8 Camera Hacks in Just 90 Seconds

Toronto-based photographer Peter McKinnon created this short video that shares 8 clever, quick, and easy camera hacks in the span of about 90 seconds.

“These are 8 camera hacks I use frequently when I’m shooting in the field and need to rig something up in a pinch,” McKinnon writes. “Most of these items can be carried or found on your person at any given time!”

Items used in his hacks include a belt, a coffee cup holder, lip balm, cellophane, sunglasses, a knife, a flashlight, and a smartphone. You can watch McKinnon demonstrating each of his hacks in the video above, but here’s a quick rundown of what his hacks are:

1. Use your belt as a sling.

2. Use a coffee cup holder as a lens hood.

3. Smear lip balm for a dreamy look.

4. Use wrinkled cellophane as a creative filter.

5. Use sunglasses for a color shift.

6. Use a knife for creative reflection blurs.

7. Add artificial flare with a flashlight.

8. Use a smartphone for creative effects.

Just as a warning: if you choose to try #3, it’s probably best to smear your Vaseline or lip balm on a cheap lens filter that you can clean easily instead of the actual front element of your camera lens.