15 Awesome DIY Photography Hacks
Taking great photos requires hard work and a commitment to the process.
But some photos require far more work than meets the eye. That's where these DIY photography hacks come into play.
In the video above, Creative Ideas showcases more than two dozen photography tips and tricks that result in photos that are pretty hard to believe.
The behind-the-scenes look at how these images were created reveals just how much work - and creativity - was required to create these shots.
Have a look at each of these photography hacks in the video, and for a closer look at some of the most impressive ones, read further!
Use Toy Cars and Perspective to Create a Historic Photo
YouTube Screenshot/Creative Ideas
In looking at the screenshot above, you'd think that this photo was taken in the 1910s or 1920s, given the age of the cars in the photo.
But this photo is a complete lie, and uses toy cars and perspective to trick our eyes.
YouTube Screenshot/Creative Ideas
As you can see in this behind-the-scenes shot, the photographer simply lined the toy cars up on a piece of cardboard and crouched down to get the right perspective against the background.
Notice how the cardboard doesn't quite cover the table on the far side, which gives the illusion that the table is the curb and sidewalk.
By positioning the lens close to the cars and shooting slightly upward, the cars take a much more significant position in the frame, and look like full-sized cars in the staged shot. Not bad, right?
Editor's Tip: Don't buy another lens until you learn why a prime lens is a prime addition to your kit.
Get an Underwater Effect With a Plastic Tub and Some Blocks
YouTube Screenshot/Creative Ideas
The image above looks like something you'd see in a fashion magazine, where the model is asked to lay on the bottom of a pool and look calm, cool, and collected.
But, again, this image is an illusion in which the model isn't underwater at all!
YouTube Screenshot/Creative Ideas
If you go behind-the-scenes, you can see how simple it is to create a shot like this.
Just fill a clear, plastic tub with water, and elevate it somehow.
Then, place the model underneath the tub of water, shine a light through the water towards the model, and voila - you've got a final result that looks far more upscale and sophisticated than one would think possible with an old plastic tub and a few blocks!
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Fake the Rain With a Big Leaf and a Bucket
YouTube Screenshot/Creative Ideas
Taking a portrait in the rain is usually not something that photographers or their clients strive to do.
However, adding the element of rain can help you create far more unique results, as seen above.
YouTube Screenshot/Creative Ideas
But as you can see, this portrait wasn't taken on a rainy day. Heck, it looks like it's not even cloudy!
All you need to do is give your model a big leaf (or an umbrella), have an assistant primed and ready with a big jug of water, and pour away.
To maximize the effect, either get in close to the subject to fill the frame or use a long lens.
This will help protect against accidentally having the water jug, your assistant, or their shadows in the portrait. And the final result is quite the unique photography idea, don't you think?
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So, there you have it - just a few examples of how you can use photography tricks to create awesome photos.
There are plenty more ideas in the video at the beginning of this article, so be sure to check it out for even more creative inspiration for your photography.