1. Fun with Flashlights
Think beyond the basics with your flashlight. Create selective illumination by positioning multiple flashlights strategically throughout your frame at different angles, heights, and orientations. For a touch of color, wrap your flashlight in colorful cellophane – or even use a dry erase marker as a temporary color filter. Dive deeper into light painting by using long exposures and moving the light across your subject’s form, revealing or concealing details artistically. You may be surprised by how much fun you can have with such a small, portable light source.
2. Lamplight Combinations
Often overlooked, the humble lamp in your room can be one of the most versatile tools in your light hacking arsenal. With lamplight, you can easily control the mood and tone of your photographs. Try swapping out standard bulbs for colored ones to instantly change the scene’s atmosphere. Smart bulbs, which you can control with your smartphone, offer endless possibilities for adjusting both color and intensity (Philips Hue and Kasa RGB bulbs are among our favorites). For more variation, play with shadows, introducing lace or foliage in the path of the lamplight beam. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the lampshade itself – or dispensing with it altogether and working with the bare bulb (but, as always, be mindful of heat and fire hazards as you explore).
3. The Endless Possibilities of Car Lights
Let’s start with the obvious: the headlights. Leverage the powerful beams of car headlights for dramatic, high-contrast lighting, or soften the intensity with a sheer fabric or use fog lamps for a low, wide spread that cuts through the atmosphere. Or perhaps you want to experiment with taillights for a diffused red glow, perfect for creating edgy, urban, or dramatic scenes — or simply adding an unexpected pop of color. But there’s so much more! What other lights does your car offer that you could hack? (I can think of at least five more!)
4. Mobile Magic Making
It’s the one you always have with you! Your iPhone is more than just a camera or communication device; it’s a versatile light source. Turn it into an LED light panel by displaying a solid white image at maximum brightness (an iPad or other tablet, of course, will give you even more payoff!). For customizable hues, use any colorful image full screen, and adjust the brightness as needed. This technique works wonders for close-ups or subtle lighting effects, adding a soft glow or vibrant color to your shots.
5. Fire’s Natural Warmth
The warm hues of firelight are unmatched when it comes to creating a cozy, intimate feel in your photographs. From candlelit portraits to the dancing flames of a campfire or even a single burning match, fire offers an unrivaled ambiance. For a safe alternative, consider high-quality LED candles that mimic the flicker and warmth of real flames without the hazards.
And that’s just the beginning. We’ve been hacking television screens, photocopiers, appliance lights, solar lights, projectors, fairy lights, and more. Because light hacking isn’t about expensive gear or complex setups; it’s about seeing the potential in the light you have and using it creatively. Join the Light Hacker challenge, and find out how with a bit of ingenuity, some creative curiosity, and a sprinkle of serendipity, even the most familiar light source can become an instrument of artistic expression.
And be sure to register for Light Hackers to see firsthand how five pro photographers harness everyday light sources to craft images that captivate and tell stories. When you register, you’ll get instant access to more than 25 shooting videos, image breakdowns and advice, advanced light hacker recipes, and even a process for creating a personal Light Hacker menu.
This course offers more than just techniques; it’s a dive into the heart of creativity, challenging you to see beyond the conventional and embrace the light around you. Whether you photograph your everyday or elaborate setups, whether you’re a portrait photographer or still life artist, whether you are a studio lighting expert or a natural light diehard, Light Hackers will equip you with dozens of new ideas and unmatched inspiration to explore the untapped potential of everyday light in your photography.
Are you up to the challenge?
Learn more about Light Hackers, or register now to join the on-demand learning experience at Click Photo School.STUDENT SHOWCASE
check out some of the work students have created in the classroom so far!
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