5 Items Under $20 That Will Spice Up Your Photos

There are So many little things that you can use that will really spice up your photos WITH OUT using photoshop or any really technical equipment. Raid the local hardware store or craft store or even the dollar store to get some unconventional items that will make your photos go from good to great!

Mirror

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A little pocket mirror from your local dollar tree will do just fine. Try moving it back and forth with the other hand while you shoot. Yes that means multitasking, but you can do it!

Crystal Ball

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You see these on facebook ads constantly. I did finally hunker down to buy one, but don't worry, this one was only 14.00 on Amazon (link here to buy product: )

The best lens to use with this item that I have found is my 105 macro lens, so that I can focus on the tiny little object inside without showing my hand on the outside so much.

Copper Pipe

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One of my favorite things to shoot with. I got it for like 8.00 on amazon, but you can also get at your local hardware store. The best way to protect your lens from any scratches or dings from using any of these tools, but especially the copper pipe) is to buy a $10 UV protective filter. As a side note, my husband has dropped my camera TWICE with my $1400 lens on, and this little filter has saved my @$$!

The best size that I have found is bigger than 1 inch, that way your fingers will not get in the way. You can buy mine here on Amazon:

marshallartsstudiophotography.com / Via amazon.com

Let’s go back to the sixth grade and pull out our trusty prism. It’s super easy way to throw light all different directions for under $20. Get one here online:

Christmas Lights

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Only a few dollars at your local walmart. Turn down the light to create mood lighting. get a 50mm 1.4 or similar to really make this photo be seen better in the dark without so much noise from boosting your ISO. Oh yeah, shooting AUTO WILL NOT cut it for this shot. You have to learn how to at least shoot "A" for aperture mode or "M" for full manual.

LED Lights

marshallartsstudiophotography.com / Via amazon.com V

These little guys were super fun to shoot with. I like to wrap my actual lens with them to create some interesting bokeh and light leak patterns. For only $5, this is totally worth getting online!

Using These things On the Job

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I have also been known to use these tools from my “bag of tricks” on actual wedding shoots and sessions. My favorite tool is of course the copper pipe for weddings, since it’s looks so magical.

The LED lights are a great last-minute tool to whip out as well, especially when you are running out of poses and looks (especially when you are shooting at dusk). For this engagement session, I was able to wrap some around my lens, just to give the photo an extra special addition.

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The LED lights are a great last-minute tool to whip out as well, especially when you are running out of poses and looks (especially when you are shooting at dusk). For this engagement session, I was able to wrap some around my lens, just to give the photo an extra special addition.

Try experimenting with other non-traditional things like a plastic bag with Vaseline, shooting through a fish next stocking, sharpie covered plastic wrap and more. You never know what amazing things you will find!

About Me

marshallartsstudiophotography.com

We are photographers, videographers and graphic designers from Chesapeake Virginia. We take over 40,000 photos a year and work at 60 different events, sessions and weddings a year. Our photos have been featured over 20 times on various online publications. www.marshallartsstudiophotography.com