Special Effects
with a Point-and-Shoot Camera
By Andrew Hudson
Q: What are some tricks and special effects I can try with my basic camera?
A: Even if you have the cheapest, most basic camera, you can still do many of
the special-effects that professionals do with more expensive cameras.
Filters
You can use any filter (colored or distorted glass or plastic that camera shops sell for
about $10-$20) but make sure it covers the lens and, if you have one, the exposure window
(a small window near the lens) so that your pictures get exposed correctly. Red, orange
and blue filters can make striking images while a soft-focus or fog filter adds a romantic
touch to faces and water. You can even make you own filter with a colored plastic bag or
glass.
Colored Flash
You can also use colored filters over the flash instead of the lens (professionals call
these "gels"). For a Halloween party, try using a red filter over the flash to
make people look even more scary!
Old World
One of my favorites effects uses a sepia filter. The light-brown color makes your pictures
look old and classic.
Mirrors
Magicians use mirrors and you can too. Take a photo of yourself by pointing into a window.
Or include both halves of a room by using a mirror in half of the shot.
Shoot Underwater
If you're on vacation at the beach, take an underwater shot while swimming. Place your
camera in a clear plastic bag, remove most of the air, and seal well. Now you can
photograph underwater! (Be careful, any water entering the bag will damage the camera).
Copyright © 1998 Andrew Hudson for PhotoSecrets Publishing. All rights
reserved. If you want to use this article in any way, please e-mail us for permission. This article was
originally written for Postcards Magazine, a publication for Carlson Leisure Group by
Cowles Creative Publishing.
 Andrew Hudson is
the author of PhotoSecrets, a new series of adventure
guides that takes you on a photographic discovery of the best views in the best places.
They are the first-ever, full-color, full-length, location-specific travel guides for
amateur travel photography.
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