DIY Photography Hacks to Enhance Your Photos

An easy way to get around the hassle of spending big bucks on professional photography equipment is to make it yourself! I’ve gathered some of the most useful and interesting hacks you can use to spice up your photography at home.

1. Plastic Bag Softbox

Softboxes are one of the most common photography accessories. It creates a soft diffused light on your subject and can brighten up any photo.

• Grab a translucent white plastic bag and wrap it over a flashlight or your phone flashlight.
• Secure the opening with a rubber band, clip, or knot and adjust the bag to diffuse the light however dim or bright you want.
• Point the light towards your subject, out of frame.

2. Homemade Camera Flash Diffuser

Camera flashes are the best way to give your image light without a natural or adequate light source. But often times, the basic light given from your camera flash is very harsh and concentrated and can make your image look unnatural. This trick only works with a proper DSLR camera.

• Grab a piece of paper and engage the flash on your camera.
• Bend the paper in half, slide one edge of the paper between the lens and bottom of the flash.
• Tape the top edge of the paper to the top of your flash.

You can also choose to tape the bottom edge to your lens as well, but this may get in the way of adjusting your zoom or focus. With this, you will be able to diffuse your flash to give it a more relaxed brightness!

3. Background Hacks

The background is very important when it comes to good photographs. A good background will ensure the focus is on your subject, and doesn’t change the mood you’re trying to portray in your image.

• Use removeable wall hooks to hang up blankets or bedsheets for a clean background. Remember not to stand too close to the wall or your shadow will project heavily.
• Hang fairy lights on your background to give it some sparkle or use an LED strip to project colour.
• Put stickers on a Bristol board and place your subject on or in front of it.

Photography doesn’t have to be expensive. All you need is a vision and a little bit of creativity, and maybe a trip to the dollar store. Try out these DIY hacks and take your photography to the next level!