I Came, I Saw, I Captured… Amazing Photos with These 8 Photography Hacks

Lens Flare

If you’re shooting in a space where there is no sun, try using a match to recreate that lens flare effect.

Materials:

• matches

Instructions:

1. light the match
2. hold the lit match in front of the camera lens.

 

DIY macro background

Put a little spin on your macro backgrounds. Cut any shape you’d like out of your paper and pop that in front of your lens!

Materials:

• construction paper
• scissors
• fairy lights

Instructions:

1. Cut out a circle of construction paper to fit your camera lens.
2. Fold the circle and cut half a heart along the fold. Discard the cut piece.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Bring the paper up to your camera lens.

 

Creative shadows

Shadowplay is always fun for a shoot! Try using different kitchen utensils and experiment with different shadows.

Materials:

• colander
• a light source (natural or artificial)

Instructions:

1. Hold the colander up just behind the camera in the path of your light source.
2. Test out different angles of the colander until you get the look you want.

 

Writing with sparklers

You’ve probably seen these kinds of photos before. We’ve got the instructions on how to take these photos yourself.

Materials:

• digital camera

Instructions:

1. Set your camera’s shutter speed to 8.”
2. Set the aperture to F/10.
3. Set ISO to 100

 

Panorama Hack

Try moving your subject while taking a panorama to get a really cool effect!

Materials:

• iPhone or another smartphone with panorama capabilities

Instructions:

1. Pan over your subject.
2. Have your subject move while you hold the camera in place.
3. Once your subject is in place, pan over it again.
4. Repeat those steps until the photo is complete.

 

Magnifying Lens

If you’ve ever wanted to get super zoomed in photos on your smartphone, try adding a drop of water.

Materials:

• smartphone
• water
• your finger

Instructions:

1. Flip your smartphone facedown so the camera is facing up.
2. Dip the tip of your finger in some water so you collect a water droplet.
3. Carefully set the water droplet on the camera of your smartphone.

 

No more faces cropped out

Why haven’t I thought to do this before? All the missed group-selfie opportunities!

Materials:

• smartphone
• headphones with microphone and volume control

Instructions:

1. Prop your smartphone up until you can see everyone in the frame.
2. Plug in your headphones.
3. Step back until the framing is set up.
4. Hold the headphones, press down on the volume control to take the photos.

Too Many Shadows?

Losing too much of your subject’s face because of shadows? Try holding up a piece of white paper to bounce the light back onto your subject!

Materials:

• white paper

Instructions:

1. Hold a white piece of paper on the opposite side of your subject from where the light source is coming from.