One of the questions I’m asked most often is about the kind of camera equipment I use. Before I get into it, I’d like to preface this post by saying you absolutely do not need expensive camera equipment in order to become a content creator. I started with my iPhone, and so many extremely successful content creators use iPhones to shoot pictures. I started with a basic DSLR model before upgrading slowly. Here’s a breakdown of what I currently use:
Camera Body
Nikon or Cannon. One of the strongest debates amongst photographers. I know friends who swear by Cannon, but I’ve always been a Nikon girl. I think the images are crisper and the colours brighter. I started with the Nikon D90 (which has been discontinued), before moving on to the D810 a year and a half back.
The Nikon D810 is certainly a heavy-duty camera. The files it produces are massive, and its capability is unmatched. But, if you’re looking to upgrade to a good DSLR model without breaking the bank, the D750 is also a great option.
Lenses
If you’re wondering how someone captures so much of a location in one frame, or how the background is beautifully blurred while the rest of the image remains so crisp, the answer lies in the lens.
Nikon 50mm: This is the lens I use for outfit shots/close-ups. A 50mm is a must-have in every blogger’s tool kit because of its ability to capture details.
Nikon 24-70mm: My go-to for travel pictures. This is a wide angle camera which is perfect for capturing the entirety of a location. If I post a DSLR shot on Instagram, it’s with this lens. It has a hefty pricetag, but is one of the best investments you can make. It’s ridiculously versatile, and captures so much.
Nikon 35mm: I like using this lens for food and product shots. It has the ability to zoom but not too much. It’s a really great in-between lens.
Filming Equipment
For the longest time, I put off creating video content because I wanted the best camera for it. This is a bullshit excuse, and I knew in my heart that I was procrastinating for no reason. The truth is, when you’re starting out, no one cares about the kind of camera you use. You just need to produce good content. Here’s what I use for videos
Samsung Galaxy S9: The camera on the Samsung S9 is on a league of its own. I don’t think a smartphone really compares to it. All my videos last year were shot on this phone. However, in December, I lost it in Paris, which was quite devastating.
Iphone 8: Since having lost my Samsung, I’ve been filming all videos on the iPhone 8. The quality is good enough, and honestly I have no complaints. That being said, now that I’ve been creating video content for a while, I’ll probably end up upgrading, but that decision isn’t reflective of iPhone video capability.
Ring Light: I use this ring light for all my Youtube videos. For all videos shot at home, I do feel like artificial light is necessary, especially on darker days. It helps everything look clearer and more professional. I ordered
Editing
Another FAQ: “what do you use to edit your pictures?”
My pictures are a mix of DSLR and iPhone shots, but I keep them looking consistent with my edits. I feel like editing is the most important element of pictures. It’s what makes even an iPhone image stand out. Here’s a breakdown:
Lightroom: I, like many other content creators, use Lightroom to edit my pictures. I created custom presets for my pictures instead of using another creator’s presets. If you’re new to Lightroom and want to master it, just play around and figure out your own preset recipe. But if you’re short on time, check out creators like Tezza, Find Us Lost, and Officially Quigley for presets. They’re so talented, and your pictures will definitely look professional. Keep in mind that when you’re purchasing presets, most are for raw files, so if you shoot JPEG or on iPhone, either purchase presets specifically for that, or see my recommendations below.
VSCO: A basic in every content creator’s toolkit. Even though I use a Lightroom preset, I slap on a VSCO preset (but like only at 10%), to give it a look of consistency. My favourites are J4, J5, J6 and A6.
Retouch: Have a random guy accidentally photobombing your picture? I got you covered. This app is the best thing in the world for easily removing unwanted things/people/whatever from your pictures.
StoryLuxe: For the Instagram images that look like 4 polaroids put together.
Unfold: Any stories I create that have a few frames + writing, I use Unfold. It comes with a bunch of presets, making it really easy to create pretty stories.
InDesign: For all collages, I use inDesign. I was trained in the Adobe Suite in Conde Nast College, and it’s one of the skills I’m most grateful to have. Check out Youtube videos to learn how to use inDesign – it’s not hard once you get the hang of it!
Let me know if you have any more questions about equipment/editing!
PS – if you enjoyed this post, check out my post on sponsored content and what Liketoknow.it is.