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Sarah Hearts

Sarah Hearts

photography
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April 16, 2015

Photography and Lighting Equipment for Bloggers

Don't let the weather or time of day keep you from shooting awesome blog photos. Sarah Hearts shares her favorite tools and tricks for taking great blog photos from home anytime.

Every time I’ve share a peek at my home photo setup, I always receive tons of inquires about how exactly I shoot such bright photos from home. Today I’m finally getting around to sharing just exactly how I shoot all my photos from home and how my process has evolved over the years. When I look at my blog photos from a few years ago, I often cringe because they aren’t as nice as my more recent photos. But like any learned skill, you get better over time and I’ve found that by taking photos almost every single day all the practice has definitely helped. Since I started blogging I’ve not only learned the mechanics of my camera, I’ve also purchased some important equipment that has totally transformed the way I shoot from home.

Wondering how to get great photos at home, even when it's gray out? Check out this detailed list of photography must haves for bloggers.

  1. Light reflectors with removable covers (2)
  2. Tripod
  3. Canon remote
  4. Clamps (2)
  5. 5 lb. saddle sandbag
  6. Reflector stands (2)
  7. Dimmable LED lights (2)

When I’m shooting smaller projects like my egg cups or my painted glasses, I almost always shoot them on white boards. I love using white masonite boards that I picked up in the Ikea as-is section. You can find white masonite boards that are random scraps for less than $10. They are cheap and the best part is that they can be wiped down when food or paint get on them. Much better than using foam board that stains easily!

A tripod is a must.

I started out with a really dinky one that I picked up from Best Buy. But it couldn’t hold my camera up as soon as I started using a heavier lenses. I invested in a tripod that not only could support the weight of heavy lenses but could also be extended so I could shoot from directly above. One tip though: when shooting from above, you will need to weigh down the center pole so it doesn’t tip forward. I definitely used to use a grocery bag filled with books before I finally got (more) serious and bought a sandbag.

A remote is another necessity!

Especially when you’re shooting alone. It’s how I’m able to get shots of my hands DIY-ing! It’s also a must when recording video as a remote allows you to start and stop recording without touch (or shaking!) the camera.

Make an affordable and stylish wood tray for your home! Click through to learn how to transform a plain wood tray into a cute polka dot tray.

The photo above was shot using LED lights and reflectors.

Current Camera and Lenses


Canon 60D / Canon 24-70mm 2.8 / Canon 50mm 1.4 / Tokina 11-16mm 2.8

When I first started my blog I didn’t own a digital dslr! After a few months I invested in the then brand new Canon t2i (now discontinued).  I opted for a Canon camera since I was familiar shooting film with a Canon and they could also shoot HD video. I used the kit lens for everything until I purchased the Canon 50mm 1.8 lens. Then I shot everything with that lens. I later added a 35mm prime lens to my setup so I could take wider photos and a 40mm pancake lens when I traveled (because it’s so tiny).

Just over 2 years ago I sold my trusty t2i and upgraded to a 60D which I’ve been so happy with! I continued using the lenses I mentioned above all year until Christmas 2014 when Kevin completely surprised me with the Canon 24-70mm 2.8 lens. I had rented this lens several times before and had fall in love with it but it was way beyond my blogging budget at the time. Kevin purchased it used from an Amazon seller and got it half price! I highly recommend looking into previously owned items for higher end equipment because you can save a ton. I’ve had no issues with my lens, it really was like-new.

Our house is pretty dark, with the exception of our den and my new office. So I always shot my blog photos in the den but I really relied on it being bright and sunny for good photos. After going through the long rainy season and a winter with shorter days I finally decided it was time to invest is some lights! I opted for continuous lighting (rather than strobes) so I could use them in videos too. No sense in buying double the equipment! This has been a total game changer for me. I can now shoot any time of the day and still get good results.

For those you wondering what that pink thing attached to my camera is, it’s a hand strap and it’s my fave (it’s also available in a cognac leather).

If you have an other questions about how the gear I use or how I shoot certain things, please leave a comment and let me know. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned along the way!

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12 Comments
  • Jennifer
    April 16, 2015

    Thanks much for sharing your photography gear set up! Ive been wanting to invest and it’s great to get some recommendations.

    Reply
  • Jennifer Coyle
    April 16, 2015

    Having great lighting is key. I recently invested in the Diva Ring light and it’s made a huge difference in both video and pictures. And it’s so tiny, and usually the only thing I need.

    Reply
    • Sarah
      Jennifer Coyle
      April 16, 2015

      Thanks for sharing that! I’ll definitely have to check it out!

      Reply
  • Amy W
    April 17, 2015

    Love this behind the scenes post for your lovely photography. I’m still curious even with the remote and tripod, how you get your hands BOTH diy-ing. Are you clicking the remote with your leg? Silly question, but I’ve tried a million times and can’t seem to master it.

    Reply
    • Sarah
      Amy W
      April 17, 2015

      Self-timer mode! It takes a couple trials to get the positioning and focus right, but then one you got it, just press the remote and quickly move your hands back into the frame.

      Reply
  • brittanyMakes
    April 24, 2015

    game changing info right here! thank you for sharing your secrets!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah
      brittanyMakes
      April 29, 2015

      It really was for me too! You’re so welcome!

      Reply
  • Ricky
    February 3, 2016

    Thanks for the info, what make of continues light are you using?

    Reply
    • Sarah
      Ricky
      February 4, 2016

      They are Bescor brand.

      Reply
  • shana cain
    March 9, 2017

    Nice advice

    Reply
  • Marlene @ Idle Hands Awake
    March 31, 2017

    I just finally sucked it up and purchased the tripod you recommended! I’m so pumped to finally be able to shoot overhead properly without having to fix the perspective in all of my photos! :P xoxo

    Reply
    • Sarah
      Marlene @ Idle Hands Awake
      April 3, 2017

      Wooo! It’s so great, you’re going to love!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah

Hi I'm Sarah Rivero Khandjian and I'm a graphic designer turned maker. I find joy in creating things and helping others do the same!

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ICYMI I made a cutie new wallpaper that’s inspired by June’s all time favorite @buggypopsavl 🌈 Always free to download and available for all devices, plus I have a new way for you to support me if you’re so inclined 💕 #sarahheartswallpaper
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ICYMI I made a cutie new wallpaper that’s inspired by June’s all time favorite @buggypopsavl 🌈 Always free to download and available for all devices, plus I have a new way for you to support me if you’re so inclined 💕 #sarahheartswallpaper
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LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class!

In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project.

Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com

#MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
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LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class! In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project. Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com #MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
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For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews
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For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews . #babylockambassador #babylocksewing #isewmyownclothes #memademay2022
2 months ago
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I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
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I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
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ICYMI I made a cutie new wallpaper that’s inspired by June’s all time favorite @buggypopsavl 🌈 Always free to download and available for all devices, plus I have a new way for you to support me if you’re so inclined 💕 #sarahheartswallpaper
sarahhearts
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ICYMI I made a cutie new wallpaper that’s inspired by June’s all time favorite @buggypopsavl 🌈 Always free to download and available for all devices, plus I have a new way for you to support me if you’re so inclined 💕 #sarahheartswallpaper
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class!

In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project.

Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com

#MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
sarahhearts
sarahhearts
•
Follow
LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class! In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project. Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com #MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews
.
#babylockambassador #babylocksewing #isewmyownclothes #memademay2022
sarahhearts
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Follow
For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews . #babylockambassador #babylocksewing #isewmyownclothes #memademay2022
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
sarahhearts
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•
Follow
I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
2 months ago
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I’m excited to announce my first live workshop of the year!!! 🎉 Who’s going to join me? I’m partnering with @fiskars to teach a @michaelsstores workshop where you will learn how to make a quilted wall hanging like this one—from start to finish! The class on Saturday, March 26 at 1pm EST is $15 and includes access to a recording of the class.  Check the “workshops” highlights on my profile page for the signup link!
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If you’re new to quilting or have been wanting to dip your toes into quilting this is a great place to start. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions. Cannot wait to create with you!
#makeitwithmichaels #fiskars #sewingworkshop #quiltingclass #sarahhearts
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I’m excited to announce my first live workshop of the year!!! 🎉 Who’s going to join me? I’m partnering with @fiskars to teach a @michaelsstores workshop where you will learn how to make a quilted wall hanging like this one—from start to finish! The class on Saturday, March 26 at 1pm EST is $15 and includes access to a recording of the class. Check the “workshops” highlights on my profile page for the signup link! . If you’re new to quilting or have been wanting to dip your toes into quilting this is a great place to start. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions. Cannot wait to create with you! #makeitwithmichaels #fiskars #sewingworkshop #quiltingclass #sarahhearts
4 months ago
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We left the bagel shop and she kept saying, “sculpture! sculpture!” and we had no idea what she was saying until she pointed and then said “paleta! popsicle!” and asked to take a photo 😆 #junehearts
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We left the bagel shop and she kept saying, “sculpture! sculpture!” and we had no idea what she was saying until she pointed and then said “paleta! popsicle!” and asked to take a photo 😆 #junehearts
4 months ago
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