Friend Friday: The technical stuff

I'm on the ball this week, so here is this weeks Friend Friday post. This week we are discussing the technical equipment us fashion bloggers use behind the scenes of our blogs. As usually for all the other participants answers just nip on over to Modly Chic. So on with the questions.

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc...)

Ok so I use an Apple MacBook Pro computer for all my blogging and writing work. I have had the Apple for 18months and could not live without it. It is my life line these days.

Ok so on the camera front, well that's Jon's domain really as he is the camera fanatic so here is the equipment we use.

Camera: Sony a200 with battery grip

Lens: Tamero 18-200mm, Sony sal 15mm F1.8

Flash: Sony hvl 42

Tripod: Velbon Carbon Fibre 167cm

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

I use Blogger as I just find it nice and easy, but I believe I use the old model. I tried updating to the new templates version and absolutely hated it! I found it very difficult to alter my html and I couldn't customise it in the way I wanted too. Plus it changed all my post settings, god I had such a tantrum when it went awol, some of you may remember my blog looking all wack for a a few days while I figured it out. So thats my blogging system. I only use the photo storage that comes with blogger at the moment, and I do very little photo editing. I only use iphoto and the odd bit of aperture 3

I am also using a new programme called Dress Assistant which is a new app for the Mac that I shall be reviewing some time this week, it helps you organise your wardrobe on your computer and make outfits.

3. What is your process for taking pictures?

Hmm, I don't think I have a process, lol. If it's just a casual shot or an everyday one then I usually just yell at Jon to take a quick photo for me probably as I am trying to leave the flat. If we have decided to go out for a photo shoot, which we enjoy doing, then there is a bit more preparation. We tend to decide on our location before hand (or the general whereabouts), then when there we chose our spot, usually we look for something interesting to take photos around. Jon sets up his tripod at the right hight, then takes a few test shots, to judge all the technical stuff (aperture, focus, lighting etc), and we snap away. Thats it really when taking shots. When we get back we upload them all onto the computer, delete all the ones I hate (which is usually half of them). Jon sometimes adjusts the colours and other stuff using aperture to get the picture a little clearer or change the lighting. Then I crop the images I want to use, and that's it.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

I kinda answered that above but I shall focus my answer here. I do take normal everyday shots in my flat usually just in front of my front door as it's a plain simple background, or in my study if I am taking photos of myself as it is the only space long enough to take full length photos on the tripod.

If I am doing an outdoor shoot with Jon we try to think of a location with interesting features. And try to use different ones every time, although we are running out of places we can easily get to in Cardiff. I generally like places where there aren't gonna be loads of people, because I would get conscious taking photos in front of them (although this plan doesn't always work!) And I sometimes try to match the outfit to the location or sometimes do the complete opposite and pair an outfit with a location where it looks out of place so the outfit looks more striking in the image.

My front door backdrop! My regular readers will know this one well, lol.

Juxtaposing my outfit against my setting, girly/industrial

Before editing

After Jon has warmed up the picture

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?

Hubby says Nikon D3X, I just fancy a back drop set with maybe some big flash lights like a professional studio. Plus my answer is cheaper! lol.

So what equipment do you use? Any special tricks or tips you care to share?

Daisymay X