It is common that when we enter the world of photography we are somewhat lost and only dare to work with what is “official”, with those brands that we know, with purely photographic accessories, and with those compositions or themes that have called us. the attention
That is, we rarely go beyond the standard, acceptable or correct. We already have enough to navigate through the stormy photographic ocean to be ingenious on top of it… 😉 But the truth is that, with imagination and a few everyday objects, you can do authentic wonders. So if you don’t feel like leaving the house, or you can’t, sign up for at least one and put it into practice, you’ll see how fun it is as well as amazing.
Bokeh with foil
Although it may not seem like it, it is used for more than just wrapping sandwiches or leftovers :-), yes, as you hear it, it is used to make some amazing bokeh. You just have to crumple the paper, put it in the background, illuminate it with some system (a homemade lamp for example), and put what you want to portray in front of the silver paper, with the most open diaphragm you have. Then you focus it and voila. Ideally, you should start by trying a doll, glass, or any small and static element, so it will be easier for you to focus, bring it closer to the background, move it away, etc.
macro with magnifying glass
I won’t promise you the results you might get with a macro lens or a reversing ring or extension tube, but I can assure you that it will put your creativity to work, and you can get great results. It just depends on your creativity and imagination.
Plays of light and reflections with a mirror
Who does not have a mirror as an everyday object? You can use any mirror you have to help you direct the light. Surely you have played more than twice to do it with surfaces that reflect light. This time you can use it to frame your subjects or objects with this reflected light, creating many possibilities to play with light and shadow.
You can also play with the mirror and its reflexes to create more original images or portraits, with more depth or more story to tell.
Some stockings in front of the lens
Yes, I haven’t gone crazy, I saw it on the net and it seemed very simple and it turned out 😉 Of course, if you like maximum sharpness, forget it, but if you want to get into your creative mode, you can try to put an average well adjusted and smooth tied with a rubber band to the objective. You will see how it softens and blurs the image and creates a very original effect.
Frames to frame the photos
Another everyday object and another simple way to compose your images in a more original way is to create your own Polaroid-type paper frames or the type you want, and frame through them when you go to take the photo.
Backgrounds with cardboard, fabric or photos
We always talk about the importance of the background in any photograph and how a good background is capable of framing or destroying an image. If you like to photograph objects, food, make portraits, etc., with some simple fabrics, cardboard or even posters or background photos, you can work as if you were in a studio.
A strainer to create patterns of light and shadow
The small holes through which it lets the water pass through, will also serve to let the light pass through and project interesting patterns and plays of light and shadow wherever you want. You can also play with the slats of a half-open blind where the light filters through.
A glass of water to play with perspective
Have you ever noticed how the image is formed in a glass of water? Right? Then this is the time to do it. You will see how the image is completely upside down. This will allow you to take the most original photos. You can rotate the photo so that the perspective of the glass is “correct” and the background is upside down, or leave the image containing the glass upside down, for example :-).
A crystal ball
Exactly in the same direction as the glass. If you have one or can get one, be sure to use it in any of your compositions.
Light shade as light diffuser
Hard light can be a big challenge and it’s not always what we’re looking for in a photograph. Soft or diffused light is usually more advisable for portraits and photography in general, so if you have a light curtain, you already have a good light diffuser at home that will reduce shadows in your portraits and provide you with brighter lighting. homogeneous.
water vaporizer
It is a classic of macro and culinary photography, as it allows you to play with drops of water and convey the idea of ​​dew and freshness, as well as play with the perspective and composition of your images.
white plastic bag
What for what? Do you hate your flash because it’s like an explosion of light in people’s faces without any grace? That’s because you don’t use a softbox or in everyday object language, a white plastic bag on top of the flash :-). Do the test, you will see how your photos improve.
Christmas tree lights to make bokeh
Those of the Christmas tree or similar, but that they are small in size and several, so you can practice a bit of bokeh photography at home. You’ll see how you love it :-).
Creative filters with…
- Cellophane: Change the dominant color of your images with just a simple piece of cellophane in front of your lens.
- Plastic wrap (transparent plastic) and Vaseline: always in front of the lens, it will allow you to play creatively with less sharp areas, even creating a fantastic mist effect in your photos.
- Polarized sunglasses: in the absence of a real filter, you can have a great polarizer ;-).
How about? Don’t tell me you don’t have a bunch of these everyday objects at home to practice with right now ;-). You already know that practice makes perfect and there is no better way to improve than taking non-stop photos :-). Oh, and please don’t forget to spread the word about this article to reach as many readers as possible. Thank you and see you next time :-).