I'm almost embarrassed to include this photo here

Since then, I have gotten so much better!  Granted, I still have a lot to learn, but at least now items are actually recognizable!  

A lot of the improvement came from trial and error, but a lot of it has to be attributed to the fact I am just using better tools.  I now shoot almost exclusively with a DSLR, and have a designated photography space for when I do crafts and recipes.

Many people have asked me "What would you spend money on if you were just getting started with blog photography?"

These are 10 things I have and use, and that have made my blogging photography better and easier.   I am a Canon girl, but I have also included a few Nikon options.. just make sure whatever accessories you choose, that they are compatible to whatever Camera you have now.

My Top 10 Must Have Blogger Photography Tools 

A good light kit. Since I do almost all my blogging photography at night, I NEVER use daylight. Almost all my photos are artificially lit. 

Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit 

Good backdrops.  I use a lot of white posterboard, but I really love my fake vinyl backdrops. I have a dark, medium and light version.  Again, when you aren't shooting during the day, or using your actual surroundings, you need a good alternative. 

Photo Processing Programs:  I exclusively use Photoshop for all my post processing.. Although I know a ton of people use lightroom.  I have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (so I have access to both programs.)  It can be pricey, but it is TOTALLY worth it. 

If your budget doesn't allow for the full suite, I couldn't recommend Photoshop Elements enough. It is inexpensive, easier to use and has almost all the bells and whistles of Photoshop CC.

A Nifty Fifty Lens: My camera originally came with only the kit lens (18-55 zoom).  That was okay for a while, but for tight shots, flat lays, food photography and crafts, the quality of my photos improved dramatically.  I originally had a f1.4 lens, but after it broke I recently replaced it with an f1.8 and it does the trick. 

If you are a Nikon person, the same holds true.  Get a 50 mm!! You won't regret it! 

A heavy duty tripod: I have always had a tripod, but my original one was a cheap flimsy portable one.  It was TERRIBLE for videos and anything that needed to be super stable.  I upgraded to a heavy duty one with a ball head and pistol grip and I never looked back. 

A wireless card:  It is so much easier to see exactly how good your photos are when they are full size.  Looking at the back of your camera has it's limits.  To avoid having to take out your card to transfer the images, get a wireless one!  I love that the images open on my computer automatically.

A nice camera bag: Even though I rarely travel with my camera, I've invested in a really good camera bag. I store all my extra lenses and accessories in a nice padded camera bag.   Since it is designed specifically for photographers, all my things stay nicely padded and protected. 

Lens Filters:  If for no other reason than to protect your lens from scratches (especially when working in dirty situations like the garage, you should invest a couple bucks in filters.  I use my polarized and high density filters all the time! 

Reflectors or White Cards: Again, if you are working with artificial light from a single point source, being able to bounce the light around with reflectors is great. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to photography toys.. but these are the basics and the first thing I would invest money in.   

Just keep in mind, a good camera and supplies doesn't guarantee good photography, but it doesn't hurt!