How to Shoot an Insta Worthy Photo Yourself
Some say I’m high maintenance, I wouldn’t disagree. So when it came to shooting content it wasn’t always so simple with me. I would bring the clothes I needed, scope out the backdrops, make sure lighting was good, among other essential steps. The main thing I needed though was a person (preferably Daniel, my brother or a BFF). Pretty much someone who wouldn’t mind taking 50 photos of the same exact thing in hopes that just one of them comes out to my liking. Once Covid hit I was really limiting who I saw (at least in the beginning) so shooting with friends ended & since my brother lives in Allentown he was out of the question. It left me with Daniel. The good — he’s honest & fast when shooting. The bad — he hates it & complains pretty much the entire time. So I was forced to look into other options for my daily content production. Ladies + gents, meet my newest pal, the tripod.
All of the photos below were taken by me & my handy dandy tripod.
This is the exact one I use. It was gifted to me by Gradus Group & I am forever grateful because let me tell you — it is soooo good. Things I love about it most:
sturdy (i’ve shot when it was windy af & it didn’t even quiver!)
adjustable (it’s as tall as 62.5 inches!)
heavy enough that it’s stable, but light enough to easily carry around (it’s like 3-4 pounds)
comes in a portable carrying case & folds down to only 16.5 inches
great for iPhone + DSLR/mirrorless thanks to the triple-action ball head
When it comes to shooting with this tripod I always take my handy dandy clicker. It’s so cheap, but so good. For $6 you get two (in case you lose one or want to keep one in your car & the other with the actual tripod — that’s what I do). It’s compatible with all smart phones using bluetooth. If you’d like a clicker that works with a serious camera this is what I use with my Canon. I am obsessed with my mirrorless camera & honestly wish I used it more! It is SO easy to use & the photo quality can’t be beat.
If you plan to shoot with your iPhone (or any smartphone) you’ll need an adapter. There are SO many out there & the amount of time I spend reading reviews/details/specs of the adapters was absurd. So trust me when I say this $7 one is the best. I’ve had it for almost 3 years & it still works perfectly holding my phone tightly & securely.
If you’re looking for a tripod, but not looking to spend $250 (trust me, I get it, it is pricey, but I promise the Oben is an incredible investment for your content) below are two less expensive ones. I can’t guarantee they’re as stable + great quality but if you want to start somewhere they’ll do!
Under $50 & recommended by one of my favorite bloggers, Josie Bullard
Lots of positive reviews & very inexpensive this Amazon Basics one makes the list
Is there a tripod you rely on daily/weekly? Share your go-to! And by the way, if you’re interested in an iPhone-only tripod this one will do the trick.
