DIY At-Home Photoshoot for Beginners
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Before I get started…
Let me reiterate the title, and the fact that I used the word “BEGINNER”. I’m not a professional whatsoever. Photography is just one of my new-found hobbies, and I still have a lot to learn.
As a blogger, I know that I have to take a lot of my own photos. So, I decided to start with taking my own birthday pics!
I said all of the above to reassure you, that if I can do this, then you definitely can do it too! All you need is a lot of creativity and some tools/equipment that I’ll share with you today.
If you’ve read any of my other DIY posts, you know that black, white and gold are my favorite colors. For this photoshoot, I wanted to incorporate that. I also wanted to add some color into as well.
So let’s get started!
I have this empty corner in my room…newly named, the “multipurpose corner”. Every week it feels like this corner is set up for a different purpose than the week before. This particular day, I used this corner to set up the space for my photoshoot.
First, let’s talk about the backdrop!
I decided to use my Savage Seamless Background Paper (53” x 36”) in the color tulip.
Since my set-up was on carpet, I needed something sturdy to place underneath the background paper to keep it from crinkling when I walked on it. Fortunately, I already had two pieces of plywood that were the exact size that I needed.
I laid the two pieces of wood on top of a piece of background paper that I had previously used. I did this to act as a barrier between the wood and my carpet. (The wood had been stored in my outside storage closet, and I didn’t want to risk any possible staining on my carpet from the wood.)
You can purchase wood from Home Depot, Lowe’s or any store that sells wood. If they don’t have the size that you are looking for, then they will cut the exact measurements for you. Of course, if you are doing this on a hardwood floor, wood won’t be necessary.
I attached my background paper to the wall using push pins from the dollar store. Keep in mind that the pins do leave little holes in your wall. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you could always use tape to attach the paper to the wall. Just be careful when removing the tape, to prevent the paint from peeling off the wall when you remove the tape.
I wanted to see how everything would look before I rolled out the background paper. I wanted to prevent a lot of unnecessary walking on the set, to prevent any possible stains or tears. So, in this photo, I was doing a little “dry run”. We’ll get into all the details soon, but first let’s talk about the balloons.
All of the balloons used were purchased from Party City.
Air-Filled Gold Happy B-Day Letter Balloon Banner
I stuck the banner to the wall using gold thumbtacks. Again, you can use tape as an alternative. I tied the helium balloons to balloons weights I purchased from the dollar store.
To cover the table, I used a piece of white fur fabric (2 ft.) that I had previously purchased from JOANN Fabric’s.
Once I had a feel for how I wanted to set things up, I removed everything, and rolled out the background paper over top of the wood. I then clamped one end of the roll using a 2” metal spring clamp, that I purchased from Lowes. This prevented the paper from rolling. (Sorry I didn’t get a pic of the clamp in the photo)
Once I rolled out the background paper, I then started adding my props back to the set. I “borrowed” the white table from my daughter’s room, and the black storage ottoman is something that I purchased from Walmart years ago.
THE FINAL LOOK!!!
WAIT…LETS TALK ABOUT THE “FAUX” CAKE!
I knew I wanted to use a cake as a prop for my photoshoot, but I didn’t want to use a real one. A real cake would’ve been half eaten before I even started! So, I did some research on how to make a “faux” cake. I had so much fun with this!
What I used…
2 round gift boxes (Dollar Tree)
Small clear dish (Dollar Tree)
Black and White Striped Ribbon (Michaels)
Lightweight Spackling (Lowes)
Artificial Flowers (Walmart)
Gold Birthday Candles (Party City)
Icing Spatula
Hot Glue Gun
First, I mixed the spackling in an old container. I then, spread the “icing” onto the “cake” using my spatula. I let the boxes dry overnight! The next day, I used my hot glue gun to attach the two boxes together, as well as to attach the ribbons, flowers and candles.
LIGHTING, EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES
To take my photos I used the Canon Camera Connect app on my cell phone. This allows your cell phone to act as a “remote” and you can control your camera from your cell phone.
Since this was a full body photoshoot, I was unable to hide the “remote” (my iPhone). I had to recruit some help from my kids to take a majority of my photos. They are the real MVP’s of this photoshoot, because they helped make it possible!
Side Note: If you’re not taking full frame pics, it makes it a lot easier to hide your camera remote, and take the photos all by your lonesome. This of course would alleviate forced labor upon your children. Of course my kids, enjoyed every second of helping me…at least that’s what I tell myself.
SOME HELPFUL TIPS…
Keep in mind that you don’t need every item or piece of equipment that I shared with you in order to get great photos! There are so many different alternatives and options that you can use depending on your needs.
USE YOUR CELL PHONE CAMERA
Most cell phones come with great cameras. I can only vouch for the iPhone because that’s what I have. I’m pretty sure others work just as well.
The self-timer camera feature on the cell phone is an option as well (especially if you don’t have anyone assisting you). There are a lot of affordable tripods out there. Just make sure you find one with the cell phone adaptor piece, so you can attach your phone to the tripod. It may be a little more work using the self-timer option, but it can definitely be done.
Check out this video to learn more about…
7 Hidden iPhone Camera Features That Every Photographer Should Use
Photographing Yourself With An iPhone
2. EDIT YOUR PHOTOS
There are so many free and inexpensive options available for editing your photos! The editing is what makes your photos stand out! You don’t have to be a professional or spend a lot of money to do it.
Check out this video to learn more about…
Taking Better Shots with Your iPhone using Apps
3. LIGHTING
Natural lighting is the best light! If you have plenty of natural lighting coming in through the window, you have a really good chance of taking some great photos. For my photoshoot, I used my ring light and natural lighting from the window.
Check out this video to learn more about…
4. Background Options
If you’re taking full frame shots like I did, I personally believe that seamless background paper is the best option. If you’re taking portraits (close-ups) or non-full body photos, you can use other alternatives such as fabric, poster board, or just a plain old wall.
Like I said before, GET CREATIVE! Don’t let your budget or lack of experience stop you! Add whatever props you want to add, or don’t use any props at all. It’s all up to you!
“Even the greatest photographers had to start somewhere. Start practicing and learn from your mistakes. You’ll never learn, what you never attempt.”
I had sooooo much fun with this photoshoot! Here are some of the photos!
