My parents bought me a DSLR camera as a college graduation gift. It was around the time when I started becoming more serious about blogging and was eager to make my content more professional. Before being gifted my camera, I would set my Iphone 6s up on a tripod and take my own pictures. Not knowing that I could do the same with a DSLR, I used to annoy my siblings to take my photos. Now I shoot all of my content by myself and have full creative control without having to worry about bugging my friends and family or paying a photographer.
The Set Up
For my content creation set up, I use the Canon EOS Rebel T6 (linked similar since it is an older model and no longer available) and a 50mm 1.8 lens. This is a great beginner camera and I would recommend using the 50mm 1.8 lens versus the one that comes with the camera for better quality and more bokeh (a blurry background). When taking my own photos, I use a sturdy tripod that can hold my camera’s weight and ensure it is stable. I mostly shoot outdoors in daylight, so I don’t find it necessary to use an external flash. However, when shooting content indoors I do use soft boxes and a ring light for controlled lighting.
The Process
I use the built-in wifi feature on my camera to connect to the Canon Camera Connect app, where I use my phone as a viewfinder to focus and shoot.
- Turn on camera and switch to the Creative Auto setting. Go to the settings and select the type of shooting you would like. I normally use the the countdown setting and select the number of frames I want shot.
- Go to camera settings and turn on wifi. Hit “connect to smartphone”.
- Go into wifi settings on your phone and connect to camera. Confirm to use camera wifi to connect to smartphone.
- Open the Canon Camera Connect app and tap “remote live shooting”. From here, you can now use your smartphone as a viewfinder and use it to help focus and shoot.
- Pose. Autofocus. Tap the circle to shoot and then hide your phone (unless you want it in your photos).
- Done!
Watch my reel here for reference on what it is like to use the Canon Camera Connect app:
Shop The Look
Shirley N. A. Dorsett
This was so helpful! Thank you! I’ve been trying to get the confidence to take my own picture so I don’t have to rely on a photographer or other people. I will try your suggestions!
Shirley (@LoveShirls)
Ashley S Baylor
Shirley N. A. DorsettThanks so much, Shirley! You are so welcome. I am so happy you found this to be helpful. Practice makes perfect and I can say I definitely became more confident over time!