5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging

23.9.15

5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED BLOGGING
It's been a little over a year since I started blogging and looking back makes me appreciate how much I learned and improved.

A fact about me, I actually had a blog with some friends when I was thirteen. However, all of them gave up on it, consequently I did the same. Every so often, I wish I had kept going and not quit.

1. BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST AND COLOR CORRECTING + LIGHTING
If you learn how to edit your pictures, it can dramatically change it for the better. I believe the basics are brightness, contrast and occasionally, color correcting. I always enhance the brightness so my pictures have an incredibly white background. For the contrast I raise it a tiny bit, so the colors look more vibrant. I used to color correct the photos I took with a Nikon D3200, now when I started using a Canon 700D I didn't have to do that anymore. I prefer my pictures to have a neutral tone, neither too warm, nor too cold.

My biggest advice for a beautiful picture is lighting. I love the look of natural lighting, but when I have to take a photo on a cloudy day, I like using an umbrella lighting with a fluorescent bulb.

2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Right when I started this blog, I decided to post once day for a whole month. During the first week I had a lot to post about, but as the days went by I felt obligated to publish something and I had nothing to talk about. Don't even get me started on the low quality photos. I know that we all start somewhere and a lot of people wouldn't think it was too bad, but in my perfectionist brain that was awful.

In summary, don't post something just because you feel "pressured". Of course it's important to keep a plan, but don't force yourself into following an unrealistic schedule. I would much rather read a blog that posts once a week but actually has an incredible content, than reading one that posts every day and the quality is not as great. Remember, it's not necessarily about the camera and lens you use, but how much effort you put into it.

3. DON'T BE SCARED OF WRITING
This sounds weird, doesn't it?! In the beginning I used to write a review within five lines and I was done. I didn't elaborate or went in depth on the subject. At this moment in time, I realize that even I wouldn't waste my time reading that kind of review. The key to a good review or any type of blog post is to actually be informative and explain your point of view.

4. FINDING THE PERFECT TEMPLATE
When you're starting, it's fine to use one of the standard templates. You can totally customize those and to do that all you need to do is research HTML. I swear, it's not as scary as it seems. However, if you don't want to spend hours attempting to figure it out or buy a professional looking template, you can always find a free template. There are so many to choose from, simply type on Google "free template for Blogger" or "free template for WordPress".

5. EVERYTHING TAKES TIME
This could either be about gaining readers and followers, or about improving your skills. In the beginning you will have around five views per post. It takes months to get your first comment and then, an audience. The more you grow, the fastest you grow.

When it comes to developing skills, you need to be patient and practice as much as you can. The secret of getting ahead is getting started. So don't overthink things, just press publish!

If you fancy another reading I have a post dedicated to blog photography.

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14 COMMENTS

  1. This is a great post... and as a fairly new and growing blogger, I agreed with each of your points. Thanks for sharing!!

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  2. This is such great advice, especially the one about quality over quantity :) xx
    Chasing Belle 23

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  3. This is all great advice. Congratulations on blogging for over a year, that's a great achievement!

    xo, Liz
    http://lipstickandconfetti.com

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    1. Thank you so much Elisabeth! I can't even believe that it's been a year already.

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  4. I to am starting with a Nikon D3200 and am considering getting a Canon! Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. I loved the Nikon for photos, despite having to do a little color correction. I only made the switch because for videos the Canon was much easier to work with, and the quality was considerably better. If you are only considering getting a Canon to take pictures, there is not a lot of difference between both cameras! x

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  5. These are really great tips! I started out blogging too often as well. I realized that it's ok to only do once a week as long as they're good posts (and good doesn't always mean long!). It takes a bit of the stress out of blogging when you create a manageable schedule.

    https://thegingerlife1.wordpress.com

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  6. I just started my blog again and this was great advice- thank you!

    Brunette-ish

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  7. Great post! I only realised how much time blogging would take when I actually started blogging and all these things come with time! XX

    riitamacedo.blogspot.pt

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  8. Great advice, I do wonder how hard it is for bloggers who aren't photographers to get good quality photos - it's a hard process for anyone and yet another skill bloggers need to learn.

    I love your last point, I started just over a month ago and was wondering if no one was ever going to reading because of my lack of regular audience - it's good to know you've been there and it can only get better :)

    Georgee from pixelsandpine.com

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