6 Camera Hacks
Credit: Michael M. Costa
Credit: Brandon Woelfel
Credit: Jessica S.
Let’s talk about cameras hacks. Photography involves a lot of problem solving. Often it seems that the solution is to spend more money on gear. But I believe in the philosophy that you should try and get the best results possible the gear you already have. Here are some hacks that I’ve picked up over my years as a photographer/videographer that will solve your problems without spending more money.
The first hack is enhancing your photos by adding foreground blur. This adds more depth and color to your images, it can also be a really good framing technique. Photographer Michael M. Costa utilizes this technique with skill. Try adding some texture by holding a leaf over your lens or including a tree at the edge of your frame. You might be surprised how this can drive focus to your subject and create a more appealing photo.
2. Next, I want to talk about the great tripod debate. You may have heard that you always need to carry a tripod with you if you want to take good photos, and this simply isn’t the case. In fact, there are many times where I have brough a tripod to shoots, only to end up not even using it. In my opinion the best-case scenario is when you bring only the gear you need. For landscape or real estate photography, yes, you will probably need a tripod. But for portrait or lifestyle shoots it’s likely that you’ll end up with more creative photos if you leave that tripod at home.
3. Here’s another creative hack. We’re going to discuss how to create unique Bokeh spaces in your photos. You may have seen this technique used to great effect by photographers like Brandon Woelfel. It turns out that the shape of the bokeh corresponds to the shape of the blades on your shutter. That’s why cheaper lenses have more angular bokeh. It also means that by cutting shapes out of paper and placing them over your lens, you can control the shape of your bokeh for an otherworldly effect.
4. Next up we have one for the video shooters out there. It is a very common problem that many cameras do not have a “selfie screen” that flips out so you can see yourself when you’re shooting. Although this feature is common on Canon and Lumix cameras for example, the Sony mirrorless line avoided this feature for a long time. Here is a simple workaround, use a mirror! A mirror placed behind your camera will reflect the image on the screen, allowing you to check framing and focus even when filming yourself.
5. Okay, here is a pretty ridiculous hack that I don’t necessarily recommend but will get you out of a bind in a pinch. Some cameras will overheat in video mode, especially if you are filming for really long periods of time in a really hot space. One thing I have done before, and again I don’t necessarily think this is a great idea, but you can put your camera in the fridge. This will cool down the camera and allow you to continue shooting, just don’t leave it in there for too long.
6. Let’s end on a final creative hack. You can add flair and novelty to your photos by utilizing prisms. Prisms, CDs, Knives, Smartphones, and other reflective objects can be used to great effect, it just requires a little practice. Photographer Jessica S. utilizes this technique expertly. Try experimenting with different reflective materials held near your lens and see if you can create effects that suit your style of photography.
So there you have it, some camera hacks that will improve your photos without breaking the bank. Try these out and tag @galaxycreativeto when you post the results!