Advice to Bloggers who have Nothing (So They Say)
From the Desk of JayChantelle
After listening to a podcast while at work, the topic of discussion was about creating dope content for your blog and social media. While listening to their dialogue, I was at my desk talking back to the podcast as if I were in the interview myself, LOL. Crazy, right!? Here's a visual - imagine yourself or someone you know yelling at the television in the event where it causes you to do so. That is exactly what I was doing. I am pretty sure people at my job questions why I always randomly shout out, "yeah girl, umm hmm or I know that's right!" 99.9% of the time is because of this very reason.
Okay, now that you have the visual, I want to give you my "grand rounds" of creating content for your blog, brand, website, social media, etc. One thing I can attest to is that when I began my journey of blogging, all I had was my MacBook and my iPhone. Let's rewind to 2013 - I was in the midst of creating makeup tutorials for my YouTube channel, and I had all of my unfinished content either on my digital camera or laptop until someone broke into my apartment and stole everything, including my laptop and camera. Even though my laptop and camera could be replaced, my unpublished content couldn't. During that time, I was discouraged because I had NOTHING to use to create content.
If I would have known then what I know now, I would probably be further along in my career as a blogger. However, I am thankful for the process. So you must ask yourself, as a blogger, do you feel as you do not have all of the expensive equipment to use for creating dope content? If you answered no, then this post is for you.
Here's my advice.
You have to use what you got to get what you want!
I know, I had to bring it back with the "Ronnie Hoe Quote," but it is true. Don't ever feel discouraged because as a beginner, you do not need a ton of equipment. If you have a phone and a computer, then you are good to go - so use what you got!
Use your camera on your phone. For example, if you have an iPhone, use the camera on it. I have an iPhone 8 Plus, and it has the portrait mode feature. Let me tell you that the camera on the phone is amazing itself and the portrait mode is BOMB AF! If you do not have the feature on the phone, it is okay. Just use the camera on your phone period.
Scope out for some dope locations for your photos and go there. Whatever you are visualizing, go there and make it happen.
Take advantage of photo editing applications on your phone. There are so many great applications that will help add a nice touch (or retouch) to your photos. Some of my favorite apps are FaceTune, VSCO, Instagram photo editing (not the filters), iPhone editing and iMovie.
Friends, family, significant other, blogger tribe or tripod/selfie stick.
Utilize your resources. If you have friends or family, who loves to take photos, have them join you when you get your shots in. If you have a blogger tribe, that is even better! Schedule a day when you all are available to meet at a beautiful location and take pictures of one another. There are times where nobody is available, well, grab your tripod, selfie stick, etc. and set that timer on your camera and go.
Lastly, natural light is your best friend. Don't feel discouraged because you have not invested towards a ring light, box lights, etc. Usually, those are for creating content while you are indoors. Guess what? If you are looking for a variety of imagery, 85% of the time, you will be outdoors. Research shows for the best results, the ideal time to capture daylight is either first thing in the morning or 1 hour before sunset.
Bonus: If you are feeling uninspired, peruse through Pinterest or click on blogger-related hashtags on Instagram for inspiration.
Circa January 2016: JayChantelle taking flat lay photos with products, white poster board and a iPhone. Photo Cred: HeyCurlie
Now that you have the resources to "use what you got" it is time to go out and "get what you want" - BOMB CONTENT!
I hope these tips can help jumpstart your content creation for your blog. As you continue to grow as a blogger, you can eventually begin to purchase equipment. Until then, use that phone, get creative and use what you got to get what you want.
Xoxo,
I don’t know about you, but since the pandemic began, I changed how I wear my makeup while wearing my mask. I am sure a lot of us can relate. We have watered down our makeup looks. Before I begin to share how I wear my makeup, let me remind you to throw away your masks! I strongly recommend wearing a disposable mask and throwing it away at the end of the day.