In the realm of content creation, the question often arises: do you need all the shiny equipment to produce quality work, or can you get by with what you have at hand? We’ve delved into the world of DIY photography and video, as well as the benefits of professional assistance for creating stunning visuals. However, when you’re just starting out, leveraging your smartphone and available apps can often suffice before diving into investments in photographers and videographers. With a bit of practice and confidence, you might discover that you can craft 99% of your content independently.

Yet, as you hone your skills, you may find that investing in some essential equipment can elevate the quality and professionalism of your content. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank, nor do you need to acquire everything all at once. Whether you prefer online shopping or an in-person experience, platforms like Amazon and stores like John Lewis offer a plethora of options to suit your needs. Eventually want to up the spec of your equipment. Equipment wise, Amazon is great for hunting for the right tools. Or try John Lewis for an in person experience.

Here’s a glimpse into the equipment I use, which might serve as inspiration for fellow creators:

Ring Light: A versatile tool for indoor recording, ring lights provide a flattering glow and often feature adjustable brightness and color options to complement various skin tones and lighting conditions. While professional-grade options exist, opting for a mid-range, portable model can suffice.

Camera: While smartphones can serve admirably for both video and images, investing in a dedicated camera like the Sony Cybershot can yield superior quality when necessary, leaving your phone free for other tasks like selfies and quick video captures.

Tripod: An indispensable accessory, a sturdy tripod like the Manfrotto model ensures stability and precision in your shots. Investing in quality here is crucial, as I learned from my experience with a less reliable tripod initially. Additionally, a Gorilla stand offers a portable alternative for on-the-go shooting.

Tripod Adapter for Phone: A simple yet essential accessory, allowing your phone to attach securely to your tripod for stable shots and video recording.

Editing Apps: For post-production tweaks and enhancements, a selection of editing apps can streamline your workflow. From basic corrections to adding filters and tidying up details, apps like PS Express, VSCO, Facetune, InShot, Canva, and TouchRetouch offer a comprehensive toolkit for refining your content.

Editing, in simple terms, is best done using apps I use:

IPhone’s Photo Editing for quick corrections
PS Express for straightening, lightening and also you can pick out the subject and JUST lighten that – genius
VSCO for adding a blanket filter – the same filter every time – you can find your own as there are thousands – it adds consistency to the grid
Facetune – despite its bad reputation for making everyone look like a Kardashian, Facetune is handy for zooming in and tidying up small details. I don’t use it very often but it can be a great one to have in the bank
InShot – this is for editing videos and I hunted around for a long time to find the right thing. I edit all my IGTV and Reels in here
Canva – wow this is a brilliant app. You can piece together little content blocks and quotes using this, add your own colours or fonts – it is a life saver for the girl or guy on the go
TouchRetouch is an object removal tool which can help you get cleaner content if there’s some rubbish in the background for example

While starting with just your smartphone and experimenting with editing and filters is a prudent approach, as you gain confidence, upgrading to specialized equipment can be a worthwhile investment. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to hone your skills and experiment with different tools and techniques along the way. Eventually, you’ll find the perfect balance of equipment and expertise to bring your creative vision to life. Again PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE