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47 Genius Camera Hacks That Will Greatly Improve Your Photography Skills In Less Than 3 Minutes
Professional photography gear costs thousands of dollars but you can take stunning pictures by spending only a fraction of the cost. If you have the time and the patience, and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, then simple DIY hacks can achieve similar results to spending big bucks on advanced kits.
To make you a better photographer, Bored Panda has collected some of the best DIY camera solutions that were tested to work. From softening the pop-up flash to transforming a 50mm lens into a macro one, these genius tips and tricks will definitely take your pictures to another level. Remember, photography is a playground and there aren't any right or wrong ways to approach it. If it works, it works. Continue scrolling to learn the DIY hacks and vote for your favorite ones!
Cover image credits: Christina Key
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Use Tinfoil To Create A Wall Of Bokeh
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#2
Use A Fishtank To Get That Underwater Shot
#3
Use A Piece Of Cloth And A Cardboard To Create A Portable And Inexpensive Seamless Background System
#4
Use A Plastic Bag For A Softbox Effect
#5
Use A Towel As Video Slider
#6
Don't Be Afraid To Add Lights With Regular Bulbs
#7
Manipulate Visual Perception Using Forced Perspectives
#8
Get That Perfect Top-Down Photo For Your Instagram
#9
Remove Tourists From Your Pictures Using These Simple Steps
#10
Cut Out A Heart Shape In A Cardboard For A Heart-Shaped Bokeh
#11
Easy Macro Lens Hack
#12
Use Your Sunglasses As A Filter
Susan Gardner 7 years ago
Or... email it to yourself and then use one of the many filters on the iPhone. Just sayin
#13
Instant Fake Macro Bokeh
#14
Use A Plastic Bag Smeared With Vaseline For A Soft-Focus Lens Effect
#15
Cut Different Shapes In A Cardboard For A Window Shadow
#16
Use A CD To Create Lens Flares
#17
Cut Out Your Own Bokeh Shapes
#18
Add Steam With Regular Appliances
#19
Create A Sparkling Ring Of Fire
#20
Create An Arty Filter With Colored Plastic Bags
#21
Use A Sandwich Bag To Create Hazy Photos
#22
Create A Different Self Portrait Using Lace
#23
Blank CD Case Is The Perfect Rain Guard For Your Lens
#24
Use A Coffee Hood As Lens Cap
Connie Martin 7 years ago
That's not functioning as a lens cap. If it did, there wouldn't be a picture.
#25
You Only Need A Few Simple Items To Capture Highspeed Drops
Beatz Girl (Erica) 7 years ago
Looks like blood, not gonna like (quoting someone from a previous entry)
#26
Reduce Camera Shake With A Bag Of Lentils
#27
Create A Softbox Using A Shower Curtain
#28
Get A Black Tile For Product Photography
Lello Panzieri 7 years ago
Get a black painted room and a black tile. You guys forgot about the room!
#29
Colorful Filter
#30
Use Windows For A Softening Effect
#31
Lighting Trick
#32
Use Plasctic Props To Create ‘Wildlife Photography’ At Home
#33
Use A Hair Dryer To Get A Stand Out Selfie
#34
Use Cloth To Achieve The Soft-Focus Lens Effect
The Other Jake 6 years ago
This is not the "soft-focus lens" effect. This is a "shoot-through" effect. Soft focus lenses cover the whole lens. You can create a soft-focus lens effect by stretching very thin, gauzy fabric over the lens.
#35
Use White Sheet As A Reflector Reflector
#36
Create A Camera Filter For Funky And Colorful Photos
#37
Use Glasses To Add 'Filters'
#38
Use A Short Triangular Prism To Reflect Background
#39
Lightpainted Background
Adrian Vinersan 7 years ago
just put blue lines on the tablet as it could of filled the same space ?
#41
Mimic Film Burn With A Matchstick
#42
Turn Your Smartphone Into A Pinhole Using Cardboard
#43
Use Torches To Add Lens Flare
Diana CrunChewy Watson 7 years ago
Turn your average coffee photo into a DRAMATIC (ic...ic...ic) coffee photo!
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Victor Vakaras 7 years ago
Or use Photoshop. Probably easier than carrying empty jars and shower curtains around when you're taking photos.
Kevin Camp 7 years ago
There is a much larger sense of accomplishment by making a great image with the camera than shooting an average image and making it great in post processing. Thats why i call myself a photographer.
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Christina Key 7 years ago
THIS IS MY PICTURE AND MY LOW BUDGET TIPP! IT'S NOT OKAY THAT YOU USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!!!! THE FULL ARTICLE IS https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en low-budget...35a4d3.jpg 
John King 7 years ago
sorry, but I've seen this trick since the 70's. You didn't invent this...
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Aahzmandus Pervect 7 years ago
Many of these effects can be achieved using Photoshop or other software, and help to avoid damaging the equipment with some of the "hacks". And in any case, the photo's will be manipulated, so why not do it the easier, safer and quicker way, and instead use your time to capture the right moment?
Elisn Klein 7 years ago
Because it's fun and works for analog, for when you can't really use photoshop.
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Victor Vakaras 7 years ago
Or use Photoshop. Probably easier than carrying empty jars and shower curtains around when you're taking photos.
Kevin Camp 7 years ago
There is a much larger sense of accomplishment by making a great image with the camera than shooting an average image and making it great in post processing. Thats why i call myself a photographer.
Load More Replies... Christina Key 7 years ago
THIS IS MY PICTURE AND MY LOW BUDGET TIPP! IT'S NOT OKAY THAT YOU USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!!!! THE FULL ARTICLE IS https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en low-budget...35a4d3.jpg
John King 7 years ago
sorry, but I've seen this trick since the 70's. You didn't invent this...
Load More Replies... Aahzmandus Pervect 7 years ago
Many of these effects can be achieved using Photoshop or other software, and help to avoid damaging the equipment with some of the "hacks". And in any case, the photo's will be manipulated, so why not do it the easier, safer and quicker way, and instead use your time to capture the right moment?
Elisn Klein 7 years ago
Because it's fun and works for analog, for when you can't really use photoshop.
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