#socialbloggers 53 // Blogging Tools

Blogging can as expensive as you make it.

There’s fancy cameras, expensive laptops, phone apps, premium and custom made themes, photo software, video editing software, lighting kits and more.

While new bloggers may feel intimidated or inferior for not having a DSLR and a posh lens, there’s really no need.

I’ve invested a lot of money into my blog over the last few years, though I did’t spend a penny until a few months in.

Blogging isn’t for everyone. Most bloggers quit after 2-3 months and a lot will just post once, then never return to their blog. So you need to be sure this is going to be a long term project before spending money.

Unless you want to spend a load of money on things that will be redundant by Easter. That works too, I guess.

My blogging tools.

My iPhone.

Perfect for taking photos on the go, tweeting, using instagram and Facebook. I used my iPhone to take my blog photos for the first few months and sometimes still use it now. I don’t always want to take my clunky camera about!

My Mac Mini.

I have a Mac Mini plugged into a 32 inch TV that I use as my desktop. It’s a fantastic computer that costs less than an iMac but is still powerful. You can upgrade the memory easily and I’ve had it for over 2 years with no problems.

I bought it a few months before I started blogging as my PC desktop was getting on a bit and I’d always fancied Apple.

My DSLR.

I bought my DSLR about 4 months into blogging. Though I had been looking at getting one even before I started my blog – I’ve always loved taking photos wanted to learn how to use a DSLR for a long time. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone – have great blog photos and learn how to use a camera.

My only regret is that I didn’t learn how to use the functions properly until about 10 months after buying it. There’s no point in getting one if you’re just going to use an automatic mode.

Be prepared to spend a few hours learning how your camera works and how to get the photos you want.

My 50mm lens.

I bought my second lens a few weeks after I got my camera. Again, I didn’t really use this much until a few months later.

My MacBook Pro.

This was I wanted for months. They’re expensive but they’re such a good investment. I always have problems with the speed of Windows computers after a few months and often have problems with things installing themselves onto the browser or computer making it slow, difficult and painful to use. I never have that problem with Macs. They just work.

I got a refurbished one from eBay for about £600. It would have cost over £1k if I had bought it straight from Apple.

I’ve had it almost a year with no problems at all.

My lighting.

A few months ago I invested in some studio lighting.

This isn’t essential and the reason I bought it is that I’m fed up of having to take photos first thing in a morning before the sun goes over my house. I also have to do it when my housemates aren’t home because I sometimes have to move furniture.

Having lighting means I can take my photos when I want so don’t need to wait until my days off work.

Q1: What are some of your favourite blogging tools? Including your fave camera, laptop or lenses.

@Noor_Unnahar A1: My iMac, camera, laptop and cell phone! They are my must haves for blogging. 😛 #socialbloggers

— Jessica ThePyreflies (@thepyreflies) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar My Iphone and Macbook! #socialbloggers — Coloursofarose (@coloursofarose) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar A1: My PC (which breaks down every other month) + my Fujifilm camera (it’s quite DSLR-ish for a point & shoot) #socialbloggers

— Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) February 28, 2015

A1) My Fuji Bridge Camera, iPhone, MacBook  #socialbloggers — ThatSoBekaah {YT} (@BeccaRoseox) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar canon d600 camera. Hp sleekbook laptop. iPhone 6+ iPad aire. WordPress app and chocolate #socialbloggers

— Luke Sam Sowden (@lukesamsowden) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar I get comments on my photos asking what camera i use but i only use my iphone 5! All comes to good lighting #socialbloggers — Emmys Blog (@uknorthernblog) February 28, 2015

A1 I just recently got my DSLR and I’m enjoying using it so far! #socialbloggers

— Angi (@2DWorlds) February 28, 2015

My galaxy s4 phone camera, macbook, and white backdrop! More like essentials for me. #socialbloggers — cheeky billo blog (@cheekybillo) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar I love my MacBook  I use iMovie constantly! And instagram is a favourite of mine too! #socialbloggers

— Student Switchboard (@studentswitch) February 28, 2015

My blogging essentials are probably my phone, macbook, Canon 600D and my soft boxes too #socialbloggers — Eloise (@MallowBeauty) February 28, 2015

there’s this app Blogaway that saved my life and now I can blog on my tablet #SocialBloggers

— Areeba Siddique (@areebasiddique) February 28, 2015

I find Google keep really useful 2 plan things & its backed up to gmail so no need 2 worry bout losin it in case of a crash. #socialbloggers — Apoorva (@tea_and_music) February 28, 2015

Q2: Is there something you got for your blogging but it didn’t work out well? Share your experience

@Noor_Unnahar A2. Nope. I’m a wise buyer! 😛 #socialbloggers

— Jadirah Sarmad (@Jadirah_Sarmad) February 28, 2015

Q2 I bought a camera but it’s quite heavy just to carry around outside, so I prefer my iPhone #socialbloggers — Melissa (@melissazia) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar A2: I’m reluctant to buy things for my blog, so thankfully not yet! #socialbloggers

— Megan (@lazythoughtsxo) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar A2: Erm nope. I really don’t use much. Just my PC, camera and phone. I’m cool! #socialbloggers — Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) February 28, 2015

Im fortunate that Ive not bought anything for blogging that hasn’t worked, though I am guilty of buying things for the blog #socialbloggers

— Eloise (@MallowBeauty) February 28, 2015

A2: haven’t bought anything yet, just making the most of what i’ve got #socialbloggers — Love Hijab (@1LoveHijab) February 28, 2015

I bought a theme for my blog, but it didn’t turn out well, but found another one that worked. Regret buying the first one. #socialbloggers

— cheeky billo blog (@cheekybillo) February 28, 2015

A2 I got my first point n shoot camera for my blog but ended up reverting back to my phone cos of the poor battery life #socialbloggers — Angi (@2DWorlds) February 28, 2015

Q3: Is there something you’re going to buy to improve your blogging game? Why?

@Noor_Unnahar I’d like to buy a lightning kit, just to improve my photography more. What type of kit do you guys use? #socialbloggers

— Ella (@EllaWasHereblog) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar I just started blogging & want to buy a camera, I think pictures would look so much better & I enjoy it #socialbloggers — Elise Rose (@eliseroseblogs) February 28, 2015

Q3 I’d really like some lighting a domain and a new theme Haha. And the hard drive as I just mentioned  #socialbloggers

— Angi (@2DWorlds) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar dslr camera! Step up my picture game 🙂 #socialbloggers — cheeky billo blog (@cheekybillo) February 28, 2015

A3: I was thinking of switching from the free blogger to squarespace, still weighing up the pros and cons #socialbloggers

— Natasha (@tashrsmith21) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar my domain and a soft lighting box kit. I work a lot so hoping this helps when I don’t get a chance in the day #socialbloggers — Kristy Mansfield (@BLONDiiE017) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar in future i will love to buy a nice DSLR to enhance my photography skills and make my blog more beautiful #socialbloggers

— Anum (@Anum3288) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar A3: My domain, maybe? Or maybe a tripod. Or a DSLR. Or or oh.. a phone with better photo quality. My S2 sucks! #socialbloggers — Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar A3: no, I am fine with what I have now 🙂 #socialbloggers

— Jessica ThePyreflies (@thepyreflies) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar I’m hoping to get a dslr soon but that’s mostly to fuel my interest in photography than for blogging. #socialbloggers — Apoorva (@tea_and_music) February 28, 2015

A DSLR WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE BUT GODDAMMIT I AM SO BROKE #socialbloggers

— Areeba Siddique (@areebasiddique) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar I’m hoping (fingers and toes crossed) to buy a new game changing lens for my beloved Camera. next week #socialbloggers — Dana.J.I (@Mlle_danajose) February 28, 2015

A3: Definitely going to invest in lighting for this channel – I want the videos to look as professional as possible #socialbloggers

— Student Switchboard (@studentswitch) February 28, 2015

@Noor_Unnahar I would love nothing more than an iOS device. ? My friend recently bought iPhone 5S. Such handsomeness! #socialbloggers — Somdyuti Datta Ray (@hellodyuti) February 28, 2015

What tools do you use for blogging?