Ad – Gifted
Bloggers like us know the power of a good photo. It can make or break your content, especially on Instagram. More and more brands want Instagram posts as part of the deal now, so getting the imagery right is key. Most of us are amateur photographers who are learning on the job. I was sent the Instagram foodie bag by paper bag co to review and show you guys what you get.
Inside the large canvas tote bag, you get a 15-inch photographic reflector and diffuser – it’s the tool that all professional photographers have at the top of their kit bag. It will help you to brighten and enhance both highlights and shadows, and either subtly or dramatically alter the lighting and colour in all of the images you create. The diffuser is particularly helpful to put in front of a window to soften the sunlight and prevent shadows. I’ve used it here in this food shot I did for JimJams chocolate spread, you can see the before and after and the difference in light.
You also get a set of four beautifully crafted papers from Black Velvet Styling, the photographic backdrop company set up by stylist Sophie that provides affordable backdrops for amateurs and professionals to create mouthwatering images of their food and still life creations. They are perfect for transforming a plate of food into a gorgeous image fit for sharing on Instagram. You get a variety of starter colours and textures to experiment with. They are made from thick card and come in a poster tube. My advice is to keep them rolled up in the tube to prevent creasing and damage. Do not get them wet.
Renowned phone photographer Matt Inwood shares some of his knowledge on how to get the most from shooting with your phone camera. Matt has been running critically acclaimed phone photography workshops for more than three years. He has created an exclusive set of ten beautiful postcards for the company, with tips on the reverse of each explaining how to use light, think about composition, choose your background and much, much more.
All in all I think at this price point (£39.95) it makes a nice gift for someone you know who is into blogging and Instagram and wants to take it to the next level. The bag itself is good quality and would easily hold your photo props and backdrops along with any camera equipment.
