32 Effective Photography Hacks and Tricks

Photography hacks are simple techniques and tips that you can use to improve your images. And do so without the need for expensive equipment. Photography processes, simple adjustments to lighting, creative ways to arrange elements in the photo, or using everyday objects to enhance the shot are practical and easy to use.

These hacks work for the professional photographer or the beginner seeking to upgrade his or her photography skills but aren’t ready to invest in expensive gear. Read on for camera tips, light source ideas, post-processing methods, and smartphone camera tricks to create interesting photos.

Essential Photography Hacks

Here are some fundamental photography techniques and tips. Some of these might be referred to as best practices, rather than hacks. However, they are very helpful for effectively handling and operating a camera and getting the best results from your photography.

1. Use a Tripod

Whether you’re shooting long exposures or capturing fast-action sports, a tripod is essential to eliminate camera shake. A clear image with sharp detail is possible in very low light as long as the camera is stable. Some are pricey, but you can find a quality tripod in the $100-200 range.

2. Add Stabilizing Weight to the Tripod

A sandbag or other weight increases camera stability and minimizes the impact of strong winds that might create camera shake.

For instance, I have a 5-pound sandbag that costs about $15. It hangs from a hook under the top plate of the tripod or wraps around the legs. Before I got the sandbag, I used a brick in a plastic shopping bag.

3. Use Remote Shutter Release or the Built-in Timer

When shooting long exposures or macro photography, it’s a good idea to keep the camera absolutely stable. Even pressing the shutter button can result in movement. Therefore, a remote shutter release or the camera’s built-in timer, set to 2 or 5 seconds, allows the photographer to keep his or her hands off the camera and avoid even minor camera vibration.

4. Take Along a Pillow for Drive-By Photography

If you’re shooting from a car window, place a pillow on the door frame to stabilize the camera. Also, you might use a towel or a sweatshirt. This is very effective for wildlife, street, or landscape photos.

5. Lean Against a Stationary Object

Leaning against a tree, lamp post, or a wall helps to get steady shots and reduce the risk of blurry photos. Also, tuck your elbows into your sides and hold your breath when you snap the shutter.

6. Use Back-Button Focus

This simplifies the process of focus and shoot. It takes a little getting used to, but then it becomes natural. We have an article on back-button focus that lays out the details.

7. Shoot in Manual Mode with Auto ISO

This combination gives you full control over shutter speed and aperture, with auto-ISO setting the camera’s sensitivity for proper exposure. Adapt to various lighting environments while maintaining the desired depth of field and motion effects.

8. Utilize the Click Counter

Making Exposure Triangle calculations is tricky. So, counting clicks gives us a simple workaround.

The shutter speed and aperture dials are set for one-half or one-third stop. Consult your camera’s manual to set it to your preference. Then, when you add a specific number of clicks to the aperture, compensate in reverse with the same number of clicks for shutter speed or ISO.

9. Add Focus Stacking

Especially useful in landscape photos and macro photography, focus stacking results in front-to-back focus. By taking multiple shots at different focus points, and then combining them in post-production, we create a final image where everything is in sharp focus. Many modern cameras feature focus shift shooting that automatically shifts the focus point as the camera fires a series of frames. 

10. Use Bracket Exposure in Challenging Light

There are several types of bracketing in photography, but exposure bracketing is probably the most common. This feature takes multiple shots, maybe 3 or 5, getting proper exposure for the darkest and brightest parts of the image. Then, combine the frames in post-processing for an image with optimum exposure throughout the frame.

11. Find the Sweet Spot of Your Lenses

Every lens has an aperture setting known as the sweet spot, which produces the sharpest image. Normally, this is around three stops below the maximum aperture value. That is, an f/4 lens would be sharpest around f/8 to f/11.

Test this by shooting an object with fine detail; you can find a resolution chart online and print it. Take a series of shots at each aperture setting and compare the results. You won’t always shoot in the sweet spot, but you’ll know where it is.

12. Affordable Macro Photography

The price of macro lenses may give you second thoughts. But we have options. A reverse mount adaptor ring turns a lens around and converts it to a macro lens. These adaptors cost around $20 for most cameras. A more expensive but also more effective solution is the extension tube. I got a pack of three (12mm, 20mm, and 36mm) for about $150 that does a good job with my macro photos.

I have read descriptions of people using a cardboard tube and duct tape as a homemade version of macro and tilt-shift lenses. However, I’m doubtful that cardboard and tape achieve the level of precision required for tilt-shift and macro photography. 

13. Modify the Camera Strap

I rigged the two ends of my camera strap into one end that connects to the left side of the camera. So, that eliminates the right-side strap that interferes with the shutter button, back-button focus, and other controls. I find the standard strap set-up annoying; however, I want the camera tethered to my body.

14. Turn the Image Upside Down

Turn it upside-down. Henri Cartier-Bresson applied this unconventional method to evaluate the shapes, horizontal and vertical lines, and balance within the frame. By flipping the image, he ensured that every element within the photograph contributed to a harmonious composition.

15. Play with Shadow Effects

Photography captures the interplay of light and shadow. By focusing on the contrast between light and dark, we highlight the contours of the subject and create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

16. Create a Unique Frame with a Glass Coffee Table

Place items on the coffee table and shoot from underneath for a new perspective with a built-in frame.

17. Enter the Captivating World of Soft Focus

Several methods accomplish this: You could smear petroleum jelly on a camera’s lens. Instead, put a lady’s sheer stocking over the lens, secure it with a rubber band, and you get the soft focus lens effect without the mess.

18. Rent Specialized Gear

I can rent a Nikon Z 400mm lens for about $200 a week. Now, that’s a $3,000 lens that I need for a week or two every year. LensRentals.com, BorrowLenses.com, and others offer cameras, lenses, and accessories for rent.

19. Build a DIY Light Box

For still-life, food photography, and product photography, a light box provides even lighting and eliminates harsh shadows. It significantly enhances images. Adobe offers step-by-step instructions for a DIY light box.

20. Build Your Own Softbox

The light source of choice for many photographers, a softbox creates diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows and bright highlights.

21. Improvise a Reflector for Flattering Light

Almost any light-colored material can reflect and shape light. Therefore, white foam boards, reflective paper, and aluminum foil serve as reflectors to even the light and soften shadows. Also, reflectors from 22-52 inches are available with prices starting at around $15. These are generally reversible, with silver or white on one side and gold on the reverse.

22. DIY Flash/Speedlight Diffuser

Make a flash diffuser by using a cutout piece of a milk jug, tissue paper, or any translucent material. This compliments the natural light, softens the camera flash, and makes your photos more flattering.

Post Processing Hacks

Begin by looking closely at the image on a computer monitor. Also, set the View at 200 or 400 percent and examine the image for noise, chromatic aberration, and distracting elements.

23. Jazz Up the Background in Photoshop

Using the Object Selection Tool, select the subject. Under Select choose Inverse. From the Edit panel, select Fill and choose a color that contrasts with your subject. Then, erase the background with the Magic Eraser Tool. After that, under File, select Place Embedded and import the new background. Move the subject Layer to the top, Flatten the image, and Save.

24. Replace the Sky with Photoshop

If you like a shot but the sky is ho-hum, here’s a Photoshop solution. Under Edit select Sky Replacement. Then, a window pops up with an assortment of sky shots and adjustments. What’s more, you have the option to upload a sky shot of your own.

25. De-saturate the Background to Make the Subject Pop

If the subject and background are too close together to give you a nice bokeh, de-saturate the background. For example, in the image below I reduced saturation in the green shades and boosted the orange/red. Of course, a variety of photo editing apps offer this option.

26. Photoshop’s Disappearing Act

With Photoshop’s Healing Brush Tool, copy a section similar to that surrounding the unwanted object, and paint over that object to make it disappear. To illustrate, I removed geese from the background of the image below, resulting in a cleaner photo.

27. Add Text to an Image

A favorite movie quote, scripture verse, or a song lyric elevates the impact of a photo and makes it more memorable.

Smartphone Photography Hacks

Try our 52 Week Smartphone Photography Course to improve your smartphone photography skills. We feature a new theme every week such as capturing strong shadows, creating stunning panoramas, or experimenting with low-angle shots. The challenges are combined with detailed demos and practical tips, making it a fun way to learn and experiment with new tricks.

28. Adjust Smartphone Camera Exposure

Tap the screen where you want to focus. When a sun icon with a slider appears, adjust the exposure by sliding the sun icon up or down. This unexpected tool helps when taking photos in challenging light.

29. Use the Volume Buttons to Snap a Photo

Whenever the smartphone’s camera app is opened, the volume buttons become a shutter button. This is a great option if clicking on the circle feels clumsy.

30. Turn Your Smartphone into a Pinhole Camera

An inexpensive hack, just punch a small hole into a piece of cardboard. Then, position it over the camera lens and you get the retro effect of pinhole cameras.

31. Improve Smartphone Image Quality

Depending on your smartphone/camera model, you may be able to shoot RAW files, HDR (high dynamic range), and portrait mode. With this in mind, take a deep dive into your camera’s settings to discover what’s available.

32. Download a Smartphone Photo App

Editing apps are available for most smartphones. For example, Adobe Lightroom Mobile, Apple Photos, and Picsart perform standard photo editing. In addition, some apps include cloud storage, organizing tools, and a social media interface.

Beware of Sketchy Photography Hacks

I have read blogs and watched videos with hacks that seem flawed. These may be fun and could even spark your creativity. However, it’s doubtful that they result in quality images:

• Substitute your sunglasses for a polarizing filter
• Use a magnifying glass as an alternate macro lens
• Place your phone in a mason jar or clear plastic bowl for underwater photography
• Make a ring light or reflector from a beer helmet
• Set a newspaper on fire for intense images (careful)
• Use glow sticks and prisms for creative effects

Conclusion

I hope these DIY projects and hacks enhance your skills and advance your photography career beyond just taking pictures.

Finally, if you have any comments, questions, or hacks you’d like to add, please submit them in the space below.

Take Away

Achieve professional-level results in photography without expensive equipment with these clever photography hacks. Improve your potential to capture breathtaking images with these simple tricks and techniques.