Where Bloggers Live: Behind the Scenes of My Workspace
Welcome to the monthly edition of Where Bloggers Live. It’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and see inside people’s homes? Over the next few months, a group of seven bloggers will be sharing their workspaces, their homes, towns and more!
Make sure you visit everyone to see where the magic happens!
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Julia at When the Girls Rule
Leslie at Once Upon a Time Happily Ever After
This month’s theme for my group of blogger friends is our workspace – whether that’s in the home or away from it. I’m doing my at-home blogging space…which is also currently (#coronavirus) my day-job work-from-home space. But I’m also going to share the tools I use, apps, etc. and hopefully that will be a help to some of you.
My “office” is not ideal, as it’s actually in my bedroom. I prefer when I can close the door (or at least turn my back!) to my workspace and not have it in my line of vision at all. In sight, in mind, so it’s hard to ever really “turn off.” But. It is what it is…at least the bedroom area is large so I have one end dedicated to the office…and I have a window view into the living room, so I’m not just staring at a wall all day.
My set-up is actually pretty simple compared to when I used to sell on eBay and had an entire room dedicated to online selling, with built-in shelving and large counter space, packing table, etc. Sigh. Now I just have my desk…which is actually an old vanity. I love the piece but do wish I had more surface area. Between the monitor, mousepad (that’s really a book), the stack of books that act as my cell phone tripod for zooming or talking videos, a beverage…and the cat (ALWAYS), it’s a tight fit. If I ever have to do any kind of paperwork it’s really a tight squeeze and I usually end up going to the kitchen table. Oh, also, while I love the chippy paint look, it’s murder on a desktop. That’s why the mouse needs to sit on a book…and why I have a velcro dot on one of the keyboard feet because it sits unevenly otherwise and tips this way and that.
I’ve been considering this for the desktop after seeing it on someone’s apartment tour on YouTube.
My desk chair is a decrepit relic, ha. I took it out of the dumpster at my OLD job (that I left in 2005) and it was dumpster-worthy THEN. And now I’VE had it for over 20 years. Two of the wheels are missing so it no longer rolls. You think long and hard about exactly where you want to sit, because once you lug the chair to that spot…it’s going to be there awhile.
This is my dream chair. Someday.
My two most important tools for blogging are my computer and my camera. I recently got a NEW COMPUTER after my old one was becoming more and more challenging. I use several Adobe (of Photoshop fame) programs and they are systems hogs – meaning they take up a LOT of juice. The new PC (yep, I’m a PC girl) is actually a gaming computer because they’re made to handle large graphics well. And I added a little extra memory before I even brought it home from the store – that was like $60 all-in for the memory itself and installation. Well worth it in my mind to avoid fighting with a slow computer. Plus there’s a fancy light-show in the processor, so that’s fun (and keeps you up at night if you don’t turn off the computer before bed). I don’t have a GIANT monitor, but it’s nice-sized at 24.”
While my computer is obviously important for writing, image editing, and storage…and INTERNET (be still my heart), my camera is my soul-mate. It’s not a SUPER fancy camera, but it’s what I wanted for a long time and I got it exactly a year ago and we’re still in the honeymoon phase. It’s a Canon 6D, which is a full-frame camera. This means several things. It allows in more light (cameras use light to make pictures, so no/low light, pfffft picture), which is good overall and especially if you need to shoot in low light situations a lot (like my apartment and work events). And it has a larger sensor, which means more pixels, which means a better quality image. I’m not going to go in-depth about cameras right now, maybe this summer I’ll finally be able to do a “photography for bloggers (and other humans)” post.
I currently have only one lens – a Canon 50mm f1.8. That is a fixed lens (not a zoom) with a large aperture, which, again, lets in more light AND which allows for the potential of that lovely bokeh (blurred background). It’s an inexpensive lens as lenses go, just over $100 for brand new, but it is a workhorse and produces lovely images. For now, with the type of shooting I’m doing, I don’t need anything else.
If someone was throwing money at me, I would upgrade to this lens. It has an even wider aperture, and creates the LOVELIEST light and images. I’ve rented it several times and it is just magical. But new it’s just under $1000, so it stays on The List. For SOMEDAY.
As far as doing blog photos of myself, the two things that allow me to do that, are my tripod and wireless shutter release. I don’t have a top of the line tripod by any stretch of the imagination, but for the camera/lens combo I’m using, it’s been fine because they’re small and light (relatively speaking). When considering a tripod, you must consider the weight of your camera with your heaviest/longest lens on it. A lightweight tripod trying to hold a heavy lens is a recipe for disaster. It’s just going to topple over if you let go of it. Mine will tip in windy situations, so I stay mindful of that. But under normal conditions, it has been fine.
The wireless shutter release was a game-changer for me. Before then, I had to set up the camera pointing at where I thought I would go, set the timer, run to what I hoped was the right spot and get in position before the shutter went off. Then go back to the camera for picture #2. Lather Rinse Repeat. It was a LOT of back and forth. And it was very hard to judge if you were standing in the right spot to be in focus.
I read a lot of people saying, oh, put a chair (or whatever) where you want to stand and focus on that, but I like to shoot pretty wide open – which means my focus width is very shallow – one or two inches off and I’m going to be out of focus. A chair is not the same height as me, so focusing on that is not the same as focusing on where my face is going to be. It’s probably a 24″ difference. Even if we’re both the same distance from the camera (the chair and I), because it’s lower it is actually further away. Focus points, when you’re shooting with that shallow a depth of field, are that sensitive that 24″ might as well be a mile.
The chair trick is just one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practical application it’s just more complicated than that. Yes, you could prop a broom on the chair, yadda yadda yadda, but…can you see how this could start getting pretty annoying? If you’re not shooting in your kitchen? Ha. I think I’ll shoot in that pretty meadow today. Here I go with my camera and tripod…and chair…and broom. No thank you.
Note: If you’re shooting with your cell phone, the chair trick should work…in fact, you probably don’t even need a chair. Just stand anywhere near in-line with the camera and it’s going to get you in focus because the basic cell phone camera does not have a very wide aperture.
SO. The wireless shutter and receiver solves that (pretty much). That means, I put a receiver on the hot shoe (the slidey bracket on top that you would fix an off-camera flash to) and also plug it in to the…input (?) port on the side of the camera. This is the receiver. I hold a remote in my hand…that when I press the button, the receiver actually focuses the camera and takes the shot. So now I can stay in my position x-feet away from the camera and dance around, taking picture after picture. I take a LOT of pictures in a very short time, so I have a lot of options to choose from.
Now, the caveat to that is, yes, the remote is telling the receiver to focus the camera….but it cannot tell it on WHAT. Camera doesn’t know I want a picture of me and not that tree behind me. So I have to set the camera to “all focus points.” Normally you’d just set one, usually the center (that’s generally the sharpest focus point), and hand-held, you’d make sure that focus point was on your subject right where you want. But I’m not hand-holding, I’m standing 10′ away. So I set to all focus points and then whatever is nearest to the camera will be in focus. So I have just to make sure there’s nothing straight-ish out from the lens that’s closer to the camera than me…and I’m golden! Click click click! I can dance and move around and most of the shots will be in pretty good focus. I don’t think anything replaces hand-held but I don’t usually have that option, and this set-up has made shooting blog photos at least do-able for me.
Wow, this is getting long. I’m wondering if I should break this into two parts…because I haven’t even gotten to my vlogging camera or cell phone yet! Or the apps/programs I use for editing and to stay (HA HA HA HA HA) organized. I think I’ll do that. You’re looking a little bleary-eyed anyway, and like you could use a cool drink. So go, relax. I’ll be back in a few days with the scintillating conclusion to “how what where I blog.”
Here is a super quick (3 minute) video of my (messy!!!) workspace.
Don’t forget to check out my blogging friends! I can almost promise you none of their posts will be as long as mine!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you buy something as a result of clicking that link, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate you shopping through my links.
eva @ StyleMyThrift
Bettye! love the concept of this blog post…to see beyond the fashion and where it is all is created, so cool…
xo Eva
bettyewp
Thanks, Eva. I watch all these videos with bloggers’ home/apartment tours and they’re impeccably decorated and so CLEAN and tidy. Ha ha, that is SO not my life!
Iris
WOW, you have quite a set up – I’m impressed. I think the desk topper might work quite well for your lovely desk. Thanks for sharing – look forward to installment 2.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I wish I had pictures of my old eBay room – THAT was a set-up!
Em
About your last paragraph: thank you for hiding me in the “almost promise,” because I never met an extra dozen words I couldn’t jam in somewhere, haha.
This is SO interesting, Bettye. I often wonder how you style bloggers do what you do…
Your general photography is so lovely, but it never dawned on me that you take your own pics for the fashion photos. Dang! I can’t even manage a decent selfie!
My son is into photography and bought a beautiful camera with his summer job $. I’ve been borrowing it lately to take pics of the orioles… Your VERY helpful and informative post could set me on the path to a new hobby!
Looking forward to reading how you make magic with your cellphone!!!
bettyewp
ha ha, YOU were EXACTLY who I was thinking of when I said “almost.” I ALMOST said there, in parentheses, “I’m looking at YOU, Em!”
Honestly, a big part of taking a picture of yourself that you’re happy with…is taking a LOT of pictures of yourself! Most people are surprised by what they see “in print,” and you need to normalize that by seeing yourself in print A LOT. If you ALWAYS prevent people from taking your picture saying, “I hate how I look in pictures,” you will probably ALWAYS hate how you look in pictures. If you’ve got a couple minutes, here’s a link to an old blog post about when I did a 30-day exercise of taking a picture of myself every day – I was really taking a picture of the outfit, but I was in there, too! And it was so interesting how I felt about pictures of myself AFTER the 30 days, compared to back at Day One.
jodie filogomo
This is so interesting. I am so lucky to have Rob take my photos because I have such limited knowledge of photos. And NO patience. You are so impressive with your photography skills. You need to have a course where we can ask you our concerns. (and trust me, I have a ton).
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
I have thought of that. And an ebook. I just have to sit down and WRITE IT! Even a course needs coursework materials. SOMEDAY.
In the meantime feel free to ask me anything.
julia
More photography lessons please! I’m about to buy a camera and lenses so I’d love to hear what works for you. Isn’t it funny that all us bloggers have pets in our workspaces? Something about writing and pets I guess. See you this evening!
bettyewp
There’ll be more. For a lot of it I need another person, so *I* can do the “demonstrating shooting.” So it has to be someone who doesn’t mind a) having their picture taken and b) that doesn’t mind having their picture on the internet. None of my friends are game for that..so then I look to (the vastly disappointing) Model Mayhem…but those girls want Nice Pictures, not…examples of “Don’ts”. It’ll come together eventually 🙂
Leslie Susan Clingan
I had a pretty good set up using my cell as my remote but then came an update and nothing works any more. Interested in getting a remote after reading your post. Just not sure I have a place to attach the receiver. Will get my camera out tomorrow to investigate. Love that your desk is a vintage vanity. How perfect. And the peely paint just gives it more charm and personality.
bettyewp
Did you use the cell app where you could actually see the image before you shot it?
The vanity used to have a detachable 3-paneled mirror, it was lovely. But I sold it during my first move when I sold my house and had to downsize.
Daenel T.
Oh, that chair looks so comfy. I have a basic office chair that I pilfered from The Hubs but I’d love one of those tufted beauties.
I enjoyed reading about your photography set up. I always wonder how other people handle their photos. I use a remote and focus on the tripod, mark my spot, then put the camera on the tripod. It’s a pain but it’s better than focus, set timer, run… LOL
bettyewp
And I like it cuz it doesn’t look so “officer,” since technically it’s in my bedroom.
Oh, using the tripod is a good idea. All that on/off though. Lately the little button thing on my tripod is going stuck so it can be challenging to get the camera back on when I’ve taken it off. I’ve also been considering one of the cell phone apps where you can actually see the picture on your cell phone screen before taking the shot. I think I have an issue with the wifi on my camera, I bought it practically new, but it was pre-owned, and the previous owner had set up the wifi to her specifications and I can’t figure out how to wipe them out. I’ve tried “restoring to factory default” or whatever that is, but that didn’t do it. One of these days I’ll take it into a camera shop (if) and ask them to take a look.
Every once in a while the batteries die in the remote and I have no spares so I have to resort to focus, set timer, run, and it’s awful. Ha.