Sunset Desires: November 2020

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Are you a fashion blogger, influencer or someone who wants to be one, who is struggling to take good outfit photos? Then look no further than today's post where I will be telling you my top tips to improve your outfit photos.

Choosing A Background

First up before you think about taking any photos, you need to have a good background. If you are wanting to work with brands then you need your photos to look as professional as possible. It's no use wearing a fantastic outfit if your background is cluttered as this will distract from the clothes you are trying to show, so make sure the area is clean and tidy.

One of the best options is to have a plain wall behind you as that will then give the most focus to the outfit. If a plain wall isn't possible then hanging up a bed sheet will have almost the same effect.

If you plan on taking photos in the mirror in the form of a mirror selfie then make sure the rest of your room behind you is also tidy and your bed is made as you don't want to appear unkempt and unprofessional and you don't want possibly embarrassing items hiding in plain sight in the photo.

Lighting Options

For me, the hardest part of taking my outfit photos is getting the lighting right. In summer it is much easier to take indoor outfit photos as the natural lighting from outside is much brighter for a lot longer in the day. When you are taking your photos in natural light, try and make sure you are facing the light, that your blinds or curtains are open so that there is as much light as possible coming through. You could take your photos in a room in your house that has the biggest window or numerous windows. If possible and you have one, it could be a really good idea to utilise fixed flat glass rooflights. They are essentially windows that are on your ceiling which lets in so much more light than just a side window. Incorporate both, if possible and your photos will look so much better and more professional.

If natural light isn't possible for you, you might want to invest in some lighting equipment. This could be a softbox or a ring light. A lot of other bloggers, influencers and YouTubers use ring lights as they brighten up the space so much more and really up the professionalism of the content. There are so many different lighting options available so be sure to do your research before you invest in one.

Taking Your Photos

Now, how do you actually plan on taking your photos? We don't all have professional photographers in our pockets to go have photoshoots with all the time, so what should you do?

One of your options would be to get someone to take your photos for you. For example, this could be a boyfriend (also known as an Instagram husband), partner or another family member. You will have to coach them on how to get the best shot, teach them what angles are best, as well as how to work your camera. Why not organise a content day with another blogger friend so that you can both help each other get great content?

The other main option is to use a tripod. Not only are they good for when you are alone with no one there to help you, but they also stabilise your image. Because the tripod is stood up and completely still, the image will be better quality for it. In other words, it's even better than getting a person to take your photos for you. Pair the tripod with a Bluetooth remote and you won't even have to move to click the camera button every time you want to take a photo. Win, win.

Another one of the options is something I've actually mentioned above. You could take mirror selfies as they don't use any equipment other than your phone as the camera and is easy enough for you to line up and get the right angles. Mirror selfies are quite a big thing on Instagram, so that option would work really well, if that is something you wish to do.

Ways To Edit

My last and final tips relate to editing. Editing can do wonders to your photos, even if it's something as simple as brightening the photos or even sticking the same filter on every photo to make your feed more uniform. There is so much you can do to a photo to improve it.

I suggest downloading a couple of apps and playing around with them to see what editing options you like. There are so many tutorials online on how to edit your photos the best, so look around and do some research on those. A couple of apps that I use are Lightroom which is an easier version of photoshop and VSCO.

When I edit my photos I tend to up the brightness and the highlights to make the details really pop and I usually pull down the saturation on the yellow colouring as that's what generally makes your photos look a bit blah and dim. Like I suggested above, just have a play around and see what you can come up with.

So, let me know if I've missed any tips out as well as what your favourite tip was in the comments below and while you are here why not check out more of my lifestyle content?

Want to check out my outfit photos? Then go and follow me over on Instagram at sunsetdesires.

30 November 1 comments

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Today we are going to be looking at different types of flooring for homes. There are so many options available and you might not know what is best, so hopefully, this handy little guide will give you some ideas.

Laminate Flooring

First off we are going to start with Laminate flooring. Laminate flooring has multiple layers and is a synthetic product which is fused together by a lamination process, hence the name. It looks like wood but the top layer is actually a photograph and it has a special clear protective screen on top. Because of this, it's much cheaper to buy than actual wood flooring.

Laminate is easy to install and it requires little maintenance. It's waterproof and stain resistant which means it's also really easy to clean. It can be slippery when wet but a special layer can be added at extra cost.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring has gained lots of popularity over the recent years and is a great alternative to solid wood. Engineered wood is made up of several layers of plywood and is topped off with a solid wood veneer. This makes engineered wood cheaper and sturdier than solid wood.

Engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating which is something that has also been growing in popularity over the last few years, so that is definitely something to think about. It is pretty easy to install yourself as more often than not it comes with clickable pieces.

While it's sturdier than solid wood, in the long run, it's actually less durable because it can usually be refinished only once. It can dent and scratch easily, just like solid wood but the initial cost may just outweigh that.

Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring comes in various forms but I'm going to be talking about sheet vinyl flooring. This is flooring that comes in big 'sheets'. This means that you unroll it, cut it to size and stick it down. Vinyl flooring is a tough material and is water-resistant, so great to have down in bathrooms and wetrooms.

Vinyl comes in a variety of styles, patterns and colours which means it's a great choice to add some personality to your home. It is generally softer than classic tiles as well as warmer to walk barefoot on. Vinyl is probably one of the most inexpensive types of flooring you can get.

Most vinyl flooring isn't compatible with underfloor heating, so that might be something to think about too. It's also not the most eco-friendly of all the types of flooring as it's made from PVC which isn't a renewable source.

Carpet

Carpets are generally the favourite option for the most lived in areas of the home such as the bedrooms and the living room. Carpet comes in so many different styles, colours and types that it could get a little bit overwhelming knowing what to choose. Generally the higher the fibre density, the more durable it will be.

One of the major advantages to carpets is that they are soft and warm underfoot which is why they are usually in bedrooms and living rooms. They are also slip-resistant and they are pretty easy to install.

The disadvantage to them is that carpets are harder to clean as dirt can stick in the fibres which can usually only be fully cleaned with steam. They can get dirty easily especially if you have pets and they are also vulnerable to staining.

Concrete

Popularity with concrete flooring is increasing as highly polished concrete floors look elegant and fantastic especially with the wide range of colours and finishes available. A concrete floor is extremely strong and durable which means it will last a long time.

Concrete floors require very little maintenance and they resist moisture and stains. They are also very pet friendly.

One disadvantage to concrete floors is that they are hard and can be slippery when wet which isn't a good combination. They are also a colder floor option so you may need to add rugs for more comfort and warmth underfoot.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay and other natural materials and can be hardwearing if you get the correct type as not all ceramic tiles are suitable for floors. They come in a variety of styles and colours and can be a unique touch to your home.

Ceramic tiles are water-resistant and most are non-slip so would be perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. They are easy to clean and maintain and because of technology you can get virtually any pattern printed on them. You could use this option to mimic the look of natural stone or even wood if you wanted to!

Tiles can feel cold underfoot and ceramic flooring tends to be hard and rigid which means that they can be uncomfortable to walk on. Another disadvantage is that grout in between the tiles can be easily stained.

Marble

Marble flooring tends to be the most luxurious flooring around. It looks glamorous and elegant and is a real talking point of any home. Every section of marble flooring will be different which makes it distinctive and unique.

Marble flooring is extremely durable and will last almost forever if treated correctly.

A downside to marble floors is that they tend to be expensive, are difficult to install and are also hard to change or replace because of their distinct pattern. They are also very slippery when wet, so be careful.

Let me know what types of flooring you have or are considering for your home in the comments below and while you are here why not check out more of my home content?

Interior And Home Trends For 2020

30 November No comments