Let me start off my saying I’ve only been blogging for about 7 months. I’m definitely no expert when it comes to blogging and the world of Instagram influencing. However at the end of last year, I made an active effort to taking my visual content to the next level. I’ve definitely been more satisfied with the work I’m putting out there so I figured I could share some of the recent changes I’ve made with you!

New Camera: Canon EOS 80D

The hugest investment I’ve made thus far. I started blogging when I only had a Canon Rebel T3 for pictures and my iPhone X to film videos. There was certainly nothing wrong with this but I new that in order to take the quality of my content to the next level, I had to invest in better photography. As a blogger, I had two options: hire a photography that I’d work with consistently, or purchase a better camera. For me I knew I’d need a camera because I also filmed my own videos. Also, I just personally like the concept of being able to have control over my content. By buying my own camera, I would be able to have access to my photos immediately. This only made sense because I could actually figure out how to use a camera, and because I have a little brother who still takes all of my pictures. I know it’s not as simple when you don’t have someone in your life able to take your pictures. Keep that in mind!

Ultimately I decided to purchase the Canon EOS 80D because it’s a great camera and a notch up from the Canon Rebel series in terms of skill level needed. On top of that, the camera has great auto focusing capabilities which comes in incredibly clutch when I’m filming videos and holding up products to the camera.

Payoff: The quality of the images on my feed are notably better. I believe the shift in photography has brought more visitors to my page and recently allowed me to reach 3K followers on Instagram much faster than I thought. While there was nothing incredibly wrong with my pictures before, my new camera allows me to be more consistent. Before I was taking pictures on my phone when I filmed and my camera for all other cases. Now I use my camera to film which means my studio pictures look the same as my lifestyle pictures. My new camera has also inspired me to try something new with IG tutorials. On top of that I’ve received more outreach for paid collaborations which just serves as a reminder than in order to make money you have to spend money.

Lightroom CC & Presets 

Once I stepped up the quality of my images, I new I also had to step up my editing software as well. A cohesive feed does wonders for engagement and pulling people to your Instagram page because it sets you a part and sends the message that you are serious about blogging! When I first started blogging, I used a VSCO filter to make my feed more cohesive. Now, I use the Brown Sugar preset from Marrica Evans, an amazing Dallas-based photographer. I truly wish I could work with her in person but the next best thing was to use her presets.

Payoff: It takes less time to edit my photos. My feed is more cohesive than ever before. My pictures are brighter and I feel like that’s transformed the aura of my feed. Shout out to Marrica Evans for her amazing presets!

Outsourced Flatlays

I used to try and take my own flat lay images but no matter how hard I tried they just wouldn’t turn out the way I wanted them to. On top of that, getting the right flat lay equipment involved purchasing items that I new wouldn’t be necessary in the long run because I’d have no space for them at home. Life for me got much easier when I turned to websites or bloggers that were devoted to creating flat lays for other people to use and repost. My favorite go to’s are sites like Unsplash and bloggers like Pieces of Onye, who sends out monthly flat lays if you’re subscribed to her email list.

Payoff: Outsourcing my flat lay photography reminded me that I truly don’t have to do everything myself. It made my feed look so much better but also allowed me to spend time focusing on what I knew I could produce well like lifestyle shots and beauty videos.

Time 

You can’t buy this but it certainly pays off. Consistency is key and ultimately what it boils down to is whether or not you are prioritizing well and creating the time to work on your content. I’m extremely exhausted after photoshoots and filming and editing certainly takes up a huge chunk of my time. But I know exactly how happy I am when I see the finished product and positive reviews from others. Hard work truly pays off!

Final Thoughts

I am always appreciative of the people (now over 3K of you!) who think I am worth following. Thanks so much for staying on this journey with me and I can only hope and pray that it goes up from here!

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23

#EniGivenSunday