Are you just getting started with food blogging? Have you been doing this for a while? Are you just here for the recipes?? (If you’re here for the recipes, this post may not be your thing. But if you have any interest in photography at all, stick around…see what you can learn!) This post is mostly geared towards beginner food bloggers who are wondering what they should buy first. Maybe you’ve outgrown iPhone images, or maybe you’re ready to move up to a DSLR from a point and shoot. I decided to write this post because these are the types of questions I’m asked all the time. When you start hearing the same questions over and over, it’s time to post about it, right?
Okay, so here I give you my 5 items that a beginning food blogger needs, along with some info about why…
1. a DSLR. Now, let it be known that I don’t think that a DSLR is a requirement to be a food blogger. If you learn about composition, you can take some amazing photos with your iPhone. Will they ever look the same as one taken with a DSLR? No. But, it can get your point across, which is really what you’re trying to do. My recommendation for a beginner DSLR is the Nikon D3300. (Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with Auto Focus-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Zoom Lens (Black)
2. lenses. The word lenses always looks so peculiar to me. Like I’ve spelled it wrong…just a little side note. Ok, lenses. Let me be clear about something real quickly. If you think there is ANY chance that you’ll want to upgrade your camera to a substantially higher model anywhere down the road, I have something for you to keep in mind. It’s a bit of reading, but stick with me. Entry level DSLRs are called crop sensor cameras. The higher level, more professional cameras are called full frame cameras. (I’ll plan a post soon to discuss the differences between the two, but for now, let’s just keep it simple.) Crop sensor cameras require lenses for crop sensor cameras. Full frame cameras use lenses for full frame cameras and can also use lenses for crop sensors, but not without a significant decrease in quality. So, what I’m saying here is do not spend a ton of money buying lens after lens for your crop sensor camera because should you ever upgrade to a full frame camera, those lenses will be shelved and you won’t be using them anymore. These are the two lenses that I recommend for food photography. They’re prime lenses so they don’t zoom. You’ll have to use your feet and move around a bit to get the shot you want, but prime lenses are sharp…well worth the added exercise. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
3. a good camera bag. If you’ve spent some money on your camera body and lenses, you want to be sure your gear is protected. I’ve had my Jo Totes bag for several years and it still looks as good as when I bought it. The bag is lined with thick foam so that if you drop it, or it gets bumped, your gear will be safe. I’ve found Jo Totes bags to be less of an investment than some other brands, but the quality is certainly just as good. I love mine!
4. foam boards. Available in a wide variety of colors, foam boards make a perfect backdrop for your food photography. I use the black version in almost all of my shoots, but have used the white before, too. They’re large, sturdy, and best of all, affordable. If you spill something all over them, it won’t break that bank to buy a replacement. (Elmer’s Foam Boards, 16 x 20 Inches, Black/Black Core, 3-Count (950025)
5. books. Photography seems so simple before you really dive into it, doesn’t it? I buy a camera, I click the button, I upload it to my computer. Easy, right? You can totally do it that way. Keeping it simple is fine. But, if you want to branch out and really see what your camera can do, you’ll need some tips from the pros. These two books were the first ones I bought when I wanted to learn about photography. They’ve been recommended time and time again by bloggers and photographers, and there’s a reason for that…they’re that good. Easy to read, full of information, and of course, gorgeous imagery. These two books are perfect for a beginner or anyone looking for a refresher course. (Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
So, whether buying for yourself, for someone else, these 5 gift ideas for the beginner food blogger are perfect for anyone wanting to get started in food blogging or food photography. The prices are varied, so no matter who you’re shopping for, you should be able to find something to suit your budget. Happy shopping!
(This post contains affiliate links, but these are products that I’ve used and love…)
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