For the past few weeks, creating content at home has gotten a whole new meaning. I have been creating content for several years now, but have never thought outside the box and pushed myself to stay motivated, productive and creative as much as I have these several weeks of quarantine, especially without the help of someone else. For those who have been feeling challenged or overwhelmed creating content or want to start creating, but don’t think they have the means to, this blogpost is for you!
First Thing’s First, What’s Your Inspo?
Before knowing what you are even going to shoot or your concept for the content you are creating, finding inspiration is KEY. Some of my favorite apps/websites to find inspiration and see what’s #trending for free are: Pinterest, Tik Tok, Instagram. You can even hashtag or type in your favorite bloggers name to see photo and video styles you might want to re-create in your own way! If you want to really get into a creative flow and inspiration simply go outside and look at nature. The colors, sounds, textures in nature are always inspiring and fun to work with when getting creative. If you genuinely have no idea what it is you want to shoot for your next post, just ask your followers what they wanna see. This is a great way to get insight on the type of content people actually care about.
Some of my favorite bloggers and content creators to get Inso from are: Tezza and Kylie Katich
Next Up, Location:
Whether you live in a 1 bedroom apartment or 2 story house, the first thing you need to do to create at-home content is scan out all the areas of your living spaces with potential. This is when your “thinking outside the box” skills and “creativity” come in. It’s not about seeing what’s in front of you in the moment, it’s about seeing the bigger picture. Here are some ideas of places you might find in your home with potential to turn into a full blown photoshoot studio: living room space, bathroom, bathtub, bedroom, bedroom corner, office, backyard, front porch, kitchen, in front of a plain wall, even in front of your garage (for a more “industrial” aesthetic)
Once you find the spot you want to use for your pics, the new thing you’ll need to figure out are props. Every good blogger or content creator uses fun props in most pictures or videos. Here are some ideas of things you could use as props that you probably already have at home:
- flowers
- mirrors
- pillows
- robes/bath towel
- makeup
- cute artwork
- something GREEN
- candles
- food/beverages
- old party decorations (balloons, confetti, streamers, etc)
- cute accessories: like hats or purses.
This list could seriously go on, but you get the idea. Here is how I transformed my outdated guest bathroom into looking “brand new” and perfect for this collaboration with Garnier.
Great Lighting = Great Content.
Natural Light is your best friend. Try shooting in front of a window to get some nice sunlight in your shot. If you want more direct light, going outside is the move. The best times to shoot outside are always between sunrise and about 9am or golden hour (usually around 5pm-sunset)- that way you get the most beautiful lighting and not as many shadows.
Although I do love me a good golden hour photo, sometimes sunlight is just not enough. If you want to invest in studio lights here are some soft boxes and a ring light similar to the ones I use. Here is a mini ring light with a tripod stand for closeups/makeup tutorials. Pro-tip: Remember that for warmer toned photos, use a more yellowish light, and for cooler toned photos, use more florescent or white light. *I use both*
Camera vs iPhone
Honestly, a camera is always going to give a clearer picture and higher quality video than whatever latest version of the iPhone you have, but let it be known that most of my “at-home” content since quarantine started has been shot on my iPhone, wait for it, 7 Plus…..a dinosaur by now. Lighting and editing skills can definitely make or break a picture, so if you don’t have the most high-quality camera or latest version of the iPhone it is still possible to create awesome content. Pro-tip: use the back camera for the best quality you can get out of your iPhone and here’s a quick hack: place the screen facing in front of a mirror so you can see the image being captured while using the back camera. (Here are some cool iPhone lenses to try out found on Amazon to give your content an extra edge)
Wether you use an iPhone or camera, one thing’s for sure, you are probably going to need a tripod. Here is the one I use. It comes with a camera/smartphone mount and bluetooth remote control perfect for taking selfies! If you don’t get this specific tripod that comes with a remote control, most cameras and iPhones have a built-in “self timer” setting perfect for when you are snapping away all by yourself!
taken on a Sony Alpha 5100 
Taken on iPhone 7 Plus
Let’s Talk Outfits:
Many people think a new wardrobe is necessary for every piece of content you provide your followers. Not true (even for fashion bloggers). Although online shopping has reached a whole new level these days, there are so many places to get outfit inspo based on what you already own. Pinterest and Instagram are my top ones. Don’t be afraid to mix and match old clothes with new clothes; wear clothes different ways (ex: bathing suit top as a crop top, biker shorts with a blazer, etc.); even borrow things from…YOUR PARENTS (vintage sells and it’s totally #trending).
Check out my IGTV on all of my “At Home Content” behind the scenes and give my main IG a follow for more. Make sure to comment and subscribe to my blog if you enjoyed this post and have any other insight for creating content at home!
PS: Keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts on my Favorite Editing Apps and Hack: Professional At-Home Content on a Budget.
