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? 
I’m craving a Mac! The free software seems to be second to none. Also thinking about getting a vlogging camera, but I’ll wait for the lotto win to roll around first 🙂
Ohh, I had a vlogging camera but it got stolen 🙁
My favourite blogging tool is my phone as I can keep up with everything so easily with my phone and go out and do all the things i need to get done through out the day, it’s a life saver really!! xx
I love my phone. I don’t use it for blogging much though!
Perfect tools for blogging
Blogging can definitely be expensive but worth an investment I guess.. I am using Lenovo laptop which does the job for me and I have an Iphone which i mainly use for photos.. Getting a Powershot canon for my birthday so super excited to upgrade my blog photography!
I’ve been hearing loads of great stuff about Lenovo laptops lately!
Oh have you done a post about your lighting? That would be so interesting! I read a few bloggers who have done something like that to make taking pictures easier. I’m pretty lucky we have great weather most of the time here in Queensland, so I don’t need anything fancy like that. I did upgrade my camera when my old one died to one that had a remote to make taking daily pictures easier..haha. But that’s it, don’t really spend much money on blog stuff, don’t have to as it’s just a hobby 🙂
I’ve not but maybe I’ll do one. They’re not fancy or anything, I got them of eBay 🙂
Loading raw photos and photoshop is just so snappy on my imac! I bought my dslr almost a year after I started blogging but I watched a lot of tutorials before I got.
I’d really suggest just using the manual mode on point and shoot at first to understand aperture, iso, shutter speed etc.
Yeah, manual modes is key. Or even an aperture priority so you can adjust some settings yourself!
I def need some lighting. The natural light in my room is crap lol
check out my newest post
xx
Tyana
theluxedition.blogspot.com
So true I think you shouldn’t buy anything unless you know you want to stay blogging.
I need a new camera which I am saving up for but I love taking phoots anyways for blogging or not its just something I love. Also I would love to have better lighting and I need to look into getting studio lighting!
Florals&Smiles
Twitter
You can get some cheap lighting from eBay 🙂
So true I think you shouldn’t buy anything unless you know you want to stay blogging.
I need a new camera which I am saving up for but I love taking photos anyways for blogging or not its just something I love. Also I would love to have better lighting and I need to look into getting studio lighting!
Florals&Smiles
Twitter
This post makes me really want to invest in a whole pile of tech, lighting and camera equipment!
Emma | Fluff and Fripperies
I missed this chat! I had no idea who was hosting it, thought it was you. My blogging essentials are my MacBook Pro, Panasonic camera and iPhone 6. I don’t use any tools to edit my pictures, only whatever tools that came with my laptop. I don’t do much editing to my pictures anyway, usually only contrast and lightening so my MacBook is good enough for it.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I just use iPhoto and picmonkey to edit photos 🙂
I’d love a DSLR – alas, I’ll have to dream.
Lizzie Dripping
Photoshop and iPhoto are great resources 🙂 Also the Notes app on my iPhone!
Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
I share most of the same equipment as you, although I have been really silly by holding on to my old phone and now I realise an iphone is essential to take quick photos when I’m out, as I’m missing out on a lot of material right now for my blog eg. instagram! Also, with regard to blog photos, I’m so curious to learn more about plain white settings and lighting etc. Have a great week, Corinne!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
I don’t think it has to be plain white, I use my living room wooden floor a lot which I like the look off!
I actually agree with you about investing in tools after you’re commited until a few months ago I didn’t buy a DSLR either until I knew it was going to be an investment for a lifetime and I also discovered a new love of mine which is photography too 🙂
Before that I used to use a normal digital camera and also my iphone for quick pics on my Social media/ which I still do 😀
Serene xoxo
http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com
I love my camera now!
My laptop and iPhone are my blogging tools. I’d be lost without them 🙂
These tools sound great! The 50 mm lens is a great one to have!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
I swear by so many things! Sometimes a good photo really comes down to lighting, and this can be tricky outside. I have learned many functions of my camera and many times shoot in automatic mode after adjusting so many settings. It is really tough in direct sunlight, and I had to learn about shadows and angles and I am still learning! I really prefer grayer days! Thanks for this and such a great share!
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
Shadows can be so frustrating.
50mm lens is the perfect and most affordable tool for blogging. Would highly recommend!
Insightful and helpful post as always Corinne 🙂
Interesting post, more than buying things I want more time, the list of things I want to do on my blog is huge. My bigest investment is my camera but my iPhone is lite and creates good pictures. Lighting is the biggest pain in the UK so I will need a lighting system at some point Lucy x
I would kill for more time!
Laptop, phone and camera. I am still using a basic digital camera, feel like I must be the only one sometimes.
I need some lighting and 50mm lens.
Corinne, it’s very useful post! Thanks for sharing))
You definitely need motivation and commitment! No one said these did they? EH?
Dannie x
http://www.famousinjapan.co.uk
I simply love this post. I just purchased a new Canon SL1 because it’s lighter and I won’t have any problem bringing along with me anywhere. Wonderful photos.
Kay of Pure & Complex
http://www.purecomplex.com
Great post! I really want some lighting too, and I would like another lens but I need the money first! I can make do at the moment 🙂 I love your blogging style by the way!
Becca xx
xbeccabe.blogspot.co.uk
This is such a great post!! I love how you’ve included some Q and As from other bloggers at the bottom 🙂 I agree that you have to be sure that you’re going to commit before you start spending too much money on your blog. It took me a few goes at starting a blog before I stuck with it!
Emma xx
alittlefreckle
You are so right about the camera you need to understand the settings on it! Once you’ve cracked it though its the best feeling! ^^ Great post x
Is a macbook pro an apple laptop? The only venture i’ve had with Apple is my organge ipod. Which no-one seems to have anymore! But I understand the windows slowness. My laptop is three years old and SO slow. 🙁 xx
Yeah, it’s made by Apple. Macs just don’t get slow and clumpy like windows.