“Macgyver”, Secret Agent, Photographer - using common household items to take better photos

“Macgyver”, Secret Agent, Photographer - using
common household items to take better photos
 
Remember the TV show Macgyver
from the 1980’s?  The main character, Angus Macgyver, was a secret agent who
able to break out of a prison or disable the bad guy using only a paperclip, a
thread from his pants and a broken lightbulb, or something like that.  Well,
being resourceful like Macgyver can help you take better photos without spending
a lot of money on accessories.  This article gives you some simple ways to get
the best possible photo on the cheap, or in an emergency. These little things
can help out the even the most seasoned photographer. 
 
The Handkerchief Diffuser
Most flashes on cameras are
pretty harsh and can lead to some washed out pictures and ugly shadows on your
subject.  Experienced professional photographers employ a diffuser of some kind
for their flash to spread the light more evenly.  A host of diffusers are
available for flash units on expensive cameras, but very few are offered for
inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras.   You can get the same effect as the pros
by just using a handkerchief or any cloth that is translucent enough for some of
the flash’s light to get through.  I’ve used scraps of fabric, even paper!  The
only other thing you will need is a rubber band to strap it to your camera. 
This DIY diffuser works on any type of camera.  Just remember to stand a little
closer to your subjects since your flash‘s light output is lower.  Macgyver to
the rescue!
 
The Rice Bag tripod
You must be thinking, a
tripod, made out of what?  You read it right, a rice bag.  Or a bean bag.  We’re
not talking about big 20 lb bags here, just the smaller ones.  It’s a lot easier
to carry around than a bulky tripod for those times when you want to steady the
camera for a shot, or get a crazy angle.  The camera body can be nestled into
the cushion in the desired position. It’s a good idea to wrap the bag with a
layer of, you guessed it, duct tape, to prolong the life and minimize the risk
of breaking.  In an emergency, you might be able to find something in the
pantry!      
 
Reflectors
Having a reflector is an
awesome way to get outdoor shots without having to use a flash to fill in
shadows.  They’re great for eliminating those harsh shadows under direct light
or brightening up a subject under the shade of a tree or building.  Reflectors
can get pretty pricey depending on what you’re looking for.  They range from
about $20 for a simple reflector to over a hundred for the fancy ones.  Or maybe
you have forgotten your reflector.  A great alternative is a reflective sunshade
of the type used in your car, available at any auto parts store for $10 or so.
 Another alternative is to use a white poster board from the local arts and
craft store.  Use the poster board or sunshade to reflect the sunlight onto the
subject.  It also works great to have the subject hold the reflector at waist
level, reflecting sunlight up under their chin.  By the way these can be used
with a flash too.  And the great thing is you will always have the sunshade in
your car!
 
The Natural Reflector

For the outdoor shooter, the
sun is their main light.  Depending on its position, the lighting conditions can
be great or absolutely horrible.  When the sun is overhead, it casts ugly
shadows around the eyes, nose, neck; even the whole face can be covered in
shadow.  In this scenario, you don’t always need to have a reflector since a lot
of natural reflecting surfaces may exist all around you.  A white wall, the
sandy beach…For example, I recently went to Mexico for a photo shoot. We shot at
around noon with terrible overhead sunlight. To make matters worse,  I had
managed to leave my reflector at home.  Fortunately there was a rock wall
painted white nearby.  I was able use the wall as a giant reflector, directing
some sunlight on the model to soften the shadows. 
 
The cardboard shade
 
This is the simplest tip of
all, I’m almost embarrassed to even suggest it.  If your subjects are facing the
sun, or have direct overhead sunlight on them, use a large piece of cardboard
from a nearby dumpster to shade them from the harsh sun.  They will squint less
and the lighting will be much more flattering.  You may need an assistant to
hold the cardboard and move it around to get the right effect while you look
through the viewfinder.  Oh, and might as well have the assistant “dumpster
dive” for you as well.
 
Try some of these techniques
the next time you take pictures.  I think you will see a noticeable
improvement.  Plus you will really impress everyone with your resourcefulness
and creativity…Macgyver.
 
 
J.R. Wright is a freelance
photographer residing in San Diego.  He has been shooting for five years working
in all forms of photography.  J.R. writes a blog for The PhotoArt People (www.ThePhotoArtPeople.com)
answering questions and sharing tips about photography.  J.R.'s gallery is open
for viewing at highcaliberimagery.blogspot.com.  He can be reached at
highcaliberimagery@hotmail.com.    
 

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