Before you buy, here's my full food photography & video gear.
In case you've had an inkling to start your own YouTube channel or want to get into photography or blogging or creating an online brand, the following are some helpful resources that I have used to create my work and brand. But, before you venture any further, do know that this equipment and software list has morphed drastically since I first started. I firmly believe in waiting to upgrade equipment until you've proven to yourself that you'll stick with it. It kills me when people spend their hard-earned money on equipment thinking that equipment is the answer to building a successful business. Good equipment helps, but only if you're going to use it.
I started out my career with my iPhone and that's really all you need in the beginning. Start small, be patient, know that photography, videography and blogging are skills that take a good bit of time and personal passion to grow. But, if you love it and you stick with it, you'll be amazed at what you can do!
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products listed below and recommend them because I believe in them. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything listed below!
Website
vgnbites.com is a WordPress site (best for food blogging features). I use Bigscoots to host and their support is second to none. Need help learning WordPress and all things blog related? I learned myself how to do that by learning on this platform
THEME
Choosing a theme could be tricky if you want to build your website alone, my advice is to get the Feast Plugin , I got my them through Feast Design Co. Their minimal blog designs are perfect for food bloggers. If you see the price don't panic, it totally worth it, considering the fact if you hire web developer it will be thousands of dollars cost. I also have their Feast Plugin which updates my theme regularly, which I love so I don't have to manually reinstall the theme every time. This way Modern Homepage can keep current with best practices, and I find their support to be responsive and excellent.
MY CAMERA & LENSES
I primarily use the CANON EOS R6 and a Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM lens, and when I use my other macro lens Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM utilizing the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. My advice to have a wireless remote control , i use Canon BR-E1
PRO-TIP: whatever camera you have, always get two batteries! You don't want to be stuck at the middle of your video or photo set because you ran out of battery. always have a backup battery!
PHONE CAMERA AND ACCESSORIES
The best camera to use is the one you have with you. I always have my iPhone 12 Pro with me to capture on-the-go images. I also capture a lot of the b-roll for my Pinterest blog with my phone along with the Filmic Pro app. For shooting overhead and social media videos, I use the my Manfrotto Tripod & this ball head to shoot my videos with Canon, and when I am using my Iphone I simply attach this phone attachment.
DIFFUSER & BOUNCECARDS
I use this reflector
I like the v-flats / bounce cards from V-Flat World
FLASH SPEEDLITE
I live in an apartment where there is not enough light , this is why I like using flash speedlite. You don't have to purchase a canon speedlite, there are a cheaper options , I use Godox VING V860IIC TTL with a Trigger, with this Softbox, and this Ring and this light stand that I use to set up on it my artificial lights and the softbox.
MAKING FOOD VIDEOS
If you want to make professional videos and want to know what exactly I use , you should keep reading.
MEMORY CARD
I shoot my videos 4k so I find myself best using these Sandisk memory cards , and it also great for photography.
SOFTWARE
I love using Adobe, I am subscribed to monthly plan pack , where I edit my photography using Lightroom and photoshop, and my videos with Adobe Premier Pro.
Since my laptop that I have is limited with storage, I use Seagate 2T portable hard disk , using this USB adapter
MY AUDIO GEAR
For a mic when at an event or unable to use a lav, I use the Rode Go Shotgun mic.
BACKDROPS
There are lots of options for great photo surfaces out there. Some of my favorites that are different kinds at different price points include Capture by Lucy, Woodville Workshop.
For small product photography on a white sweep, I love this PVC roll up background. It’s sturdy, cleans up nicely and holds up better over time than paper options.
FOOD STYLING TOOLS
A few of my favorite things: patpottery.pl , OguskyCeramics,Wilbur & Wolf
I get all my fake ice cubes from Trengove Ice at the Set Shop.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Besides youtube videos, reading articles and watching so many educational tutorials I signed up for Joanie Simon's Artificial Academy course and learned best practices how to shoot with flashlite and expanded my knowledge on video making.
I also learned a lot on Matt WhoisMatt Johnson youtube chanel, where he explains step by step adobe editing.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY CONTRACT
It's important to have a contract in place to protect yourself and your work as a photographer. I use a contract from The Contract Shop.
Hope what i shared helps you in making an order in the mess, cause I truly know how it is frustrating to decide what to buy and where . This is What I use for the videos you see me sharing on my blog and for my clients.
