There are many ways to take a good photograph: positioning and lighting, compelling subject matter and decent equipment can all play a role. However, it's also possible to boost the quality of your photos via a few simple tricks. With that in mind, here are 21 camera hacks from the Lifehacker archives - from candid photography tips to cheap DIY accessories.
Last week, we were invited to rub shoulders with professional US skateboarder Tony Hawk who was in Australia to promote Sony's new 4K Action Camera. During the event, we asked Tony to share his personal videography tips for skaters and other extreme sports enthusiasts. If you're looking to cause maximum impact with your footage, just follow the Birdman's lead.
One can never have too much camera equipment. The problem is that it's all so bloody expensive. Thankfully, there's still hope for the penniless photographer -- here are ten DIY camera hacks designed to build up your gear on the cheap.
Rain guards for your camera can be very useful. If you'd rather make one yourself yourself than buy one, Digital Camera World shows off how to convert an old CD spindle into a rain guard for those rainy spring shoots.
Making a remote camera trigger for your DSLR can be as simple as combining a drink can tab and a cable. Instructables user nk dtk shows how to make this dirt cheap remote in practically no time.
As hobbies go, making videos can be expensive -- a good reason for going DIY whenever possible. Here are some of our favourite projects for assembling video rig.
CineSkates camera sliders look sweet, but that camera dolly costs $200. Make your own DIY version with a Gorillapod and save about $150.
If you spend any time on video at your desk, either video-chatting with friends or recording work you may be doing so you can show other people, you know it can be difficult to get a camera in position while you work with your hands. This quick hack gives you a jig perfect for a web cam or a phone to keep it still and in one place while you're recording.
DIY website Instructables shows us how to add sugru to the edges of your camera to protect it from breaking when you drop it.
This DIY video camera dolly is made of inexpensive PVC pipes and rollerblade wheels (from a discount store). For under $US20, you can build your own dolly to get smooth rolling video shots.
Depth of field adaptors are devices you attach to your video camera to help provide the look and shallow depth of field capable with 35mm film. Generally these can get pretty pricey, but you can save a lot of money by building your own. It seems a little daunting but it's actually not as complicated as you might think.
A macro lens can cost hundred of dollars, which you can save if you're handy with a soldering iron and aren't afraid to operate on the lens that came with your SLR camera. Even if you aren't, though, this DIY video is one of the most compelling and cinematic ones we've ever seen, so it's worth a look.
Sometimes lighting conditions aren't the best when you're recording video or taking pictures, regardless of how great your camera is. One of the best ways to remedy this situation is with a camera-mounted LED light. Problem is, good ones cost a few hundred dollars. Fortunately, you can make one yourself for a lot less.
The strap that comes with your camera isn't all that useful, but you can make one that is. This handy project from DIY Photography will net you a strap that'll make camera access easy and even help stabilise your shots a little bit.
So you've been thinking about getting a DSLR but you're not sure if you're ready to step up to a heavy-duty camera. If you don't have a friend who can teach you how it works, or you'd rather learn on your own, CameraSim can give you a pretty realistic account of what it's like to use a DSLR — but in your web browser.
