So you like to write, take pictures and start your own blogity blog. Thing is, you don’t want to blow up your hard-earned money on some high-tech gadgets.
I started blogging two years ago, armed with a shitty casio exilim digicam that puts jaundice to absolute shame. Back then, I have no knowledge of editing tools. But I’ve always wanted to write, even if my writing style sucks. Too conversational, tweety bird whispered to moi. #whocares
Two years later, I’m still stingy. Much as I want to upgrade, frugal mind wins. <Shhhh…HubZilla is the opposite he likes finer things on gadgets, entertainment & whatnot> Just last week, I was at Best Buy deciding for the nth time if I want a new cam. Not even tax-free Navy Exchange convinced me. And yeah, I’m still Photoshop ignoramus. But if there’s a will, there’s a way.
Blogging on a budget like me? I hope these tips will help you.
1. Stick to your guns. As a blog follower myself, I like to read blogs that are passionately written. Unscripted, quirky, sarcastic, whatever your style is- keep it up. With that said, writing from the heart is free.
2. Camera is your bff. A blog without pictures is uhmmm boring. You don’t need to buy the most state- of- the-art cam there is (wish I can!). Point and shoot can be just as good, just play around with settings. I still use a nikon (coolpix p100); of course it’s not the best but it takes decent photos, in my opinion.
3. Creative lighting. I like to take photos under natural light but there are days when I simply can’t. Light box sounds too fancy for non-photographers like me but have you ever thought of making your own?
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| looking like a pro? |
Now the big reveal!
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| my DIY light box |
wtf? what the fact. it’s a recycled box mama! I cut the top portion of the box and covered it with a white wrapping material (can’t think of the exact term but that’s the one you use to protect your package in lieu of bubble wrap. You can replace it with white fabric though). I got the table lamp from Walmart for less than $20 and I use 40 watt- light. For simple editing i.e color adjustment, I rely on iPhoto.
4. Photoshop for dummies. There are tons of free editing tools online; picmonkey is a top favorite. It’s so easy to use. Drag and drop, how hard is that? You can adjust your crappy lighting, erase your mole or brand your photo. Here’s a sample…
If you want magazine- like layout, hop over to polyvore or beautysets. Let me warn you though, it can get very addicting!
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| I made this using polyvore |
5. Blogging platform. I started with blogspot, it’s free of course; then I thought dot com sounds more pro. At $10 a year, it’s a fair deal from blogger. There are plenty of choices, wordpress and tumblr to name a few. Choose which suits you best.
I’m no way a blogging expert; 2 years is like toddler phase in real world. But who knows, maybe in another 2 years, I’ll bite the bullet and splurge. Let’s see where blogging takes me. One thing I know, I blog for fun.
xo,
Kathryne
Wow.. I likes your idea using recycled box to make light box..! I wonder how peoples could get white background for their photos, and now I know the answer.. thank you 😀
I love it <3
Thanks so much! white paper does the trick 🙂 xo
This post is GREAT! I love your style! Old Nikon here too, two years old, but my pics are still not what I wish. But you are right, these cameras are great!
Your light box setup reveal is VERY HELPFUL to me so thank you again Kath! I need to make one this week, I tried with paper instead of material and well, fail!
I like your styles, blogging, writing and shopping! : D
Wow! comment like yours motivate me to think outside the box even more. Thanks so much for making me smile. Such a sweet thought!!! Let me know how it turned out for you. xoxo
very nice info!! 😀 this box diy is very helpful! i need it
visit my blog ^^
http://www.luchluchcraft.blogspot.com
Thanks much! Keep in touch
Nice!
Thanks mucho! xox
Yep, I'm with you. I'm frugal when it comes to all that and my hubby is the one who does the splurging. He's the one who surprised me with a new camera for last Christmas. I'd had my old Kodak easyshare for about 5 years before that! I have a DIY lightbox as well, followed the Beautezine tutorial and it rocked my world :). Great post, super helpful for newbies!
OMG we're the same. This old nikon was also a gift from Hub. It's funny coz 10 mins ago, he called me and said about looking at Best Buy again… Yay to your DIY! that's awesome!!
Hey.. I can reply you, so I make new comment here.. What should I use if I don't have those white wrapping material?
Thanks before 😀
try a white muslin fabric/cloth. The idea is to make the light from the lamp penetrate the box….
I had put away my light box but I wasn't putting my light up above it so I guess that's where I goofed up. After Thanksgiving I'll try again to see if I can get some good pictures.
Great post Kath.
Many thanks Marcia. I experimented different ways, so far this one requires little editing with brightness. Let me know how it turned out for you. Happy Thanksgiving!!xo
Superb can u tell me light shud b white or yellow? And how to remove all other spots aftr taking picture like how to edit it like pro.
Hi Anila, white light is always better. You can use picasa or picmonkey for editing.
Thankyou x