15 Must-Try Photography Hacks to Elevate Your Photos

Top 15 Photography Hacks You Need to Try

When it comes to photography, it's not only about mastering technique; creativity also plays a vital role!

Certain photography hacks can assist you in capturing one-of-a-kind photographs, while others can serve as clever alternatives for equipment you may not possess at the moment.

By blending both approaches, you can enhance your photography skills and take them to the next level.

So, continue reading to explore our handpicked selection of the Top 15 Must-Try Photography Hacks:

1. DIY Snoot with Honeycomb   

Creating a narrow and dramatic circle of light for illuminating your subject can be achieved by combining two different light modifiers: a snoot and a honeycomb grid.

However, if you don't have these accessories on hand, don't worry!  Here is a DIY solution for you:

1. Start by cutting out the bottom of a Pringles can.
2. Fill the can with plastic or paper straws.
3. Pull out the straws to extend them by about 1 1/2 to 2 inches, and secure them together using duct tape.
4. Trim the excess length of the straws so that most of the Pringles can is empty, and only the last few inches are filled with the extended straws.
5. Finally, attach your flash or Speedlight to the opposite end of the Pringles can, utilizing it as a makeshift snoot while the extended straws act as a grid.

With this simple DIY solution, you can achieve a similar effect to a professional snoot and honeycomb grid setup.

2. Achieving Soft Backlight for Glass Photography

Have you ever admired those stunning images of glass objects that are flawlessly illuminated and wondered how it's done?

While the ideal approach involves using professional gear like a strobe light with a softbox positioned behind the glass, there's no need to rush and exhaust your savings.

You can effortlessly recreate this setup by employing a simple technique using wax paper and a window that receives an ample amount of natural light.  By placing wax paper or white parchment paper on the window, you can create a diffusion effect similar to that of a softbox. 

This will help achieve a soft and gentle backlight, allowing you to capture captivating glass photography.

3. Altering Bokeh Shape with DIY Aperture

The captivating bokeh in your photographs is determined by the aperture of your lens, which relies on the configuration of its iris blades.  This results in a distinctive shape for each lens.

If you want to get creative and customize the shape of your bokeh, you can create a supplementary aperture using thick paper, such as Fabriano.

1. Begin by drawing a circle on the paper that is the same diameter as your lens. 
2. Then, add two rectangles on opposite sides, which will serve as tabs. 
3. Once you've completed the shape, carefully cut it out.  This will be used as a lens cap
4. In the middle of the circle, cut out the desired shape for your bokeh, whether it be a heart, a star, or any other shape of your choice.
5. Finally, place the DIY aperture onto your lens.  Fold the tabs and secure them with a rubber band to ensure it remains securely in place.

Voila!  You now have the ability to capture uniquely shaped bokeh in your photographs.

4. Affordable Macro Photography: Reverse Lens Technique

Macro lenses offer the incredible ability to capture minute details in subjects like insects, flowers, and various intricate elements.

However, acquiring a dedicated macro lens can be pretty costly.  If you don't plan on shooting macro photography very often, investing in specialized gear may not be practical.  Luckily, there's a fantastic trick you can try!

To execute this hack, you'll need a camera with interchangeable lenses and any lens you have on hand.  While any lens can theoretically work, a 35mm or 50mm lens typically yields the best results.

Simply reverse your lens by mounting it backward on your camera body. If you're on a tight budget or prefer an experimental look, you can even hand-hold the reversed lens.

For improved stability and optimal results, consider obtaining a reverse adapter ring.  This handy accessory assists in securely holding the lens in place, resulting in enhanced outcomes.

With this wallet-friendly technique, you can delve into the captivating world of macro photography without breaking the bank.

5. DIY Ring Light: Create Your Own Flattering Light

A ring light is a popular tool used in beauty and glamour portraits because it provides even illumination on the subject's face and produces a pleasing ring catchlight in the eyes.

If you don't have a ring light at your disposal, fear not!  You can fashion one yourself using everyday objects. Here is what you'll need:

1. A plastic, donut-shaped cake mold with a semi-transparent lid
2. Aluminum foil
3. Cardboard
4. Gaffer tape
5. Scissors
6. An on-camera flash

To begin, create a rectangular hole in the cake mold.  Then, make an L-shape with the cardboard, connecting one side to the hole you just made and the other side to the head of your flash.

Secure everything in place using gaffer tape for optimal light sealing.  Duct tape or any other sturdy tape can also be used.

Next, line the inside of the mold with aluminum foil to enhance light reflection.  Attach the lid to the mold to diffuse the light evenly.

Once you've assembled your DIY ring light diffuser, mount your flash on the camera and attach the diffuser to it.  Now you're ready to start shooting!

With this cost-effective solution, you can achieve flattering and professional photography lighting.

6. Turn Your DSLR Into a Pinhole Camera

As you may be aware, traditional photographic cameras are based on the concept of the camera obscura—an enclosed room with a small hole in one wall.

When light passes through this hole (aperture), an inverted image of the outside world is projected onto the opposite wall.  You can replicate this fascinating phenomenon using a smaller device known as a pinhole camera.

Typically crafted from cardboard boxes, pinhole cameras feature a tiny hole made with a pin on one side and photosensitive paper or material on the opposite side.

Since pinhole cameras don't have a lens, they offer a unique aesthetic.  Everything in the captured images appears in focus, but there is often a delightful blur caused by the extended exposure times.

To capture intriguing pinhole-style pictures using your own DSLR, follow this simple hack:

1. Purchase a spare body cap for your camera, which is typically very inexpensive.
2. Using a power drill, create a hole in the center of the body cap.
3. Cut out a square piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover the drilled hole.
4. Use a pin to create a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil square.
5. To prevent light leaks, securely attach the aluminum foil to the hole on the body cap using gaffer tape.

When you are ready to take a pinhole photo, remove the lens from your DSLR and attach the modified body cap in its place.

Remember to set your camera to manual mode for optimal control.  Take some test shots to find the correct exposure, and have a go.

7. Cross Processing for Film Photographers

This hack is for film photographers.  It's an exciting technique known as cross-processing, which deliberately uses the wrong chemicals during film development to achieve unexpected color variations and strikingly contrasted images.

If you prefer to develop your film at home, follow these steps:

• For color slide film, deviate from the standard process and use C41 chemicals instead.
• For color-negative film, opt for E6 chemicals instead of the conventional ones.

Alternatively, if you prefer to have your film processed by a lab, simply request that they use cross-processing.  The lab professionals will handle this unique development technique for you.

Embrace the unpredictability, vibrant color shifts, and dramatic contrasts achieved through cross-processing, and prepare to be amazed by the stunning results.

8. DIY Flash/Speedlight Diffuser

Are you in need of a flashgun/speedlight diffuser?  No worries!  You can improvise a diffuser using a simple milk jug.

1. Before proceeding, ensure the milk jug is thoroughly washed and dried to prevent any contaminants from affecting your photographic equipment.
2. Now, carefully cut the milk jug to fit the head of your flash. 

That's all it takes!  The sheer white plastic acts as a lightbox, gently diffusing the flash's output.

With this simple DIY hack, you can soften and enhance the quality of your flash lighting, resulting in more pleasing and flattering photographs.

9. Enhancement for Your Built-in Flash

When starting out in photography, you may often hear the advice to avoid using the built-in flash on your camera.  While it may not provide the most flattering light, there are times when it's the only available light source to capture your desired shot.

To soften the light emitted by your on-camera flash, here's a simple hack that you can try:

1. Grab a business card.
2. Pop open your camera's flash.
3. Place the business card at the bottom of the flash and press it against the hinges.
4. If you have a pair of scissors, you can mark the hinge positions on the card and cut deeper with the scissors.  If not, continue pressing the card against the hinges until it becomes securely attached.
5. Bend the card to find the right angle for bouncing the light.  You may need to take a few trial shots to determine the optimal position.

By utilizing this DIY bounce technique with a business card, you can soften the light emitted by your on-camera flash and achieve more pleasing results.

10. Create Custom Light Patterns with a DIY Gobo

Harness the power of light manipulation with a Gobo (short for "go between optics), a versatile light modifier, similar to a stencil, that is placed between the subject and the light sourced that allows you to shape light into captivating patterns. 

To create your own DIY Gobo, you will need the following:

• Foam board
• Exacto knife
• Cutting mat
• Ruler (optional)

To make your gobo, follow these steps.  First, draw the desired shape on a foam board.  Then, take an Exacto knife and carefully cut out the shape from the foam board, ensuring to use a cutting mat underneath to protect your work surface.

Once you've created your DIY Gobo, it's time to use it.  Position the Gobo in front of your light source, ensuring it is properly aligned.  When you turn on the light, you will observe a distinct shadow being cast, displaying the shape you designed on the Gobo.

Experiment with different distances between the Gobo and the light source to enhance your creative possibilities.  This variation will alter the effect produced by the Gobo, allowing you to achieve diverse and captivating lighting patterns.

11. Recreate Window Light In-Studio

This trick will come in handy when working in low-light conditions or confined studio space. 

To simulate the gentle illumination of light entering through a window, follow these steps:

1. Position window blinds in front of your strobe or primary light source.
2. Adjust the blinds to control the amount of light and the direction of the shadows.

Experiment with different blind placements and angles to achieve the desired lighting and shadow effects for your photos.  Keep in mind that the closer the blinds are to the light source, the more pronounced and defined the resulting shadows will be.

With this simple yet effective technique, you can replicate the natural lighting effect of a window, even when shooting at night or in a closed studio.

12. DIY Softbox for Product Photography

Softboxes are invaluable accessories for achieving beautifully lit product photography with minimal harsh shadows.  With this DIY hack, you can easily construct your own softbox using simple materials:

To build one yourself, you’ll need the following:

• A box
• An Exacto knife
• A ruler
• Wax paper
• Scotch tape

Follow these steps to build your DIY softbox:

1. Begin by cutting out one side of the box to serve as the front of the softbox.
2. Create windows by cutting out openings on two adjacent sides of the box.  The size of the windows can be adjusted based on your preference.  It is recommended to leave a one-inch frame, although the desired lighting effect will dictate the exact dimensions.
3. Repeat the same process on the top part of the box, cutting out a window.
4. Cover all three windows with wax paper, which will act as diffusers.  Secure the wax paper in place using scotch tape, ensuring there are no light leaks.
5. On the back of the top lid, make a long incision.  This opening will enable you to insert paper as a seamless backdrop.
6. Finally, place your subject inside the softbox and position your light source(s) from the sides and the top to create a three-light setup.  Adjust the number of lights according to the desired effect.

By constructing your own softbox using this DIY method, you can achieve professional product photography lighting with ease.  Experiment with different light placements and setups to capture stunning images without harsh shadows, showcasing your subjects in the best possible light.

14. DIY Soft-Focus Filter (Option #1)

If you enjoy applying soft focus filters to your photos using editing apps, why not achieve a similar vintage look directly in-camera?  This trick will allow you to unsharpen your images and create that desirable soft focus effect.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Take a piece of pantyhose and gently stretch it over your lens.
2. Experiment with different levels of tension to obtain various results.  Adjust the tightness of the pantyhose to achieve your desired level of softness.
3. You can also play with different colors of pantyhose to add a unique touch to your pictures.
4. For a more creative twist, strategically create small rips or tears in the pantyhose.  This will result in a selective focus effect, with certain parts of the photo remaining sharp while others showcase the distinctive "pantyhose filter" appearance.

By using this technique, you can explore the nostalgic aesthetics of vintage soft-focus photography directly in-camera.  Get creative with your experimentation and discover the unique effects the pantyhose filter hack can bring to your images.

15. DIY Soft-Focus Filter (Option #2) 

Another trick to achieve the timeless soft focus effect directly in-camera is also a classic Hollywood-inspired trick.  Using vaseline on your lens, a technique that dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood can give your images a beautiful, dreamy quality.

Just follow these steps:

1. Ensure that you have proper lighting and makeup to enhance the desired effect.  Soft, diffused lighting works best for this technique.
2. Apply a small amount of vaseline to your lens.  The amount you use will depend on the desired intensity of the effect.  Start with a thin layer and build up gradually for different results.
3. To achieve various creative effects, experiment with different application techniques, such as spreading the vaseline evenly or applying it sparingly in specific areas.
4. For lens protection, it is advisable to attach a cheap UV filter to your lens before applying the vaseline. This will help prevent any damage to your lens and make it easier to clean afterward.

By incorporating vaseline into your photography process, you can create a soft, dreamy look reminiscent of Hollywood's iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe and evoke a sense of nostalgia in your images.

Conclusion

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, incorporating these creative and cost-effective photography hacks into your practice can unlock new possibilities, expand your artistic vision, and capture truly remarkable images.

So, grab your camera, get inspired, and embark on an exciting journey of creative exploration. Happy shooting!

Do you have any other Photography Hacks that you use?  Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to try them out!  And PLEASE SHARE our tutorial using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!