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47 Genius Camera Hacks That Will Greatly Improve Your Photography Skills In Less Than 3 Minutes
Professional photography gear costs thousands of dollars but you can take stunning pictures by spending only a fraction of the cost. If you have the time and the patience, and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, then simple DIY hacks can achieve similar results to spending big bucks on advanced kits.
To make you a better photographer, Bored Panda has collected some of the best DIY camera solutions that were tested to work. From softening the pop-up flash to transforming a 50mm lens into a macro one, these genius tips and tricks will definitely take your pictures to another level. Remember, photography is a playground and there aren't any right or wrong ways to approach it. If it works, it works. Continue scrolling to learn the DIY hacks and vote for your favorite ones!
Cover image credits: Christina Key
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Use Tinfoil To Create A Wall Of Bokeh
RELATED:
#2
Use A Fishtank To Get That Underwater Shot
#3
Use A Piece Of Cloth And A Cardboard To Create A Portable And Inexpensive Seamless Background System
#4
Use A Plastic Bag For A Softbox Effect
#5
Use A Towel As Video Slider
#6
Don't Be Afraid To Add Lights With Regular Bulbs
#7
Manipulate Visual Perception Using Forced Perspectives
#8
Get That Perfect Top-Down Photo For Your Instagram
#9
Remove Tourists From Your Pictures Using These Simple Steps
#10
Cut Out A Heart Shape In A Cardboard For A Heart-Shaped Bokeh
#11
Easy Macro Lens Hack
#12
Use Your Sunglasses As A Filter
Susan Gardner 8 years ago
Or... email it to yourself and then use one of the many filters on the iPhone. Just sayin
#13
Instant Fake Macro Bokeh
#14
Use A Plastic Bag Smeared With Vaseline For A Soft-Focus Lens Effect
#15
Cut Different Shapes In A Cardboard For A Window Shadow
#16
Use A CD To Create Lens Flares
#17
Cut Out Your Own Bokeh Shapes
#18
Add Steam With Regular Appliances
#19
Create A Sparkling Ring Of Fire
#20
Create An Arty Filter With Colored Plastic Bags
#21
Use A Sandwich Bag To Create Hazy Photos
#22
Create A Different Self Portrait Using Lace
#23
Blank CD Case Is The Perfect Rain Guard For Your Lens
#24
Use A Coffee Hood As Lens Cap
Connie Martin 8 years ago
That's not functioning as a lens cap. If it did, there wouldn't be a picture.
#25
You Only Need A Few Simple Items To Capture Highspeed Drops
Beatz Girl (Erica) 8 years ago
Looks like blood, not gonna like (quoting someone from a previous entry)
#26
Reduce Camera Shake With A Bag Of Lentils
Rebecca Cook 8 years ago
As a disabled photographer who can't walk or stand for long periods I really appreciate this one!!!!
Terri Rowland 8 years ago
That's definitely not a bag...anyone can see it is a pair of shorts turned inside out...🤣💝
Allan Templeton 6 years ago
Home made bean-bag, great idea, have you seen cost of these things on Amazon? best one here so far!!
Jo Lly 8 years ago
Step 1. Cut off and see your last pair of jeans Step 2. Fill it with beans. Step 3. Realize you have no pants and you need to stay home and shoot from the window 😁
#27
Create A Softbox Using A Shower Curtain
#28
Get A Black Tile For Product Photography
Lello Panzieri 8 years ago
Get a black painted room and a black tile. You guys forgot about the room!
#29
Colorful Filter
#30
Use Windows For A Softening Effect
#31
Lighting Trick
#32
Use Plasctic Props To Create ‘Wildlife Photography’ At Home
#33
Use A Hair Dryer To Get A Stand Out Selfie
#34
Use Cloth To Achieve The Soft-Focus Lens Effect
The Other Jake 7 years ago
This is not the "soft-focus lens" effect. This is a "shoot-through" effect. Soft focus lenses cover the whole lens. You can create a soft-focus lens effect by stretching very thin, gauzy fabric over the lens.
#35
Use White Sheet As A Reflector Reflector
#36
Create A Camera Filter For Funky And Colorful Photos
#37
Use Glasses To Add 'Filters'
#38
Use A Short Triangular Prism To Reflect Background
#39
Lightpainted Background
Adrian Vinersan 8 years ago
just put blue lines on the tablet as it could of filled the same space ?
#41
Mimic Film Burn With A Matchstick
#42
Turn Your Smartphone Into A Pinhole Using Cardboard
#43
Use Torches To Add Lens Flare
Diana CrunChewy Watson 8 years ago
Turn your average coffee photo into a DRAMATIC (ic...ic...ic) coffee photo!
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Victor Vakaras 8 years ago
Or use Photoshop. Probably easier than carrying empty jars and shower curtains around when you're taking photos.
Kevin Camp 8 years ago
There is a much larger sense of accomplishment by making a great image with the camera than shooting an average image and making it great in post processing. Thats why i call myself a photographer.
Load More Replies...
Christina Key 8 years ago
THIS IS MY PICTURE AND MY LOW BUDGET TIPP! IT'S NOT OKAY THAT YOU USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!!!! THE FULL ARTICLE IS https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en low-budget...35a4d3.jpg 
John King 8 years ago
sorry, but I've seen this trick since the 70's. You didn't invent this...
Load More Replies...
Aahzmandus Pervect 8 years ago
Many of these effects can be achieved using Photoshop or other software, and help to avoid damaging the equipment with some of the "hacks". And in any case, the photo's will be manipulated, so why not do it the easier, safer and quicker way, and instead use your time to capture the right moment?
Elisn Klein 8 years ago
Because it's fun and works for analog, for when you can't really use photoshop.
Load More Replies...
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
The only actual useful thing I found in this was the fish tank and the rain protector. Majority of the rest can be achieved via Photoshop etc. Like Aahzmandus Pervect said - safer for the camera, easier... :)
George Stapleford 8 years ago
Whatever happened to the ART of lighting and photography?
Load More Replies... 
Taylor Purnell 8 years ago
Sorry but as a photographer, I wouldn't call these "genius" Seriously, take a class on photoshop and invest in the right gear! Not that hard
Rick Drew 8 years ago
These are not HACKS. Most are old, old tips that have been around for decades.
Deon van der Merwe 8 years ago
Not all photographers have been around for decades.....
Load More Replies...
Marta Kęska 8 years ago
I agree with most of the comments above - almost all of the effects mentioned in the article can be achieved in photoshop. Ok, some of the advices are helpfull but in genreal... sorry. I'm kinda tired of all those "i am the photographer' articles in bored panda (there were LOTS of them lately). It looks like the authors-phtographers need to... I don't know, prove to us they're pros and we're all lame amateurs since we use photoshop and effects in our smartphones to make our photos look better while them do that "WITH THEIR TALENT AND ANALOG tRICKS". What's wrong with you, guys? :/// you know, I'm insurance agent and the last thing I'd do is making the posts in social media proving that "my policies are better than yours because IM A PROO!" xDDDD
Laura Paxton 8 years ago
These are awesome tips Thank You so much. I am off to try them right now. Thanx again.
Etienne Pisano 8 years ago
Great for analogic cameras and films, but with digital cameras, they just create complications and additional weight
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
Yeah, but I won't carry around blank pages with me, shower courtains, mirrors, jars, bottles, vaseline, duct tape, paper rolls etc :P My trips would take twice as big bags :P Better to buy professional filters for the effects and carry them in a separate (small) specified container :) Effect is the same, or even better and using all those materials.
Load More Replies...
Mahbub Edits 3 years ago
This is a really great article, thanks for sharing it with us. We have a post-production of photo editing , Anyone can contact us mahbubedits.com if needed.
Melanie Owen 4 years ago
A tip that should have been added imo would have been how to make shaped bokeh (christmas trees, hearts, stars etc)
Der Grummel 4 years ago
Nice ideas. I tried the 3D print stuff some time ago. Would like to see more analogue technics for B&W pictures in the future. Is this possible? --------- jens schwoon https//kamertalk.com
sunrises east 5 years ago
I don't know that much about photo still whatever techniques you have written in your blog is great, will follow your all world whenever I will click a snap of something. laser keyboard review Moskinator Pulse Reviews 2020 Washzilla Review 2020 Keyless pro review Gx Smartwatch Review ThePhotoStick Review Muama Enence Instant Translator Review [2020]
Doug Bardwell 5 years ago
Without a doubt, you have some of the snarkiest commentors I've ever seen. If it isn't your thing, zip your lips and move on folks. Geez.
iSmart Phones 5 years ago
Best smartphones in japan with low price for ismartphones.jp https://www.ismartphones.jp/
Andrew Collins 7 years ago
I open this Pinterest offering, thinking I'd see what use you made of the kitchen sieve. I trawled through all your tips and found no mention of it. Why put that on your front page if it has nothing to do with the content inside. Disappointed, A
Garry Ross 8 years ago
Ok, as I am new to photography as an art and not just for holiday/family shots I wanted to see how to get different effects in my pics with my camera. I don't want artificial effects generated by a piece of software, I don't want to see my chosen subject enhanced via software. I want to see a true representation of the subject I chose to photograph using different items to get different effects. That in my opinion is where the photographer produces his best work. Anybody can take a photograph, bring it home and run it through software to get their desired effect/improvement. Not everybody can do this out in the wilds with no more than their camera and a few selected items from around the home. Makes me wonder how photographer's got on before photo manipulating software came along......
Nick Smith 8 years ago
most of the home-made "Filters" were what us photographers call "Rubbish"
Carlos Melgar 8 years ago
BoredPanda should really pay this girl $$$ for using her work to increase traffic and makes money from all the ads on their page.
Sameer Gautam 8 years ago
Better use you phone/computer facilities or just carry all goddamn things like curtains, glasses, coffee mugs, foils and all
Saúl Elberth 8 years ago
Qué increíbles consejos, lo malo es que no sé cómo guardar los posts que me vayan gustando en BoredPanda. Alguien sabe cómo puedo tener a mano estas publicaciones?
Carl Speed 8 years ago
I find it disturbing that you lifted photographer's pictures without regards to copyright or even obtaining permission. An article about hacks, written by HACKS.
Gerry Nance 8 years ago
I've been thinking of hanging a Gear 360 upside down or rightside up with a counterbalance.
Lyone Fein 8 years ago
Why do so many people want to make their photos look so blurry? IMO this is just bad photography.
Christina Key 8 years ago
You can find more photography tips on my blog: https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en Bored Panda used my work as their teaser pic! NOT COOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies... Christina Key 8 years ago
If someone want to share my tip, please us this picture! and link my original post! https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ♥♥♥ Low-Budget...232fea.jpg 
Cara Kelly 8 years ago
You didn't invent it. You just posted an image of it.
Load More Replies... Victor Vakaras 8 years ago
Or use Photoshop. Probably easier than carrying empty jars and shower curtains around when you're taking photos.
Kevin Camp 8 years ago
There is a much larger sense of accomplishment by making a great image with the camera than shooting an average image and making it great in post processing. Thats why i call myself a photographer.
Load More Replies... Christina Key 8 years ago
THIS IS MY PICTURE AND MY LOW BUDGET TIPP! IT'S NOT OKAY THAT YOU USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!!!! THE FULL ARTICLE IS https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en low-budget...35a4d3.jpg
John King 8 years ago
sorry, but I've seen this trick since the 70's. You didn't invent this...
Load More Replies... Aahzmandus Pervect 8 years ago
Many of these effects can be achieved using Photoshop or other software, and help to avoid damaging the equipment with some of the "hacks". And in any case, the photo's will be manipulated, so why not do it the easier, safer and quicker way, and instead use your time to capture the right moment?
Elisn Klein 8 years ago
Because it's fun and works for analog, for when you can't really use photoshop.
Load More Replies... Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
The only actual useful thing I found in this was the fish tank and the rain protector. Majority of the rest can be achieved via Photoshop etc. Like Aahzmandus Pervect said - safer for the camera, easier... :)
George Stapleford 8 years ago
Whatever happened to the ART of lighting and photography?
Load More Replies... Taylor Purnell 8 years ago
Sorry but as a photographer, I wouldn't call these "genius" Seriously, take a class on photoshop and invest in the right gear! Not that hard
Rick Drew 8 years ago
These are not HACKS. Most are old, old tips that have been around for decades.
Deon van der Merwe 8 years ago
Not all photographers have been around for decades.....
Load More Replies... Marta Kęska 8 years ago
I agree with most of the comments above - almost all of the effects mentioned in the article can be achieved in photoshop. Ok, some of the advices are helpfull but in genreal... sorry. I'm kinda tired of all those "i am the photographer' articles in bored panda (there were LOTS of them lately). It looks like the authors-phtographers need to... I don't know, prove to us they're pros and we're all lame amateurs since we use photoshop and effects in our smartphones to make our photos look better while them do that "WITH THEIR TALENT AND ANALOG tRICKS". What's wrong with you, guys? :/// you know, I'm insurance agent and the last thing I'd do is making the posts in social media proving that "my policies are better than yours because IM A PROO!" xDDDD
Laura Paxton 8 years ago
These are awesome tips Thank You so much. I am off to try them right now. Thanx again.
Etienne Pisano 8 years ago
Great for analogic cameras and films, but with digital cameras, they just create complications and additional weight
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
Yeah, but I won't carry around blank pages with me, shower courtains, mirrors, jars, bottles, vaseline, duct tape, paper rolls etc :P My trips would take twice as big bags :P Better to buy professional filters for the effects and carry them in a separate (small) specified container :) Effect is the same, or even better and using all those materials.
Load More Replies... Mahbub Edits 3 years ago
This is a really great article, thanks for sharing it with us. We have a post-production of photo editing , Anyone can contact us mahbubedits.com if needed.
Melanie Owen 4 years ago
A tip that should have been added imo would have been how to make shaped bokeh (christmas trees, hearts, stars etc)
Der Grummel 4 years ago
Nice ideas. I tried the 3D print stuff some time ago. Would like to see more analogue technics for B&W pictures in the future. Is this possible? --------- jens schwoon https//kamertalk.com
sunrises east 5 years ago
I don't know that much about photo still whatever techniques you have written in your blog is great, will follow your all world whenever I will click a snap of something. laser keyboard review Moskinator Pulse Reviews 2020 Washzilla Review 2020 Keyless pro review Gx Smartwatch Review ThePhotoStick Review Muama Enence Instant Translator Review [2020]
Doug Bardwell 5 years ago
Without a doubt, you have some of the snarkiest commentors I've ever seen. If it isn't your thing, zip your lips and move on folks. Geez.
iSmart Phones 5 years ago
Best smartphones in japan with low price for ismartphones.jp https://www.ismartphones.jp/
Andrew Collins 7 years ago
I open this Pinterest offering, thinking I'd see what use you made of the kitchen sieve. I trawled through all your tips and found no mention of it. Why put that on your front page if it has nothing to do with the content inside. Disappointed, A
Garry Ross 8 years ago
Ok, as I am new to photography as an art and not just for holiday/family shots I wanted to see how to get different effects in my pics with my camera. I don't want artificial effects generated by a piece of software, I don't want to see my chosen subject enhanced via software. I want to see a true representation of the subject I chose to photograph using different items to get different effects. That in my opinion is where the photographer produces his best work. Anybody can take a photograph, bring it home and run it through software to get their desired effect/improvement. Not everybody can do this out in the wilds with no more than their camera and a few selected items from around the home. Makes me wonder how photographer's got on before photo manipulating software came along......
Nick Smith 8 years ago
most of the home-made "Filters" were what us photographers call "Rubbish"
Carlos Melgar 8 years ago
BoredPanda should really pay this girl $$$ for using her work to increase traffic and makes money from all the ads on their page.
Sameer Gautam 8 years ago
Better use you phone/computer facilities or just carry all goddamn things like curtains, glasses, coffee mugs, foils and all
Saúl Elberth 8 years ago
Qué increíbles consejos, lo malo es que no sé cómo guardar los posts que me vayan gustando en BoredPanda. Alguien sabe cómo puedo tener a mano estas publicaciones?
Carl Speed 8 years ago
I find it disturbing that you lifted photographer's pictures without regards to copyright or even obtaining permission. An article about hacks, written by HACKS.
Gerry Nance 8 years ago
I've been thinking of hanging a Gear 360 upside down or rightside up with a counterbalance.
Lyone Fein 8 years ago
Why do so many people want to make their photos look so blurry? IMO this is just bad photography.
Christina Key 8 years ago
You can find more photography tips on my blog: https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en Bored Panda used my work as their teaser pic! NOT COOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies... Christina Key 8 years ago
If someone want to share my tip, please us this picture! and link my original post! https://www.christinakey.com/low-budget-photo-tips/?lang=en THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ♥♥♥ Low-Budget...232fea.jpg
Cara Kelly 8 years ago
You didn't invent it. You just posted an image of it.
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