Got some tinfoil? What about Christmas lights? Are your old Smashmouth CDs getting all scratched up on the floor of your car? Well, it's time to put those things to better use by utilizing them in your filmmaking. In this video, Pierre T. Lambert shows you six ways to creatively use several common household items to create beautiful and unique camera and lighting effects. Check it out below:

I love awesome visual effects as much as anyone, but there's something cool and organic about creating interesting effects in-camera. Granted, they can be a lot more trouble than they're worth sometimes, but if you're in a pinch and really need to add a little bit of flavor and style to a shot, some of these creative little camera tricks might just save your buns one day.

Here are all of the tips mentioned in the video:

  • Use your smartphone to reflect light and create interesting effects.
  • Your smartphone's flashlight can be used to creatively add light.
  • Christmas lights, bistro lights, fairy lights, really any kind of string lights can make cool effects if you shoot with a shallow depth of field.
  • When you shine light on old CDs and DVDs, they create a cool rainbow effect.
  • Tinfoil is a great way to add some fill light...and you only need one hand to do it.
  • Use a scarf to (carefully) perform steady camera moves.

Okay, maybe some of these might make more sense in photography, where your subject and camera are stationary, but I think, with a little effort and creativity, you can definitely implement them in your next music video, commercial, or trippy dream sequence with great results.

What are some weird household items you've used to create in-camera effects? Share your tasty secrets down in the comments!

Source: Pierre T. Lambert

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