Photography on a budget: Five DIY lighting hacks

When it comes to composition, the difference between a good shot and a bad one is lighting. Professional photography studios require a ton of lighting, amounting to thousands of dollars, and not every photographer has the budget for that. Here are five DIY lighting hacks for the frugal shutterbug. Ram Chary. Typically, personal lighting equipment may include a powerful light source that can be found at home. Make the impact of the light softer and more spread out by using a DIY diffuser. To make one, use a large frame and replace the glass and cardboard with a white cloth, or build a frame using plastic pipes for larger lighting needs. A soft-box can be made out of cardboard pieces, fabric, insulation foam or foil, wires, and tapes or any adhesive. Be sure to include a light source in the budget for the soft-box. Ram Chary.

For a smaller light source and low light output like that of a flashlight, use a balloon to diffuse the light. It adds a dramatic effect, especially in portrait photography, where the subject can be close to the camera. DIY flash-mounted soft-box requires only a card, a white cloth (preferably silk), Velcro, and adhesive. This cheap alternative to the expensive necessity can save one a few bucks. Ram Chary.

Some shoots may require a photographer to use color gels. Use cellophane and plastic bottles for cheap color gel alternative. While these cannot be compared to professional color gels, one doesn’t have to shell out money when using cellophane and plastic bottles to get the desired colorful effect. Ram Chary.