Trick photography can be done using a number of tools such as
camera, special lenses, digital photo editor, and tripod stand, among
others. It all depends on what trick you want to do, and the nature of
the image.
Here are some popular trick photography techniques you can use:
HDR Photography: HDR stands for High Dynamic High Range photography. This technique combines several photos into a single photo to increase the photo's dynamic range. Increasing the photo dynamic range will allow you to make the highlights and shadows more visible in a photograph. Digital SLR cameras can only contain so much information until the brightness and darkness levels exceed what it can record, so in order to get a wider visible range of shadows and highlights, we need to "bracket" (take multiple photos on a tripod that vary in brightness) and then combine them on the computer. HDR uses digital imaging software like Photoshop, HDRsoft's Photomatix Pro, and HDR photo studio to create highly dynamic images. However, it is not advisable to overdo HDR because the photos may look cheesy.
Shaped Bokeh: We know that the classic bokeh look of the dreamy blotchy circles in the background of an image taken from lenses with large apertures is very appealing and pleasing to the eye, but shaped bokeh will bring it to another whole new level. This is an excellent way to emphasize a certain theme in your photograph. Not too many people take the time to do this stuff, so your photos will definitely stand out against the crowd.
Forced Perspective: This mind-twisting trick can be done right in-camera with no photo editing software. For these shots, all you have to do is carefully align the camera in front of your model until they appear to be interacting with something behind them. If possible try to use the smallest aperture possible in order to increase the depth of field so everything is in focus.
Upside-Down Reflections: This is a classic trick that always comes out interesting. If you ever see a pond, lake, reservoir or puddle, turn your camera upside down and zoom in to get a close crop of the reflection. You will usually want the focus point to be on the reflection and not the actual water surface, but you may try experimenting with both. This produces a surreal effect. Note: It will help if the main subject is well illuminated for the reflection to be visible.
Infrared Photography: Another trick photography technique is infrared photography. This works with modified digital sensor or film that captures images in black and white or coloured images. The special sensor uses the infrared spectrum to give the image false colours or give them black and white effect. For instance, you can have an infrared photography where trees become white while the sky becomes black
Second (Rear) Curtain Flash Sync to Create Light Trails: Second (Rear) Curtain Flash Sync to Create Light Trails is another trick photography technique that is used to create an impression of movements in a photo. This effect is sometimes referred to as slow sync. This effect may seem complicated to produce especially if your camera's flash control settings cannot be adjusted. Generally, slow sync is achieved by adjusting the flash control settings in the SLR.
Other trick photography techniques include levitation photography, tilt shift miniature photography, and long exposure (light painting) photography. Learning all these techniques is not difficult so long as you can learn them from an experienced photographer or online.
Here are some popular trick photography techniques you can use:
HDR Photography: HDR stands for High Dynamic High Range photography. This technique combines several photos into a single photo to increase the photo's dynamic range. Increasing the photo dynamic range will allow you to make the highlights and shadows more visible in a photograph. Digital SLR cameras can only contain so much information until the brightness and darkness levels exceed what it can record, so in order to get a wider visible range of shadows and highlights, we need to "bracket" (take multiple photos on a tripod that vary in brightness) and then combine them on the computer. HDR uses digital imaging software like Photoshop, HDRsoft's Photomatix Pro, and HDR photo studio to create highly dynamic images. However, it is not advisable to overdo HDR because the photos may look cheesy.
Shaped Bokeh: We know that the classic bokeh look of the dreamy blotchy circles in the background of an image taken from lenses with large apertures is very appealing and pleasing to the eye, but shaped bokeh will bring it to another whole new level. This is an excellent way to emphasize a certain theme in your photograph. Not too many people take the time to do this stuff, so your photos will definitely stand out against the crowd.
Forced Perspective: This mind-twisting trick can be done right in-camera with no photo editing software. For these shots, all you have to do is carefully align the camera in front of your model until they appear to be interacting with something behind them. If possible try to use the smallest aperture possible in order to increase the depth of field so everything is in focus.
Upside-Down Reflections: This is a classic trick that always comes out interesting. If you ever see a pond, lake, reservoir or puddle, turn your camera upside down and zoom in to get a close crop of the reflection. You will usually want the focus point to be on the reflection and not the actual water surface, but you may try experimenting with both. This produces a surreal effect. Note: It will help if the main subject is well illuminated for the reflection to be visible.
Infrared Photography: Another trick photography technique is infrared photography. This works with modified digital sensor or film that captures images in black and white or coloured images. The special sensor uses the infrared spectrum to give the image false colours or give them black and white effect. For instance, you can have an infrared photography where trees become white while the sky becomes black
Second (Rear) Curtain Flash Sync to Create Light Trails: Second (Rear) Curtain Flash Sync to Create Light Trails is another trick photography technique that is used to create an impression of movements in a photo. This effect is sometimes referred to as slow sync. This effect may seem complicated to produce especially if your camera's flash control settings cannot be adjusted. Generally, slow sync is achieved by adjusting the flash control settings in the SLR.
Other trick photography techniques include levitation photography, tilt shift miniature photography, and long exposure (light painting) photography. Learning all these techniques is not difficult so long as you can learn them from an experienced photographer or online.
