Ottawa Professional Photographer Reveals Ways To Elevate Your Photographs: Photographer Beginner's Guide

Ottawa-based Professional Portrait & Urban Photographer, Natalie Abo Setta reveals 5 ways that Photographers use to make their photographs look better! 

1) Aluminum Foil

      What You Will Need:

     1. Aluminum Foil

      2. Camera & lenses

      3. Tripod or stand

      4.  Tape or clippers to hang up the foils on the stand 

      5. Gels

      Step 1:

       To get a bokeh back drop, crumple the foil. The more it is crumpled, the greater the number of and smaller size of bokeh appear. However, you can keep the foil uncrumpled if you want a plain silver background. 

      Step 2:

Retrieved from:  https://www.norcalcompactors.net/recycling-aluminum-cans-aluminum-foil/

     After the foil is crumpled or not, straighten it across a flat surface. This will increase the background space and make the effect more realistic looking.

      Step 3: 

      Place the foil on a stand using clips or a wall using tape. 

The Results:

                                                     Photograph by Laya Gerlock

An aluminum background is most suitable for Portrait Photography, Product Photography, or Pet Photography. If the object is large, then the aluminum foil needs to be done on a larger-scale by combining individual foils together. 

2) Projector

Choose any image you wish based on the look or style of Photography. Connect the mini projector to the laptop the image is one to project it on a wall. Place the subject in front of the projector and adjust the image from there. If a projector is not available then connect the image to a TV and place the subject in front of it. To ensure maximum exposure of the image, turn the lights off. Lower the brightness of the TV or projector to your liking. 

3) Prisms

Prisms bends light by adding rainbow effects, dreamy effects, reflections, or glares. First begin by looking through your viewfinder. Apply the prism at the corner of the camera lens. Once you see an effect, capture the shot. If you do not see the desired effect, tilt the prism or change its position. These props are most commonly used for Wedding Photography, Portrait Photography, and Nature Photography.

The video below demonstrates step-by-step how to use different kinds of prisms  and how your photograph should look like.

                         For more short videos related to Photography, visit Alex Cheung - YouTube Channel.

4) Sticky Notes

Photograph retrieved from the following Photographer: Berry Visuals

Begin by choosing a single or multiple colored sticky notes. Apply it on a flashlight such as one available in a phone. Turn off the lights and see the effect! The colors can be displayed in numerous ways. For example, if 2 differently colored sticky notes chosen then apply each on a separate flashlight. Turn the light towards the object for an intense color or away for a lighter one.

5)  Bubble Wrap

A unique look using a simple prop, bubble wrap! Add the trick from above, 4) sticky notes to add a pop of vibrant colors. A great back drop for Product Photography and Portrait Photography. Find a bubble wrap that is larger than the subject to create a consistent background. Tilt the wrap or change apply it on a non flat surface to create an illusion. Turn the lights off for a magnified effect. This look can be used with natural light by having the material of the bubble wrap shine.

If you tried one of these 5 tips, tag us on our Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @Berry.visualss to get featured on our page!