FBFF: The Mechanics of Blogging

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc...)
Camera(s): NikonD50 & NikonD80
Lens: Nikkor18-105mm
Tripod(s): Quantaray
Remote: Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote
Computer: 15" MacBook Pro
Video Camera: Kodak Zi8 HD

Let's see.  My camera(s).  When I first started blogging I was using a NikonD50, now I use a NikonD80.  My lens is a Nikkor18-105mm.  I use the remote control setting with a three second time delay with my little remote.  I use two different tripods.  One that I use around the apartment complex and one that I use any time I am out somewhere else (that one stays in the car at all times).  Both tripods are Quantaray, though they are two different models.  And then of course I use my Macbook Pro to do all the writing and editing and what not.  I do have a Kodak Zi8 HD video camera, but I've only used it for blogging once so far.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)
Photo Editing: Photoshop CS3
Photo Storage: Nothing fancy, just my external drive
Photo Hosting: Flickr
Blogging System: Blogger

Well I use Photoshop CS3 to edit all of my pictures and I store them on an external hard drive for the most part.  I'm pretty bad about moving them to my hard drive actually and my computer does not thank me for that.  There's a lot of my face taking up space on my computer at this point in time.  I upload all my photos for the blog to flickr and my blogging platform in blogger, though I have it under my own domain now. (Yay!)

3. What is your process for taking pictures?
Ah yes... the comedy of errors.  That's what it is! I don't take them at the same time of day each time.  It's usually either when I have a few minutes to spare during the work day, or when I just whenever it's convenient/when I finally tell myself I can't wait any longer or the light will be gone and I'll be kicking myself again for not taking pictures!

Once I'm out the door I scout out a place to take them (see next question for more about this process). Then I set up framing of a shot, turn off the flash, and turn on the remote setting.  Then I run out the spot I'm picked and strike a pose.  Or run around in the frame acting a fool while randomly clicking my remote.  I usually set up anywhere from three to six different frames on a normal day.  Sometimes more, sometimes less.  There's usually a few flailing shots or me falling down or something peppered throughout as well.  It's always a little ridiculous. And I usually end up with anywhere from 20 to 100 pictures during a shoot.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?
I scout locations whenever possible.  Picking a location can depend on many things.  The outfit itself sometimes dictated where.  If I'm wearing stilettos then grass is a no go.  I do like to try to choose somewhere that fits the feel of the outfit.  Other times if it's too hot or too cold it's just where ever is convenient and good enough, if I'm being honest.  I don't venture far from the warmth of my apartment on cold days.  It's also dependent on weather and how much time I have for taking pictures.  I feel like everywhere I go I see photo back drops.


5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?
You what what I really want is a really large computer monitor that I can hook my laptop to for better editing.  I am good on camera equipment and all of that, so really that's what I would want.  I big honkin' monitor.

Head over to ModlyChic to find the full list of participants and check out what they had to say on this week's topic!