the lipsticks. I used a different background here. 

That was the actual part of taking pictures. Then I load them onto my computer, which is easy with my phone, because iCloud does it for me. Afterwards, I start editing the photos: cutting them to the right size/detail, changing the light, turning them etc. I also pic the main photo, duplicate it and add a title on it to put on top of my blog post and also to share in Twitter/Facebook etc. 

I'm sure other blogger put a lot more work behind their pictures, but I'm really happy the way I do it. How do you do it?

Props and backgrounds for blog/Instagram photos

Summer is great for blog photos! The sun is shining and it’s light for a really long time. I started taking pictures of the books I read from the start, always using different props. Preferably some, which have a connection to the books. In the beginning I didn’t care about the lighting, now I do, but I am definitely not a pro at it and in the end I just have to be happy with the actual picture. Now I also take lots of pictures for my blog posts and Instagram and always try to be creative. Props and different backgrounds really help to make photos unique.

Background ideas:

-       Blankets

-       Pillows

-       Clothes

-       Scarfs

-       Books, Notebooks

-       Newspaper

-       Wrapping paper

-       Floors

-       Grass

-       Ground (Street)

-       Walls

-       Paper

-       Tables

-       Trays

-       Plates

-       Tiles

Props:

-       Books, newspapers, magazines, programmes

-       Laptops, phone, iPad, kindle, camera, headphones

-       Glasses, sunglasses

-       Scarfs, socks, bras, bikinis etc.

-       Food

-       Drinks

-       Notebooks, planners

-       Postcards, cards, photos, pictures, posters

-       Jewellery

-       Beauty products

-       Bags

-       Mugs, cups, glasses, bottles

-       Signs, quotes

-       Key chains

-       Flowers, Plants

-       Decor objects (sea shells etc.)

-       Straws, stickers

-       Bookmarks

-       Light chains, light box

-       Magnets

-       Paper clips, scissors, pins etc.

-       Pens, pencils, markers etc.

-       Chalk boards,

-       Boxes, pencil cases

-       Passports, maps, luggage tag

-       Balls, pucks etc.

-       Souvenirs (snow glob etc.)

-       Candles

-       Threads, strings

-       Washy tape

-       Frames, vases, trays

-       Confetti

-       Home ware stuff

So these were some ideas (or a lot), I hope this gives you inspiration :). All my other pictures are taken outside, so obviously exploring and traveling are very important too. 

8 Photos of Happiness

I found this wonderful tag on Jenny’s blog: Jenny in Neverland, ‘8 Photos of Happiness’. I think it’s a beautiful and inspirational idea with an emotional and personal touch. A simple way to describe what’s important in your life. Just 8 photos with a short description of why it was a happy moment. So simple but effective and sometime, photos really do speak a thousand words.

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This tag was originally created by Ariel’s Little Corner of the Internet and the intention is simple. Share 8 photos that represent a moment, object, place or feeling that makes you happy. Then tag others to share their own photos! Here we go!!!

This has definitely been one of the happiest and best moments this year! In July I finally met up with my bestie Maryline in Berlin. We spent four fabulous days in Berlin, with lots of talking and fun! Miss you honey!!!

I'm a huge Musical fan and when we went to London over New Years one of my biggest dreams came true. Aaron Tveit is a big Broadway star and I loved him in the Lis Miserables movie. In London we went to see Assassins and he played Booth, he was amazing! I met him afterwards in the bar of the theatre, that was awesome!!!! He's so nice!!!

This photo shows Naples Pier, I have a lot of connections to this picture. Mostly it reminds me of Florida, this wonderful US state, the state I've spend three amazing at last April. Summer, sunshine, beach, shopping and more!!! Naples Pier has beautiful sunsets and lots of dolphins, I adore these animals. Florida really is like a second home to me, can't wait to go back!!!

It's me with Rebecca Raisin!!! Last March I went to London for my first author's event. I had a fabulous time meeting Rebecca and Karen Aldous, two amazing authors, but also some of my wonderful blogging friends. The event was so great, I hope I can go to many more. That's not so easy, but I love London, so... ;)

This moment marked the beginning of the school year last summer. It was also the beginning of my journey as a teacher. I've had a great first year at the bilingual school teaching 5th and 6th grade. I love my job and I'm happy I made the decision to change from kindergarden level to primary school, cause now I can teach the 10-12 year olds!

This picture shows my friendship with Aven Ellis. I'm forever grateful that I've met this amazing author through her books. Her stories are fab, wonderful romcoms and very special men, let's say they're all my book boyfriends. I have found a beautiful friend in Aven, I can share everything with her and we have so much fun together! Love you second mum <3

NHL Hockey!!! In Florida last April I went to say the NHL Playoff game between Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings, it was my second NHL game after seeing one in Vancouver five years ago. it was fab, both of them!!! I'm a big ice hockey fan and we have a local team in Zug, so I go to see the matches there. I love watching this sport, the NHL is more exciting of course, I hope I can make it next year again. 

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This picture was taken last year in Riga during the World Choir Games. It has several happy connection for me. First of all it shows my mum and me, she's my best friend, so I'm really happy to have her. And then the other part is the singing, I love being in that choir and music is a really important part of my life, I'd be really bored without it ;).