Simple Photography Tips for Bloggers (Indoor Photos)

I still consider myself as an amateur because I know I have a lot to learn. However, I love the progress I have made in the past 3 years since I started taking photography serious. My baby (Canon 600D DSLR Camera) will be two years in March 2016 and it is indeed one of the best things I have ever purchased in my life. I know I promised to talk about how I edit my photos and I will do so soon. I want it to be really detailed so I am taking my good time. Meanwhile, you can catch up on all my Photography Posts and Blogging Tips on here if you fancy. Today, I will be sharing some simple tips I have learnt about photography especially indoor photography for blogging/beauty products. If you have any other tips, do leave them below so we can all learn. Some of these tips are specific to a DSLR camera and others are just general tips..

1.  I am sure everyone is sick of hearing this one but Lighting is key. Any photographer who knows his art will tell you the same. Lighting can make such a huge difference in the quality of your photo and it does not matter what equipment you have. Good Lighting + Regular Camera can produce Amazing shots and Bad Lighting +DSLR/Expensive camera can result in Terrible shots/images. I am a huge fan of natural lighting and will always choose it over artificial lighting. I have one studio light and a small LED light which I use during A/W and I can always tell the difference in the quality (and I am sure you can sometimes too!!)

2. When you are using natural light, ensure that you take your photos when the sun is mild (around 10am or 11am or when it is not blazing). If you take your photos when the sun is blazing hot and directly shining into your room, it may cast annoying shadows and mess about with your images.

3. If you have no choice and you have to take your photos with the blazing sun, use a light curtain or white light cloth to diffuse the light from the window. This would help get rid of any unflattering shadows on your final image and give a soft natural look to your photos.

4. Always switch off your indoor bulbs because they cast an annoying yellowish tint to your final image. I know it is very hard to switch off the light and use natural lighting but you can always brighten the image post processing. If you own a 50 mm lens, you won’t have any problem as you can increase the ISO or mess about with the Aperture to allow more light. I do have to say the yellow lights do look quite flattering in some photos like Event Photos but then those are different quality to the ones people have in their houses. If you have Daylight Bulbs, I don't think they should interfere too much.

5. In order to create a stunning image, capture your images at different angles especially ones that the human eye is not used to. Why do you think Flat Lay photos are so attractive no matter how popular they have now become? It is simply because it is taken from a Bird’s Eye view which is totally different from the human eye view so it always catches our attention. Don’t be afraid to try different angles and positions when taking photos. If you ever saw me taking my blog photos, you would probably burst out in a hysterical laugh. I am usually kneeling on the floor, standing on my chair or sometimes table. Other times, I just sit on the floor so I can get a different view of the image. It always makes a difference, Trust Me.

6. Take a few shots of each angle and you can delete them just before you edit or transfer them to your computer. I always take multiple shots and delete them just before I edit them. Sometimes, you may not notice something is off on an image but if you have another shot, you can save the day.

7. In the same vein, don’t take away your picture setting/background until you are satisfied with all the shots you have taken (after viewing on your computer). I can’t even count how many times I have had to redo my background because some pictures turned out terrible. It’s really annoying and it’s all done to me being impatient.

 

8. Always give your lens (regular camera, DSLR or iPhone) a good clean before you start taking photos because it may produce really dodgy images if you leave it dirty. Don’t use your sleeve to clean your DSLR lens or any lens at all…that’s not cool!! *inserts rolling eyes emoji*

9. If you have time, ensure you check the images on the computer as opposed to the camera’s LCD. This is because the LCD is such a small screen and it may be difficult to detect some errors such as blur, noise, etc. I have been sat on my bed feeling very satisfied after a photo session only to open them on my computer and see some slightly blurry images. I usually check them out quickly on my computer before I dismantle my setting.

10. If you own a camera that is heavy and you are getting blurry images, try and invest in a tripod as it would prevent this. There are really cheap and I purchased mine for £13 in 2011/12 and it's going strong. If you don't have a tripod, you can also lean/balance your camera closer to your body to prevent your camera from moving/shaking which usually causes blurriness.

11. If you own a camera that has a flip screen, make ample use of it. I cannot even imagine using my camera without it because it helps me get the oddest angles ever. I use it for swatches, event photography (I raise my camera high above my head and tit the screen downwards so I can see). It is also really useful for flat lay photos!!

12. Photography is so much fun and it is really what you make of it. Don’t feel intimidated by people’s photos. You have something special to bring to the table. Your setting is different and your lighting is different so your photos may have their own unique beauty. Just have fun and look for ways to improve. That’s pretty much all my little tips for taking photos.  I do have other tips but I don't want this post to be super long. If you like these kinds of post, do let me know in the comments box. I am always keen to learn new things so please leave more helpful tips in the comment box so we can all learn. Thanks for all your lovely comments about my photos; I really do appreciate them…xx

Tips on advertising with other Bloggers

I was always intrigued by the little sidebar adverts on some blogs showcasing smaller or lesser known bloggers. I think it's such a good idea especially when it is affordable. I have advertised a few times with some bloggers when I first started out blogging. Some bloggers prefer to just give shout outs (free of charge, I think) to bloggers  they love (sometimes they also talk about lesser popular blogs) on Instagram or their blogs which I think is such a brilliant way to support each other. Still, some bloggers do prefer to pay for side bar adverts which is kept on a blog for a longer period (like a month) . I thought it would be useful to talk about some tips on what to look out for before you advertise on a blog.


Before I ever advertised on any blog, I did some research on these blogs that were offering advert slots. It was not difficult at all because I was already following (and loved) these bloggers so I kind of knew what to expect.  However, there are some things to look out for before taking the plunge which goes beyond how much you love the blog. I have not advertised with bloggers in over 2 years or so but I really think it is a good way for gaining exposure especially if you are just starting out. I don't think advertising on other bloggers' sites are as popular as it used to be a few years ago. However, people still use this method to gain exposure. I hope you find this post useful and I am keen to hear your experiences on advertising on other blogs (if you have). Right, let's get started.

What do you want to achieve from advertising?

I know it seems pretty straightforward; you want to create more awareness about your blog. However, people want different things from advertising but they all come down to increasing exposure to your blog. Some people may want exposure on a wider platform; others may want more readers. Some people may also want an increase in page views or monthly views as a result of this exposure and the list goes on. For me, I wanted more people to find my blog and I knew advertising on a well known blogger’s platform/website was one way to do so among other ways. Once you establish what you want to achieve from advertising, it is easier to look for a suitable blog to advertise your blog on. I think it is super important to know what you want to achieve as that would influence what blog you choose to advertise on. For example, if you just want a wider reach, you may choose to advertise on a popular blogger's website  bearing in mind that this blogger may not necessarily update often. 

What is being offered?

Most bloggers offer various packages for advertising depending on what you are prepared to pay for. They range from small packages to large packages and they have varied costs as expected. Most bloggers will ask for a small clickable widget/image to be placed on their sidebar so readers can click through to your blog. Some bloggers will also include a mention (it may be rotated) within their blog posts for the month and some may include shout outs on their social media pages. At the end of the month, some bloggers also do a round up of their advertisers which I think is really good. If you choose a large or exclusive package, it may mean that you get the chance to do a spotlight interview (like a guest post) on the blogger’s website. These spotlight interviews usually give readers so much more than a glimpse into your blog and personality and it's a good way to get more exposure.  Other times, you may have a post written by the blogger about your blog. I personally prefer the latter because it means the blogger has actually taken the time to read my blog and may genuinely like it so it does not seem like an advert. Whatever is on offer, I think it is important that it matches or at least closely matches what you want to achieve.

Does the cost of the advertising slot match with your budget?
I think this is one defining factor for advertising and it is super important to choose a package that suits your budget. The first time I advertised, I only paid £5 and it was absolutely worth it. I had a small slot on the side bar of a popular blogger's website and I got increased page views, etc. She also did a #FF on Twitter which sent some new followers my way which was lovely. More often than not, the larger packages cost more but you also get more for your buck. I always suggest starting out small and see how it affects what your initial goals were. If it was useful, then you can always advertise again. Some bloggers' advert slots go really fast but don’t fret as I think it’s good when you space out your advertising with a few months or so just to measure the impact it has had on your blog (and people won't get bored)

How frequently does the blogger post?

The truth is I prefer to advertise with bloggers who post frequently. I once advertised with a blogger who only posted around 4-5 times a month which I thought was a little annoying, to be honest. Mind you, she posted regularly before she announced she was accepting adverts. It's possible something happened but she seemed fine as she was posting frequently on Instagram so I think she was fine. I am not sure what happened there but I feel if you are offering advertising slots to other bloggers, then you should take the time to publish frequently. You don’t have to post everyday but I think it is important to let your advertisers know how frequently you will be posting to manage their expectations. That's why it is super important to also ask blogger's questions on what you would be getting with the offer and how frequently they plan to post.



Do you plan to update your blog frequently during this period?
It works in the same vein for both the blogger offering advert slots and the blogger placing advert slots. I think it is so important to ensure that your post is regularly updated (not everyday per say but a little more than you normally would do) if you are going to be advertising on another blog. I have clicked through to many blogs advertised on other bloggers' websites and these blogs have not been updated for weeks. I am not usually compelled to follow them but if they are outstanding, I still would. I think it's a good time to make your blog as presentable as possible with new content ensuring your site is easy to navigate in preparation for new visitors. Remember, first impressions always counts.

Would the blogger help with your logo/clickable image for the advert?

I know this is so petty but not everyone can make a logo or clickable link. I don’t have a problem making them as they are really easy and there are tons of tutorials on how to make them. However, some people may struggle with making them. If you can’t be bothered learning to make them, then you need to be on the lookout for bloggers offering advertising slots who are also willing to help out with the advert widget.  Most bloggers I have advertised with have offered to help me make a nice clickable image which was great. They usually tell you what the best dimension for their side bar is (mostly 200 x 200 or 250 x 250). If a blogger says they can help with this, they get on my good books immediately.

Evaluate and Monitor

This is obviously what you do at the end of the advertising period; usually one month. It’s time to see how useful the advertising was and the impact on your blog stats. You need to see how much your goals and objectives were achieved (I know that sounds serious but you paid for it and need to evaluate any returns on investment). It’s important to check your blog stats to see the degree of referrals that came from the site you advertised on. You can also check to see if your page views increased at any point during the advertising period and if your followers count increased. This is important for you to determine if advertising on blogs is a good fit for your blog. It is also nice to thank the blogger you advertised on their site, etc even if you paid for it. I always do that because some bloggers go above and beyond.

Overall Thoughts
That’s really it. I am pretty sure I may have missed out on some points but if you have any suggestions and comments,  please leave them below. Advertising on other bloggers’ websites is a good way to increase exposure on your blog but remember it is not the only way. I hope you found this post useful and I will catch you in my next post....xx

How to stick to a Spending Ban

I usually go on a spending ban when my budget becomes tight, when I need to save for something or when I just have too much stuff and it's getting ridiculous. I do try to keep to it but social media is a crazy influencer particularly Instagram which is super visual. Whatever the reason is, it should be a strong one so you can keep to your spending ban. In January, I find it difficult to stick to my plan and on the other hand, I find it easy and I would tell you why. It is easy because if you are broke, there is no need for a spending ban and believe me, January can leave you broke. However, it is also difficult to stick to because they are too many tempting offers. Regardless of the month, I have some tried and tested tips that work for me and I would like to share them with you all. I would also love to read any tips you may have. Majority of these tips are just common sense really but as one of my managers would say, "common sense is never really common".

 

1. Temporarily unsubscribe from “tempting” retailer emails: I have to say I am one of those people that click through from an email straight to purchase a product. I am sure people who control various brands' newsletters would love me for that and I am usually tempted if there is a discount or an offer. It is good in a way because I usually get good deals early and make tiny savings. However, it is very counter productive for a spending ban. I use a service called Unroll Me and I can’t remember where I first heard about it but I have not looked back since. It’s amazing as I just add all the tempting retailers to the list and that way, I don’t see their emails for a limited period. I find it very handy to use as opposed to completely unsubscribing from these retailers. You can also use it for spammy emails and leave them there permanently. The best part is that you can remove your precious retailers from the unroll me list after your spending ban is over, so you can get emails again from them. It’s pretty genius and I love it.

2. Resist Window Shopping: I already mentioned in another post that I am quite good at window shopping and if I make up my mind not to spend, I won’t. However, window shopping is not the best in January/February because you would definitely find one or more deals. It may even be a deal that you were eyeing before Christmas which is now available at a ridiculously cheap price. It is best to avoid window shopping and wandering aimlessly along the shopping centre because you would be tempted. I even find Grocery stores' beauty aisles super tempting these days especially M&S, Sainsbury's and Tesco as they have amazing beauty aisles. I just pop into grocery stores with a food shopping list, stick to it and not meander to any beauty aisles. I just keep it moving...

3. Have a strong reason for the spending ban: I think this applies to so many things in life. If you want to lose weight and your reason is a strong one (e.g. health related), you would be very motivated because you can envision the end goal. It applies in a similar way to a spending ban. It is more realistic to stick to a spending ban if your reason is a strong one. For example, let's say I was saving to buy a house, I know the amount of happiness a house would bring me would be much more than any stash of makeup. That alone would be my motivation. It could be anything really but ensure it is something that would help you stick to your spending ban and achieving your end goal.

4. Try and Sleep Early:  I am sure you are wondering what has that got to do with anything? Well, it has to do a lot!! First off, many people do late night online shopping because they are awake and bored. When you are bored, it is the worst time to go shopping because you are not focused and you'd spend more. It’s even worse being bored at night and not being able to sleep as shopping online may seem like the next best thing. Don’t do it; it never ends well and you may find yourself breaking the spending ban. I try my best to sleep early but if I don't, I am not browsing shopping sites even when I have just spied an amazing product on Instagram or blog.

5. Make a wish list instead of checking out: If I am on a spending ban, I make a wish list and populate it with products I am lusting after. Every week, I add and remove products and I know that any product that stays in that list is one I really want. I don't dwell on the shopping list and start pondering what product needs to make it to the basket. Instead, I just just add the products in there and exit.  I know that sounds super dramatic but it is so necessary. If you start looking at your wish list, you may search out on the internet for one or two products and the rest is history because a purchase will be made.


6. Shop your Stash: Granted, I do have quite a lot of beauty products which I have purchased myself and some were gifted to me by brands and PRs. Still, it does not stop me from trying to buy more which is why I go on spending bans. I only recently started fully shopping my stash and it is an amazing experience!! All I do is just rearrange and rotate the products in my Muji drawers and it's always an interesting task for me. I always find old favourites, start using them again and wonder why I left them in the first place. There is a satisfaction you get that is almost similar to shopping and it's a perfect way to stick to your spending ban.

6. Forgive yourself if you mess up: I am sure many people would raise their hands and say they mess up when they start something new especially a spending ban. It is possible to slip up and make a purchase. First off, move past it and don’t be tempted to postpone your spending ban. The good thing is you can always return an item so there is no excuse. If you have ordered it, you can always return it but don’t beat yourself up too much about failing. I know it may be difficult  to return some items. It is easy when you have not used these products (beauty products) and clothing is so much easier to return. I actually hate returning things because I cannot deal with the hassle and stress which is why I try not to tempt myself by checking out shopping sites.

6. Give yourself a nice reward ONLY if you are successful: I think the best part of being on a spending ban is knowing you can reward yourself. I only reward myself if I have kept to my spending ban completely. This makes me feel much more disciplined. For example, I am going to reward myself with a NARS Foundation (or two) when I am done with my spending ban. The problem with rewarding yourself is that you may go crazy. If you do, it may defeat the purpose of the entire spending ban. It's best to just treat yourself within reasonable limits or whatever you think is best for you.


I hope you found these tips useful and do share with me what tips you have tested and tried for sticking to a spending ban. I go on spending bans every now and then and I do like the experience when I succeed. It makes you feel like you can exhibit a lot of self control which is always inspiring. That's pretty much it!! Let me know in the comment box, you top spending ban tips....xx

Blogging Tips- How to get invites to Blogger/Brand Events

I get quite a few questions on how to get invites to blogger events organised by brands and PRs. I don't really think there is any set way to attend them per say but I have been to a few events via different ways. I thought it would be useful to share some tips or pointers which may help you if you are interested in attending events. I really do enjoy attending events especially events in the evenings. They are just like my little socialising events because I do have a pretty busy boring life (I am not complaining at all). I think this year especially after Summer has definitely been the year that I have attended the most events. Let me just put it out there- I am not in any way saying I am a pro in attending blogger events. Not at all; I have only attended a few compared to other bloggers. Take these tips as tips from a newbie so let's get rolling...

Fashion and Beauty Brands
If you have worked directly with a brand especially if it is a big brand, there is a high chance that they would invite you when they have an event. A good number of events I have attended have been directly organised by the brands themselves. I have never had to ask but it does not hurt to let the brands know (if they have already emailed for other opportunities) that you are happy to attend a launch or blogger event. Sometimes, brands may not know you are available to attend events if you don't tell them so it is very useful to let them know your availability for future events. Some brands I have worked with have linked me up with their PR agencies which is always a good thing as you get more contacts. Another factor for getting invites  is location. Many events take place in London so if you don't live in London, it may be palaver getting down here. However, if you know you are going to be in London in advance, you can email your contact and let them know so they can keep you in the loop about any events. It may be a little expensive but I hear some brands are willing to cover transportation costs. It's never been an issue for me as I live in London and the venues are quite central and easy to find.




PR Agencies
Many beauty events, press launches and blogger events are organised by PR agencies that take care of these brands. I would say more than half of the events I attend are organised by PR agencies and they are always so amazing. I work closely with a few PR agencies who are so kind to send me invites to the events you see on my blog. The good thing is most PR agencies take care of other brands so there is a high chance of getting invites to events where you have not worked with the brands previously. I love discovering new brands and attending events is such a good way to learn more about them and see their products in real life as opposed to online. I am not sure if people approach PR agencies directly to ask to attend events but I don't see any harm in it as far as you remain professional as always.



Affiliate Networking
There are so many Affiliate Networks out there and for a long time I never really understood how they worked. However, I decided to join a popular one called Rakuten (formerly known as Linkshare) and I have to say there are one of the best I have come across. Within a few weeks of joining, they invited me and other bloggers to learn how to optimise the way we use it. I was really impressed because it just showed they care about their bloggers. They take care of many amazing brands and one of the perks of joining them is getting invites to incredible events. I even attended their annual symposium where I networked with other brands and bloggers. They are also so friendly and I have loved working with them.

Fashion and Beauty Monitor Website// Link
You cannot even imagine how late I am on discovering Fashion and Beauty Monitor. I only discovered them this year and it is truly what any blogger needs if you want to network with brands and bloggers. The only catch is it is not a free service; you do have to pay to access the full wesbite (there is a regular website but it does not show events, brand contacts, etc). I am not currently subscribed to it but I was given a one-day access to test it. After my experience, I know it's definitely a service I would subscribe to in the future. The good thing is I think they can kindly list your blog (they offered to do so but I think you can ask them nicely) on their blogger database so brands can contact you. The website lists all events that are taking place at least in the nearest month with contact details of the organisers so you can email them if you want. If you love to attend events or want to build your network and relationship with brands, you would adore this site. I can't remember now but I think when I had the one-day access, I was automatically signed up for their newsletter. These newsletters also show upcoming events but there are usually a few days in advance or at most a week. Sometimes, the contact details of the organisers are included so you can ask to attend (I have never attended an event via this way but I am sure it's possible). The only thing is the newsletter shows events with a short notice so the events may already be full  when you email to ask to attend. Sometimes the events may be embargoed or the organiser's contact details are not included so this may not be possible. However, I love to receive their newsletters as it gives such good information about what's happening in the beauty world. I really highly recommend them.



Brand and PR Agencies' Twitter and Facebook Pages
I do follow the social media channels of brands because I love to be kept informed. It is such an easy way to find out about events because brands will usually tweet about the event beforehand. I understand that sometimes they may tweet a few hours before the event starts, however,  I don't think it hurts to email/tweet them to see if you can attend. I have seen some tweets from some brands actually calling on bloggers to attend an event they are hosting. Even if you are not able to attend a particular event, the brands/PR agencies will have your contact details and can email you for future events. I have not attended any event via this way but I have heard many bloggers can get to attend events by this method.

 

Bloggers Groups on Facebook
I saved one of the easiest ways for the last and it is utilising the resources created by some amazing bloggers. My favourite Facebook Groups are Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle and UK Bloggers because I have learned a lot from other bloggers on there. Many brands and PRs often come on these Facebook pages to post about events which is awesome. They usually leave an email address for bloggers to RSVP or they ask bloggers to post their links/emails below the brand/PR's post. I have not attended any event through this way but I know quite a few bloggers who have attended events this way. There are also events organised by bloggers themseleves which is absolutely amazing because you get to network with many bloggers.



Good Content and Photography
I don't know if this is a tip or an advice but I find that brands will invite you to event if they like your content and photos. I have had invites to some events recently where I have never worked with the brands before. I am not sure how they found me or my blog but I think it may just be a Google search, Instagram ,Twitter, etc. Maybe my details were shared with them by other PRs; I would never know but I don't mind at all. I am quite flattered whenever I get these kinds of invites and it makes me want to work harder on my content. It goes without saying that your contact email should be very visible on your social media channels and blog so people can reach you easily.

Other important tips

I would not classify these as tips but I think it's good practice and shows professionalism.

1. If you get an invite to attend an event, always thank the organisers and do let them know if you can or can't attend.

2. If you are unable to attend an event, it is always professional to let the organisers know in advance if you can help it. Sometimes, it may allow them invite a fellow blogger in your place so it's good to keep them informed.

3. It is always lovely to talk about or share highlights of an event on any of your social media channels like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or just blogging about it.

4. I hear a few brands/PR agencies ask bloggers to blog about an event as a condition for attending an event. I have never been asked to even talk about an event on any of my social media channels how much more on my blog. I would definitely turn down such an invite in a heartbeat. I usually blog about events I have enjoyed so it has not been a problem at all.

5. Always thank the event organisers after an event; it's just good manners. I am sure many people do this already and it does not necessarily have to be an email; it could be a tweet/IG post, etc.

6. If you do post about an event, do tag the organisers and send them a link if possible. I know many brands love this and will always keep you in the loop for future events.

7. If you review a product or mention a product that was in a goody bag, do email the brand/organisers who sent it to you or tag them on your social media channels. That's a good way for them to know you like their brand and be fresh on their data base. Of course, it's also not compulsory to blog about products in a goody bag but if you have enjoyed it, why not?

8. If it's your first event and you are looking for other bloggers attending an event, check the organiser's Twitter to see if they are replies from other bloggers about the event. If not, you can always ask on Twitter.

9. If there is a hashtag for the event, remember to use it so your social media shares can be found and probably retweeted by the brand/organisers.

Overall Thoughts
I do hope you enjoyed these tips and I absolutely enjoyed writing them up. They have been sat in my draft for a little while now because I get questions/emails from other bloggers around this topic. I have a link here and here to some events I have attended which you can check out if you fancy.  I have enjoyed many of the events I have attended and I usually blog about them. I don't think it is compulsory to blog about all events you attend but I do blog about the ones I have enjoyed. You all know I love to take photos and I am slowly building my portfolio so that's why I take a lot of photos at events. I also post them on here to have varied content on the blog and I know some of you enjoy it. I have four more event posts (three more to attend)  before the year runs out so watch out for them. I actually have an amazing one I am attending today and I am really excited.That's pretty much all my tips for today. If you have any more tips, please feel free to add them in the comment box and your link if you have done a similar post. Have you been invited to an event recently?