HELPFUL BLOGGING TIPS AND TRICKS FROM BLOGCONF

I've been meaning to get this blog post up much sooner but I've been feeling so tired and ill its only just materialised! A few weekends ago I attended my first ever blogging event, BLOGCONF. I've only been blogging since the beginning of the year so I was very eager to learn! I arrived at the event feeling nervous, shy and lacking confidence but the end of the day I felt totally refreshed. I left with far more confidence within myself and about my blog. I met some really lovely people and gained a new enthusiasm for blogging. Find out everything I learn below! 

Our schedule was rammed full of talks from bloggers and industry experts far more knowledgeable than myself - all broken up with a yummy lunch and lots of tea breaks! However, three talks really stood out for me:

1. Photography
2. Working with Brands
3. Social Media and PR

Here are all the tips and tricks I learnt!

Photography

The Rule of Thirds: Ever seen a grid appear on your iPhone camera? Its there for a reason!

• The rule of thirds dictates that subjects on the intersection of lines attract the eye. So next time you take a photo, try placing the objects on the lines or intersections of the grid. For example, placing the eye on the intersection will draw the attention in. 
• It will make your picture look more balanced. 
• Don't place the subject in the middle of the frame either, by placing it in a third it gives the photo more interest. 
• And if you haven't got your grid switched on, go to your camera settings and sort it out!

Space/perspective: this is really simple, give your subject a space to look into!

• Place your subject in the opposite side of the frame into which they are looking. 
• By giving your image space it gives the subject more perspective and purpose. It also makes for a more powerful image.

*POSER ALERT*

By not having the space to the left, the direction of the eye does not have as much power. 

Light: light is the biggest determinant of a photo (in my opinion). However, there are different types of light.

• Soft lights occurs when the light source is large relative to the object, for example the shade or an overcast day. 
• Hard light occurs when the light source is small relative to the object, for example the sun. 
• Hard light will create sharper lines on the object, which may look unflattering and harsh.

Lens Compression: essentially a distortion of background elements, lens compression allows background elements to seem closer to the subject than they actually are.

• By using a larger sense and higher aperture you can compress background elements more, making them more blurred.

Working with brands

What I mainly gained from this is that brands aren't scary corporations! Many brands embrace and work with bloggers.

• Don't just wait for the brand to approach you. If you've reviewed certain products or have an an idea pitch it to the brand! 
• The need for professionalism is key. Come up with a specific angle or concept to propose to the brand. 
• Brands love story based ideas which show their products as part of a lifestyle choice. Incorporate the product into a post about something else, perhaps a trip, instead of simply taking a photo of it. 
• Good photography is a must, often brands check out your blog before agreeing to work with you. 
• Agree a timescale so both the brand and you know what to expect from one another. 
• Finally, good communication, essential so you don't frustrate the brand and put them off working with you in the future!

Social Media and PR

A talk from Will Guyatt, a fountain of knowledge on all things social media related proved most interesting to me. As a communications Manager for Instagram, he was able to give some really good advice on using social media.

• Social media is by far the most powerful tool a blogger can tap in to. Instagram is all about 'capturing and sharing the worlds moments' and being able to tell your own story through pictures.
• Hot times for Insta users are: first thing in the morning, 6-8pm and 12-2am (for all our American friends)! 
• Importantly, you own and retain all copyright of you photos. So if you're using someone else's photos you should get permission!

If your a Glasgow blogger, BLOGCONF will be hitting your city on 9th May so get involved!