Even the most basic point-and-shoot cameras create opportunities for interesting and professional-looking special effects. All you need is focus!
Filters
Camera shops sell several colored and distorted glass/plastic filters for under $20 – or make your own with colored plastic or glass. Be sure the filter covers the entire lens and, if you have one, the exposure window (the small window near the lens) so your pictures get the correctly filtered exposure. Try red, blue or orange filters for dramatic effects or a soft focus or fog filter for a more romantic feel. Use a light brown filter for antique-looking sepia tone pictures.
Flashy color
Add a colored filter or gel over your flash for a dramatic change. A red gel makes Halloween party pictures even scarier!
Mirrors
Try pointing your camera at a mirror to shoot the reflection. Mirrors are fun to experiment with and can create interesting visual effects.
Waterproof your camera
Place your camera into a plastic bag, remove as much air as you can and seal it well. Before you go into the water, test that the seal won’t break when you press the shutter.
back to archives
|
