Oh Snap: How I take my pictures

On my early blog days I didn't invest much on my pictures and used a cheap digital with a gorilla pod. After breaking two digital cameras in two years and feeling frustrated by the limitation of places I could grab the pod, I took the decision of investing in better equipment. I'm not as good as having any lighting equipment altho I have thought of investing in some in the future. Most of my pictures are either on my sewing room (where you get my bookshelf on the back) or on 'my' trusty wall. Sometimes I get adventurous with a "location" shoot.

The main advantage of 'my' wall is that it gets the daylight needed in a relative secure location, where I can take a picture even if is raining outside. Doesn't mean secluded. Im overlocked by almost every neighbour window and have to stop for cars to leave the garage. The main disadvantage is that can be a bit boring, expected and doesn't add to the 'feel of the picture'. I do feel self conscious of my neighbours but at least is less that when shoot on location. Works well for now.

When I'm on location, I never shoot under direct light. I use natural diffuser like standing under a tree, or a building, something that will naturally reflect lights all directions.

Camera:Canon EOS 1100D
Tripod:MKC3-P01
Location: Back wall

Even after having a technical 2 full day photograph course, nothing makes me change from 'Auto'. Yes, I know my pictures can be so much better by even adjusting the white balance. This is an area I do feel I need to improve because so many shoots could be made better either on focus or colours. Sometimes I make some changes on my camera settings and I'm lucky, more often not! Don't get me started in Aperture and light speed.
My biggest issue at the moment is that my camera doesn't like wireless remote and I need to use the timer.
Timer can make the pictures off focus.That's because I am behind the camera adjusting the picture by the rule of thirds. I shoot, the cameras locks on what's in front, when I step over it I'm not what the camera thinks is the focus. I have been getting around and always promise myself before the next shoot I will read a little more. ( never happens, maybe one day...)
I avoid using flash as much as I can but when the day is very bright I use my flash to counter balance the light behind me.

You all know my "the rugby player' pose and a few others I play around. I try to be as creative as I can, showing the garment as best as possible. Every time I shoot the camera It takes 4 self portraits.
My advice when shooting with a self timer continuous mode is to do smaller movements changes at every click. Don't try to move the whole body as you are not as fast as the camera. Move your head sideways, your hands grip, raise or lower your shoulders, drop your eyes, smile. Be confident, try a few pictures in front of the mirror and get shooting.
Having someone to take your pictures is only an advantage is they LIKE doing that, like a creative collaboration. I am often feel a lot more self conscious when people take my pictures but when I do them myself I am as silly as I can. Do many funny faces, jump, dance.. I like the more serious poses to make the blog however I try to have fun because isn't the most comfortable situation to be in, specially is you are productive.
I often shoot more than one garment or outfit at a time as the weather in the UK is so unpredictable.

I use pic monkey to crop and add filters. Gimp is a great tool for more elaborate collages like the one of my Copacabana trousers. I heard illustrator is also fun but I don't have it. My pictures are always set for 650 width. I been thinking to get the rental option for the photoshop/lightroom. Anyone recommends?
My process of taking blog pictures started organic and like my writing, is evolving on style as I explore different ideas.