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.
Use Tinfoil To Create A Wall Of Bokeh
Use A Fishtank To Get That Underwater Shot
Use A Piece Of Cloth And A Cardboard To Create A Portable And Inexpensive Seamless Background System
Use A Plastic Bag For A Softbox Effect
Use A Towel As Video Slider
Don't Be Afraid To Add Lights With Regular Bulbs
Manipulate Visual Perception Using Forced Perspectives
Get That Perfect Top-Down Photo For Your Instagram
Remove Tourists From Your Pictures Using These Simple Steps
Cut Out A Heart Shape In A Cardboard For A Heart-Shaped Bokeh
Easy Macro Lens Hack
Use Your Sunglasses As A Filter
Or... email it to yourself and then use one of the many filters on the iPhone. Just sayin
Instant Fake Macro Bokeh
Use A Plastic Bag Smeared With Vaseline For A Soft-Focus Lens Effect
Cut Different Shapes In A Cardboard For A Window Shadow
Use A CD To Create Lens Flares
Cut Out Your Own Bokeh Shapes
Add Steam With Regular Appliances
Create A Sparkling Ring Of Fire
Create An Arty Filter With Colored Plastic Bags
Use A Sandwich Bag To Create Hazy Photos
Create A Different Self Portrait Using Lace
Blank CD Case Is The Perfect Rain Guard For Your Lens
Use A Coffee Hood As Lens Cap
That's not functioning as a lens cap. If it did, there wouldn't be a picture.
You Only Need A Few Simple Items To Capture Highspeed Drops
Looks like blood, not gonna like (quoting someone from a previous entry)
Reduce Camera Shake With A Bag Of Lentils
Create A Softbox Using A Shower Curtain
Get A Black Tile For Product Photography
Get a black painted room and a black tile. You guys forgot about the room!
Colorful Filter
Use Windows For A Softening Effect
Lighting Trick
Use Plasctic Props To Create ‘Wildlife Photography’ At Home
It's close enough to realistic, and way easier than getting an actual predator/prey shot
Load More Replies...Lol if he'd have used actual Frog and Snake plastic toys, this might have looked more realistic. However the badly cut curves of the paper snake and feet of the frog are really obvious in the shot lol XD
Also: an old taro leaf like that probably wouldn't hold up a snake, and that's not how snakes move.
Use A Hair Dryer To Get A Stand Out Selfie
Use Cloth To Achieve The Soft-Focus Lens Effect
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.
Use White Sheet As A Reflector Reflector
Create A Camera Filter For Funky And Colorful Photos
Use Glasses To Add 'Filters'
Use A Short Triangular Prism To Reflect Background
Lightpainted Background
just put blue lines on the tablet as it could of filled the same space ?
Create Your Own Color Lens Filters
Mimic Film Burn With A Matchstick
Turn Your Smartphone Into A Pinhole Using Cardboard
Use Torches To Add Lens Flare
Turn your average coffee photo into a DRAMATIC (ic...ic...ic) coffee photo!
Or use Photoshop. Probably easier than carrying empty jars and shower curtains around when you're taking photos.
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...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
sorry, but I've seen this trick since the 70's. You didn't invent this...
Load More Replies...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?
Because it's fun and works for analog, for when you can't really use photoshop.
Load More Replies...The only actual useful thing I found in this was the fish tank and the rain protector. Majority of the rest can be achieved via Photoshop etc. Like Aahzmandus Pervect said - safer for the camera, easier... :)
Whatever happened to the ART of lighting and photography?
Load More Replies...Sorry but as a photographer, I wouldn't call these "genius" Seriously, take a class on photoshop and invest in the right gear! Not that hard
These are not HACKS. Most are old, old tips that have been around for decades.
Not all photographers have been around for decades.....
Load More Replies...I agree with most of the comments above - almost all of the effects mentioned in the article can be achieved in photoshop. Ok, some of the advices are helpfull but in genreal... sorry. I'm kinda tired of all those "i am the photographer' articles in bored panda (there were LOTS of them lately). It looks like the authors-phtographers need to... I don't know, prove to us they're pros and we're all lame amateurs since we use photoshop and effects in our smartphones to make our photos look better while them do that "WITH THEIR TALENT AND ANALOG tRICKS". What's wrong with you, guys? :/// you know, I'm insurance agent and the last thing I'd do is making the posts in social media proving that "my policies are better than yours because IM A PROO!" xDDDD
These are awesome tips Thank You so much. I am off to try them right now. Thanx again.
Great for analogic cameras and films, but with digital cameras, they just create complications and additional weight
Yeah, but I won't carry around blank pages with me, shower courtains, mirrors, jars, bottles, vaseline, duct tape, paper rolls etc :P My trips would take twice as big bags :P Better to buy professional filters for the effects and carry them in a separate (small) specified container :) Effect is the same, or even better and using all those materials.
Load More Replies...This is a really great article, thanks for sharing it with us. We have a post-production of photo editing , Anyone can contact us mahbubedits.com if needed.
A tip that should have been added imo would have been how to make shaped bokeh (christmas trees, hearts, stars etc)
Nice ideas. I tried the 3D print stuff some time ago. Would like to see more analogue technics for B&W pictures in the future. Is this possible? --------- jens schwoon https//kamertalk.com
I don't know that much about photo still whatever techniques you have written in your blog is great, will follow your all world whenever I will click a snap of something. laser keyboard review Moskinator Pulse Reviews 2020 Washzilla Review 2020 Keyless pro review Gx Smartwatch Review ThePhotoStick Review Muama Enence Instant Translator Review [2020]
Without a doubt, you have some of the snarkiest commentors I've ever seen. If it isn't your thing, zip your lips and move on folks. Geez.
Best smartphones in japan with low price for ismartphones.jp https://www.ismartphones.jp/
I open this Pinterest offering, thinking I'd see what use you made of the kitchen sieve. I trawled through all your tips and found no mention of it. Why put that on your front page if it has nothing to do with the content inside. Disappointed, A
Ok, as I am new to photography as an art and not just for holiday/family shots I wanted to see how to get different effects in my pics with my camera. I don't want artificial effects generated by a piece of software, I don't want to see my chosen subject enhanced via software. I want to see a true representation of the subject I chose to photograph using different items to get different effects. That in my opinion is where the photographer produces his best work. Anybody can take a photograph, bring it home and run it through software to get their desired effect/improvement. Not everybody can do this out in the wilds with no more than their camera and a few selected items from around the home. Makes me wonder how photographer's got on before photo manipulating software came along......
most of the home-made "Filters" were what us photographers call "Rubbish"
BoredPanda should really pay this girl $$$ for using her work to increase traffic and makes money from all the ads on their page.
Better use you phone/computer facilities or just carry all goddamn things like curtains, glasses, coffee mugs, foils and all
Qué increíbles consejos, lo malo es que no sé cómo guardar los posts que me vayan gustando en BoredPanda. Alguien sabe cómo puedo tener a mano estas publicaciones?
I find it disturbing that you lifted photographer's pictures without regards to copyright or even obtaining permission. An article about hacks, written by HACKS.
I've been thinking of hanging a Gear 360 upside down or rightside up with a counterbalance.
Why do so many people want to make their photos look so blurry? IMO this is just bad photography.
You can find more photography tips on my blog: https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en Bored Panda used my work as their teaser pic! NOT COOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies...If someone want to share my tip, please us this picture! and link my original post! https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ♥♥♥ Low-Budget...232fea.jpg
You didn't invent it. You just posted an image of it.
Load More Replies...Or use Photoshop. Probably easier than carrying empty jars and shower curtains around when you're taking photos.
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...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
sorry, but I've seen this trick since the 70's. You didn't invent this...
Load More Replies...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?
Because it's fun and works for analog, for when you can't really use photoshop.
Load More Replies...The only actual useful thing I found in this was the fish tank and the rain protector. Majority of the rest can be achieved via Photoshop etc. Like Aahzmandus Pervect said - safer for the camera, easier... :)
Whatever happened to the ART of lighting and photography?
Load More Replies...Sorry but as a photographer, I wouldn't call these "genius" Seriously, take a class on photoshop and invest in the right gear! Not that hard
These are not HACKS. Most are old, old tips that have been around for decades.
Not all photographers have been around for decades.....
Load More Replies...I agree with most of the comments above - almost all of the effects mentioned in the article can be achieved in photoshop. Ok, some of the advices are helpfull but in genreal... sorry. I'm kinda tired of all those "i am the photographer' articles in bored panda (there were LOTS of them lately). It looks like the authors-phtographers need to... I don't know, prove to us they're pros and we're all lame amateurs since we use photoshop and effects in our smartphones to make our photos look better while them do that "WITH THEIR TALENT AND ANALOG tRICKS". What's wrong with you, guys? :/// you know, I'm insurance agent and the last thing I'd do is making the posts in social media proving that "my policies are better than yours because IM A PROO!" xDDDD
These are awesome tips Thank You so much. I am off to try them right now. Thanx again.
Great for analogic cameras and films, but with digital cameras, they just create complications and additional weight
Yeah, but I won't carry around blank pages with me, shower courtains, mirrors, jars, bottles, vaseline, duct tape, paper rolls etc :P My trips would take twice as big bags :P Better to buy professional filters for the effects and carry them in a separate (small) specified container :) Effect is the same, or even better and using all those materials.
Load More Replies...This is a really great article, thanks for sharing it with us. We have a post-production of photo editing , Anyone can contact us mahbubedits.com if needed.
A tip that should have been added imo would have been how to make shaped bokeh (christmas trees, hearts, stars etc)
Nice ideas. I tried the 3D print stuff some time ago. Would like to see more analogue technics for B&W pictures in the future. Is this possible? --------- jens schwoon https//kamertalk.com
I don't know that much about photo still whatever techniques you have written in your blog is great, will follow your all world whenever I will click a snap of something. laser keyboard review Moskinator Pulse Reviews 2020 Washzilla Review 2020 Keyless pro review Gx Smartwatch Review ThePhotoStick Review Muama Enence Instant Translator Review [2020]
Without a doubt, you have some of the snarkiest commentors I've ever seen. If it isn't your thing, zip your lips and move on folks. Geez.
Best smartphones in japan with low price for ismartphones.jp https://www.ismartphones.jp/
I open this Pinterest offering, thinking I'd see what use you made of the kitchen sieve. I trawled through all your tips and found no mention of it. Why put that on your front page if it has nothing to do with the content inside. Disappointed, A
Ok, as I am new to photography as an art and not just for holiday/family shots I wanted to see how to get different effects in my pics with my camera. I don't want artificial effects generated by a piece of software, I don't want to see my chosen subject enhanced via software. I want to see a true representation of the subject I chose to photograph using different items to get different effects. That in my opinion is where the photographer produces his best work. Anybody can take a photograph, bring it home and run it through software to get their desired effect/improvement. Not everybody can do this out in the wilds with no more than their camera and a few selected items from around the home. Makes me wonder how photographer's got on before photo manipulating software came along......
most of the home-made "Filters" were what us photographers call "Rubbish"
BoredPanda should really pay this girl $$$ for using her work to increase traffic and makes money from all the ads on their page.
Better use you phone/computer facilities or just carry all goddamn things like curtains, glasses, coffee mugs, foils and all
Qué increíbles consejos, lo malo es que no sé cómo guardar los posts que me vayan gustando en BoredPanda. Alguien sabe cómo puedo tener a mano estas publicaciones?
I find it disturbing that you lifted photographer's pictures without regards to copyright or even obtaining permission. An article about hacks, written by HACKS.
I've been thinking of hanging a Gear 360 upside down or rightside up with a counterbalance.
Why do so many people want to make their photos look so blurry? IMO this is just bad photography.
You can find more photography tips on my blog: https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en Bored Panda used my work as their teaser pic! NOT COOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies...If someone want to share my tip, please us this picture! and link my original post! https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ♥♥♥ Low-Budget...232fea.jpg
You didn't invent it. You just posted an image of it.
Load More Replies...