How To | Blogging "Alone"

So, there might be a little confusion as to what I mean when I say Blogging "Alone" since no one really blogs in a vacuum; we all have an audience and we all have peers. What I mean by Blogging "Alone" is being on your own when it comes to the logistics of blogging--taking photos, post-processing and (of course) choosing the content of your blog.

A lot of people I know want to start a blog--whether about fashion or otherwise--but are hesitant to because they are unsure about how to do it: who will take their photos, who will design the site, etc. And while I'm far from being a blogging success, I've learned so much these past few months and I thought I'd share 5 of these tips with everyone. :D

1. Invest on a Tripod

Tripods are super, duper handy when shooting outfit of the day photos. :) They're also great for doing hauls (if say, you're putting up a beauty blog) and/or doing make-up, film or book review videos. Because this is more or less a personal style blog, I'll go into the outfit of the day thing the most: I know a lot of people who are shy but who would like to put up their own personal style blogs. A tripod allows you to get rid of that shyness, I think because it gives you room to experiment: you can see which angles work on you and which don't without feeling embarrassed since you're shooting with yourself. It also allows you to develop your photography mojo and gives you the freedom to shoot whenever you want, wherever you want. :) 

These cost around P1,000+ in electronics boutiques but if you want ones that are uber budget-friendly then head over to CDR-King or to the DIY Shop (there's one in Alphaland, Magallanes), those range from around P300-P600 

2. Invest on a quality camera

I know a lot of people who are on both ends of the "Do I Need a DSLR to Blog?" debacle--some people will say "oh, no you can do that with your phone" while others go the other way completely and are like, "There is no way you can achieve that with a point-and-shoot". My stance on it is this: in the end, it all boils down to the quality of the photo and while you don't necessarily need a DSLR to shoot quality photos, you also can't capture images of outfit details with an extremely low quality camera or a 3 megapixel phone cam. 

There are, however a lot of good options in between--better, in my opinion to have a great point-and-shoot than splurge everything on a DSLR and have no money to go anywhere or do anything. This goes especially for if you're spending your own money (like myself). However, if someone is willing to go and sponsor a DSLR for you, then by all means take it! :))

I shoot on a Polaroid Q20 and it's a pretty good point-and-shoot. It's got 14 megapixels, 5x zoom, HD video and great panorama. :D I've also heard wonderful things about the Nikkon Coolpix digicams as well as a couple from Canon. 

Digicams can range from around P 2,950 to P6,000--that isn't bad for unlimited quality photos and avoiding copyright infringements. :D Also, I'd like to believe that blogging is, for the most part about sharing experiences and this investment is your readers' window into your world.

3. Read As Much As You Would Like To Be Read

As with literature, I don't think that you can write a blog if you don't read (at least a couple of) blogs--you just would be ill-equipped without checking out what's out there. Also, the best way to learn is by example: keep interested in what other people are doing and see what different genres there are out there. Be curious--see the different things that people blog about and peek into their worlds as well. Try and see what they're busying themselves with.

4. Interact

Leave a comment, like a status, shop online--connections are important, especially if you're starting out alone. Also, blogging is about interaction (albeit online) and this is a great way to make friends as well as increase your contacts and readers: collaborations, giveaway projects, etc. are borne from these interactions. Also, don't be afraid of posting links to your blog on your Social Media Networking accounts: it'll attract people with the same interests. 

5. Always Pay Your Debts

This is something useful we can take from the Lannisters--whether monetary or not, always pay your debts. No one likes an empty promise and so if you promise someone money or credit or advertising always, always do as you say you will. :) This goes for anyone and everyone--your readers, a graphic artist (as with my dear friend Trizha) or your sponsors. Only promise that which you can deliver. :)

And that's it for now! I hope these tips have helped you guys out. Don't forget to leave a comment below!