This is what no one tells you.  Behind all those big Instagram accounts and fancy blogs-  there is a really really really good photographer. We are so busy looking at the beautiful images of their homes,  their perfectly styled “shelfies”,  their gardens, their pets, or their children – that we completely forget that someone has to capture these images.

So while they may be sharing information with you or providing DIY advice, there is a lot of time, work and money that went into those images.  Yup. A lot of time, work and money. Good photography for social media is the most obvious thing but the least acknowledged or discussed thing.  It’s one of the most important skills that tends to get bowled over.

When I first thought about starting a blog and posting on Instagram, I completely under estimated the importance of photography. Initially, I thought I could use my iPhone. Ha. Silly girl. It looks me awhile to figure out why my photos just didn’t look the way that I wanted them to look.

Then, I started doing research.  A lot of research. I mean boat-loads of research.  This is what I learned:

1. Using a DSLR is mandatory. Now, you don’t have to use it ALL the time but you should be using it MOST of the time.  I have a lower level DSLR – it is a Nikon D5500.  Is it professional grade?  No.  Does it get the job done?  Yes.  Was it still ridiculously expensive? Yes.

2. Multiple lenses are mandatory.  At a minimum you need three.  A close-up lens or micro lens, one for standard shots (50 mm), and a wide angle lens so you can photograph an entire room.  Lenses generally start at $200 and they go up from there to thousands of dollars.  Refurbished lenses, which are less expensive, are my friend.

3. A good tripod is super important.  Tripods allow you to take photos that aren’t blurry, particularly in low light settings. Also crouching in awkward angles can get uncomfortable quickly. Kneeling on hardwood floors – at my age- definitely gets uncomfortable quickly.  Tripods are a saving grace. Thankfully a good tripod can be found for about $200.

4.Good photo editing software is a must.  Photos need to be straightened and cropped or otherwise enhanced.  Adobe Lightroom or similar software really helps with making your photos look the best they can be. Photo editing is bit like putting on lipstick and highlighting your hair.  You are still you- but these things just make you look and feel a bit better.

5. Practice makes perfect.  My photography is FAR from perfect.  I just continue to randomly push buttons on my camera, play with the lighting, switch out lenses, and change the settings.  In general, I am spending at least 3 -4 hours every week trying to take photos.  Let me tell you – I have a ton of very unimpressive photos. However, I notice that I am slowly getting more and more photos that I don’t have to delete.   Hey, that’s progress!

When I am taking photos, I am always trying to capture the “feel” of an item.  Antiques and vintage items have such personality and it usually shows up with patina or rust or flaking paint or worn areas.  Capturing these details conveys an items personality. Sometimes, it is the imperfections of a piece that gives it the most charm and makes it so unique.

This is why good photography is so important.  I can’t share with you my thoughts, ideas, finds, and DIYs if I can’t capture good photos. So with that, I wanted to share with you the 5 points above.  Believe me, if I can learn to take photos then you can definitely learn to take photos.

Thank you for stopping by the blog today.  I truly appreciate that you take time out of your day to read this.  My goal is to share information that you find useful and inspiring. Hopefully, this post made your life a wee bit