Since I work in healthcare and am deemed “essential”, I don’t get the option to stay at home until all of this slows down. I feel happiest once I’m home, showered, and in my own space. I won’t lie, my mind often worries a ton and I do whatever I can to keep myself and others safe throughout the day, but I do look forward to getting to go home at some point.

Lately, I’ve made an effort to stay busy + creative on off days to keep my mind at peace and doing things I enjoy. This weekend, I spent time working on my photography skills and shooting in manual mode. Manual is something I was somewhat terrified of a couple of years ago, but more so confused on how the heck to use it. This was a great challenge for me and I can’t wait to share some of the shots I got.

I had a few ideas about what I wanted my shots to look like, so I grabbed my nifty fifty lens, tripod, and set it all up on a self-timer in my living room. If you don’t own a tripod, I would highly recommend investing in one (for those who enjoy photography or content creating). Most tripods will have the option to hold your cell phone as well, so you don’t necessarily need to own a camera for a tripod to come in handy. By using a tripod, you can become more comfortable behind the camera because you won’t need anyone to take photos for you!

Some Quick Tips for a Successful Photo Shoot

• Prep outfits and/or props the night before. This may seem silly, but it will help things flow much more smoothly once it’s time to shoot and you’ll be ready to go.
• Find inspiration before shooting. Whether you head over to Pinterest, Instagram, or a blog post for some inspiration, it will help you figure out what you want/expect out of your shoot. For me, finding inspiration the night before helps me feel more comfortable in front of the camera because I’m not trying to figure out what I want to do and how I should pose.
• Find spaces in your home with the most light or invest in a ring light. Everyone knows how important lighting is, no matter if you’re shooting professionally or with a phone. It’s amazing how much of a difference good lighting can have on photos. Never turn your back against light, always try to face the light!
• Act as natural as you can, don’t try/think too hard. Photo shoots can be intimidating, even by yourself at times. Getting in your own head solves nothing and you will probably be able to notice in the photos. Who cares if most of your shots didn’t turn out how you wanted or expected… You’ll only end up using a few of them anyway! Have fun!

Here are some fun shots I got and were taken all by myself.

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This hair towel along with other prints can be found here. These hair towels are made with organic cotton and literally cut my drying time in half! They are based in Northern Michigan, but offer domestic shipping. Check them out ☺️

What are you doing during quarantine to stay busy??? I’d love to hear below in the comments. Lots of virtual conversations have been happening lately, making me thankful for this blog where I can connect with others and while doing something I love! I am so thankful for each and every one of my readers and connections I’ve made thus far.

Thanks for stopping by, hang in there, stay positive & healthy!

Xx,

Toni