![\"Buy](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Buy-second-hand.jpg\")
\t\t\tCredit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n
Buy second-hand<\/h2>\n
Claire Gillo, AP Acting Technique Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Instead of splashing out on new lenses and lighting gear I always look to buy second-hand with these types of products. I got my Nissin Di700A flashgun from Wex Photo Video<\/a> (\u00a3100 less than new) and it was a great buy. Although eBay<\/a> is a good resource for second-hand kit, I prefer to pay slightly higher prices on the established and trusted websites (such as Wex<\/a>, Ffordes<\/a>, Park Cameras<\/a>, etc.) to ensure the products have been checked over by a professional. This shot was lit using one of my flashguns placed to the side of the model, which I then cloned out of the shot in Photoshop.\u2019<\/p>\n Janet Broughton and Glenys Garnett (ggcreativeimages.co.uk<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Both Janet and Glenys share their experiences using vintage lenses. Janet says: \u2018Vintage lenses can be wonderful and very cheap; I regularly use the Helios 44-2 that only cost me \u00a315 (normal retail second-hand around \u00a335). Because they are manual, the adapters are cheap too.\u2019 Glenys advises: \u2018Buy an adapter for your camera for \u00a320 and buy some cheap vintage lenses. You can often find them for less than \u00a350 and some of them are superb.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Ian Pack<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n This will cost you \u00a32 to make. Ian says: \u2018A bounce card or reflector will soften the light from your Speedlite. Very useful when there\u2019s no suitable wall or ceiling to bounce light from. This one is very easy to make from a sheet of self-adhesive white craft foam for children, 2mm aluminium florist\u2019s wire and bright silver plastic. The white side gives a softer light, whereas the bright side reflects light with more contrast.\u2019<\/p>\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018At \u00a35 per roll, Gaffer tape is essential, with untold uses. It comes in large rolls which are cumbersome to carry. I use the plastic or card-receipt roll cores from a local supermarket and transfer from the large to a smaller, more convenient roll.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Tina Claffey (www.tinaclaffey.com<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to get down low but don\u2019t have a tripod that does the job (or you don\u2019t want to get it dirty), then a great tip is to use a child\u2019s armband as support. Tina Claffey revealed that she uses this technique to AP Acting Technique Editor Tracy Calder when photographing super close-ups in bogs! Tina is the author of Tapestry of Light – Ireland\u2019s Bogs & Wetlands As Never Seen Before<\/em>.<\/p>\n Annerley Johnson<\/strong><\/p>\n Annerley Johnson shared on Facebook: \u2018I buy king-size plain cotton sheets from cheap supermarkets and rig them to curtain poles at clients\u2019 houses or on location with large, hair-clamp-style clips. These type of backdrops are easy to wash, and tumble drying them works fine; non-iron sheets are even better. It\u2019s a makeshift studio in a carrier bag!\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Claire Gillo, AP Acting Technique Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re after an interesting background or surface to shoot an object on, then wallpaper samples and fabric cuts are the perfect solution. Many DIY stores only charge a small fee (or free) to take samples. Fabric, when bought by a couple of metres in a haberdashery, can be as little as pennies depending on your selection. Another favourite of mine for close-up, still-life subjects is to shoot my subject against bright colourful card. My kids love it too as once I\u2019m finished they then add the creased or damaged pieces to their arts and crafts box.\u2019<\/p>\n Sue Hartley<\/strong><\/p>\n Sue Hartley was happy to share her tip on Facebook with us: \u2018Foil lids from takeaway-style containers make great mini reflectors for fungi, flowers and so on, being white on one side and silver on the other. I always keep a couple in my bag!\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Amy Davies, AP Features Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s really simple to make your own light box. All you need is a piece of greaseproof paper stuck against a window! Just remember you\u2019ll need to tape your subject to the window so this technique only works for small objects. For larger subjects get a cardboard box, cut a hole in the bottom, tape over a sheet of greaseproof paper tightly, and light from below using a strong LED light.\u2019<\/p>\n Jo Stephen (jostephenphotography.wordpress.com<\/a>) and Carla Wakins (carlawatkinsphotography.com<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Both Jo and Carla on Facebook advise not to go far. Not only will you reduce your costs but you\u2019re also having a greener photoshoot. Jo says: \u2018Shoot macro; there are infinite landscapes in a small area and you can reduce your carbon footprint by reducing travel as well as familiarising yourself with the nature that is often overlooked.\u2019 Carla says: \u2018Challenge yourself to get 20 different photos in a really small area \u2013 your back garden, living room, or within a one-minute walk from your front door.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Ian Pack<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018To make a DIY beanbag, you can use dried beans from a supermarket, but the beans could rot or even germinate when wet, so I recommend ceramic baking beads in a plastic bag. Reinforce the edges of the bag with Gaffer tape to prevent splitting. When placed on an uneven surface, the beanbag shapes to the surface of the camera and provides a stable platform to steady the camera for long exposures or low-down perspective shots. I use a micro fibre cloth between the beanbag and camera to reduce damage to the plastic bag. You could also sew two micro fibre cloths together to make a beanbag.\u2019<\/p>\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018White Ripstop nylon is used for making kites, etc. It\u2019s available online and from high-street fabric shops and makes a perfect diffuser. In the studio I use it clamped to a boom extended with a length of PVC plumbers waste pipe, and on location a frame made from plumbers waste pipe to diffuse either hard direct sunlight or ash. It\u2019s priced between \u00a31.39 and \u00a33.79 per metre.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Michael Topham, AP Reviews Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n Our Reviews Editor and camera-kit expert Michael Topham advises you to take care of your kit and store all the original boxes it came in. \u2018Usually you can get more money for them when reselling if you have the original packaging and box.\u2019<\/p>\n Sue Dall<\/strong><\/p>\n Sue Dall on Facebook says: \u2018You don\u2019t need to spend a fortune when photographing birds. I\u2019ve just made a bird hide out of the cardboard packaging for a fridge. I\u2019ve cut two flaps in it and it\u2019s working a treat for garden birds.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Ian Pack<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Suction lifters are used to move glazing panels and tiles; this one is rated at 100kg load (and costs only \u00a39.99)! I\u2019ve used one of these three suction-cup lifters to mount lights to windows and even a lightweight video camera to car hoods with the aid of additional grip gear. They are available in store and online from major building suppliers.\u2019<\/p>\n Matthew Horwood (matt-horwood.com<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Professional news PR and commercial photographer Matthew Horwood buys a cheap micro fibre camping towel for \u00a36 and then cuts it up to make several lens cloths. He also advises that a make-up brush is good for getting rid of dust on your lens, and get a bottle of isopropyl from Amazon, rather than \u2018lens cleaner\u2019, because it is much cheaper and basically does the same thing.<\/p>\n Credit: Ian Pack<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Foam boards are one of the most useful accessories in my studio and location kit. White makes a great reflector, which can be clamped to a light stand. Cut through the card on one side and fold to make a self-supporting v-flat. Cut shapes to make cookies (cucoloris) to add patterns to your lighting or use to block or flag light from the frame. It is easily available online and from art and craft suppliers.\u2019<\/p>\n Claire Gillo, AP Acting Technique Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re flexible with travel plans and avoid busy weekends and holidays, you can travel to many different and exciting locations for as little as a few quid! Bus companies such as National Express and Megabus are incredibly cheap if you get the deals in advance. Also, booking the train in advance is a much cheaper way to travel.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Anne Haile (annesphotos.uk<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Buy props from your local auction house, junk shop or charity shop. Save a fortune over new and there\u2019s a more interesting range to be had.\u2019 Find more of Anne\u2019s tips at annesphotos.uk\/vintage-photo-props-for-studio-shots\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Claire Williams<\/strong><\/p>\n Claire Williams on Facebook said: \u2018Buy a padded insert for a backpack you might already own for hiking, and it will double for camera and kit.\u2019 A great tip for those who already own a decent backpack and do not want to invest in another just for their kit.<\/p>\n Credit: Ian Pack<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018You can never have too many clothes pegs, clips and clamps. I have a wide variety accumulated over the years. Wooden clothes pegs are cheap and have been used by film and TV lighting gaffers for decades to attach gels and diffusion to lights mainly as they don\u2019t conduct heat, don\u2019t melt, are cheap and readily available. I carry them for attaching gels inside and out to softboxes and other modifiers.\u2019<\/p>\n Emma Finch (www.emmafinchphotography.co.uk<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Portrait, wedding and lifestyle photographer Emma Finch shares her secret behind capturing a well-lit portrait: \u2018A white shower curtain diffuses light beautifully.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Ian Pack<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ian Pack (www.packshots.biz<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Every photographer working outdoors in the UK should carry a couple of (heavy-duty) clear plastic bags in their kit. Great for kneeling on the ground if it\u2019s wet or dirty, and I also use them to cover my ash and camera when working in the rain. All you need to do is cut a corner from a bag and slice it down one side to make a camera cover which is attached to the lens hood with Gaffer tape or elastic bands \u2013 don\u2019t use electrical or duct tape because they leave a nasty residue when removed. Supermarkets sell these bags as Clear Storage Sacks or Strong Tall Bin Liners.\u2019<\/p>\n Tracy Calder, AP Acting Technique Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018If you don\u2019t want to splash out on the big bucks when it comes to software, you need not. Most cameras (all the mainstream ones anyway) come with free image-editing software, from Canon\u2019s Digital Photo Professional to Nikon\u2019s ViewNX-i and Capture NX-D software. If your aim is to only make basic adjustments to your images, that is, tone and contrast control, these programs are more than sufficient to get you professional-looking results.\u2019<\/p>\n Credit: Claire Gillo<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Eva Pitt and Richard Sawyer<\/strong><\/p>\n Eva Pitt says on Facebook: \u2018I use \u00a31 clear plastic, zip-up school pencil cases to pack all sorts of necessities, from spare batteries, cards, cloth, a tiny torch, plastic bags, and so on \u2013 they are easy to organise and see. In fact most of my Fujifilm lenses fit in these too and I feel they are well protected.\u2019 Richard Sawyer adds: \u2018Resealable freezer bags are great for keeping batteries dry. Army surplus stores have British Army gas mask bags that are just the right size for your lunch, flask and other bits of camera essential kit.\u2019<\/p>\n Lee Stevens (www.weddingphotographer.events<\/a>; Instagram @lee_stevens_ photography<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Wedding photographer Lee Stevens shares this tip on our Facebook page: \u2018As a full-time wedding photographer, there is an incredibly cheap accessory I always have in my kit bag: translucent micropore medical tape. Often, for key shots, I need a part of the dress, hair, veils, flowers, etc., to be held in a very specific place and to not move around in the breeze. The tape costs very little, and takes only seconds to put in place. It doesn\u2019t show in the pictures and is easily removed without leaving any residue. I never leave home without a couple of rolls!\u2019<\/p>\n
\nGo vintage<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"A4](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/A4-DIY-bounce-reflector.jpg\")
\t\t\tA4 DIY bounce reflector<\/h2>\n
\nGaffer tape<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Use](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Use-childs-armbands.jpg\")
\t\t\tChild\u2019s armbands<\/h2>\n
\nLarge backdrops<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"product](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/product-backgrounds.jpg\")
\t\t\tBackgrounds for product shots<\/h2>\n
\nFoil lids<\/h2>\n
\n\n\t\t![\"Make](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Make-own-light-box.jpg\")
\t\t\tMake your own light box<\/h2>\n
\nDon\u2019t travel<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Use](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Use-a-beanbag.jpg\")
\t\t\tBeanbag<\/h2>\n
\nWhite Ripstop nylon<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Look](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Look-after-kit.jpg\")
\t\t\tLook after your kit<\/h2>\n
\nMake a hide<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Window](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Window-suction-cup.jpg\")
\t\t\tWindow suction cup<\/h2>\n
\nClean your camera<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Foam](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Foam-board-a1.jpg\")
\t\t\tFoam board A1<\/h2>\n
\nBook in advance and be flexible<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Bargain](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Bargain-tips-props.jpg\")
\t\t\tBargain props<\/h2>\n
\nPadded inserts<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Clothes](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Clothes-pegs.jpg\")
\t\t\tWooden clothes pegs, clips and clamps<\/h2>\n
\nWhite shower curtain<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Clear](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Clear-plastic-bags.jpg\")
\t\t\tClear plastic bags<\/h2>\n
\nFree software<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t![\"Zip](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Zip-bags.jpg\")
\t\t\tZip bags<\/h2>\n
\nMicropore medical tape<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t
![\"Mobile](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Mobile-phone-as-lighting.jpg\")
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