subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 10 Aug 33
1
Create refl ections using
a smartphone
Many photographers shell out big money
to add a sprinkle of creative magic to their
images, but the truth is that you’re carrying
something small in your pocket right now
that can make a big difference to a landscape
scene. Place your smartphone facing up at the
bottom of the lens and it will add a refl ection
effect to your scene. For best results, make
sure the screen is smear free and remove
any bulky case beforehand.
5
Spray water
to fake rain
Create a drama-heavy
portrait by taking the back
off a large photo frame or
use a window. Have your
subject hold the frame/sit
behind the window so you
can compose their face in
the middle. Use your water
atomiser (see Hack 14)
and spray the glass to
recreate the look of rain.4
Combat fl are with a coff ee
Lens fl are can intrude into a frame when light
hits the front element of your optic and creates
specular halos. While this can be used creatively,
many photographers prefer to prevent it by using
a lens hood. However, what if you’re out and about
and haven’t brought the hood with you? Well,
there’s a solution: stop for a coffee and pick up two
paper cups (one for your coffee and one to slip over
your lens). Turn the cup over and use your keys to
pierce a hole in the base. Keep expanding the hole
until you can snuggle the cup over the lens.7
Diff use light with a
milk bottle
Yep, we know plastic bottles are
bad, but you can recycle a plastic
milk bottle by cutting off the top
and sliding it onto the end of your
fl ashgun, which will do a great
job of diffusing the light. Just
remember to drink the milk fi rst.6
Steady support on a shoestring
One way to create a makeshift camera support is to
pull out the lace from your boot, make a loop and place
it over your lens. Place the other end of the shoestring
under your foot and lift the lens to keep the string taut- this tension will keep the camera steady. While maybe
not suitable for ultra-long exposures, this DIY hack
certainly does the trick when shooting in low light.
3
A d d fl a r e
with a CD
Let’s face it, nobody uses
CDs any more, but before
chucking them out in
favour of your MP3s, slip
one into your kit bag. The
surface of a CD can be
used to catch the light
and add a creative fl are
into your frame.2
Keep organised with a label maker
Fumbling around for kit will cost you time and slow
down the creative juices. Using a standard offi ce label
maker to print the name of the lens will help you to
identify it quickly so you can speed up your workfl ow.
You can also add an email address just in case you ever
mislay the item of kit and it can be returned to you.© MATT Y GRAHAM
© MATT Y GRAHAM
© MATT Y GRAHAM
© MATT Y GRAHAM
© MATT Y GRAHAM
© CL AIRE GILLO
© CHRISTOPH HETZMANNSEDER/GETTY IMAGES