If Gina was ever reincarnated, she would come back as MacGuyver. That’s because she’s been on so many photography jobs where she’s needed to improvise and get out of tight spots – often because of factors outside her control. So she’s developed a knack for MacGuyvering everything from temporary boom and light stands, lens holders, all kinds of diffusers, and much more. Often, she’s had to use everyday items that you can find in the house or your car.
In this episode, Gina explains to Valerie her top MacGuyver hacks. It’s well worth a listen because you may just need to improvise on your next shoot.
This week’s theme for #ginachallenge is #MacGuyver
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Show notes
Forget selfies! The latest holiday accessory is a professional photographer – Gina and Valerie discuss the new trend of holiday tours that come with your very own Instagramming photographer. Is this is a new career?
Image Critique: Ben Hopkins
24-105 L
ISO 100
1/15th sec
f4
Edited in camera RAW
Listen to the podcast to hear our feedback.
What would Macgyver do?
To MacGuyver (verb) : To improvise a creative solution to a seemingly impossible situation by using everyday found objects, faith, spit, gaffer tape and a bit of luck.
The essentials for all DIY photographers
1. White rip stop nylon
Buy white rip stop nylon here.
2. Gaffer tape (note: this is different to duct tape)
MacGuyvering a sunbounce/diffuser/scrim (via Jag’s Photo Blog)
Tip – add white rip stop nylon and create a diy diffuser
Cheap product tent (via strobist)
Learn how to make a light tent from a cardboard box! Instructions here.
Amazing full size light box for portraits (via popular photography)
Photographer Kevin Lynch Shows Off His Portable, Studio-Sized Lightbox
It allows him to shoot with even, daylight-like lighting in any situation
Barfbag diffuser
Instructions here.
MacGuyvering 35mm film into 120mm film (via popular photography)
MacGuyvering a DIY photo booth
Instructions here.
Macgyver bags
- Cricket or hockey bag for stands
- Suitcase for gear
- Roller bag for cables and accessories
MacGuyvering clamps as flash light stands
Instructions here.
MacGuyvering DIY printing onto timber (via popphoto)
- works best with bright, poppy images
- use label printing paper
- remove labels
- print on shiny part
- transfer onto woodblock
- seal with lacquer or varnish
MacGuyvering protection for your floor
- Tennis balls for light stands
- Rubber feet for chairs
MacGuyvering a light pole
MacGuyvering a ring flash from a KFC bucket (via diyphotography.net)
MacGuyvering a continuous ring light (via Adam Byers)
MacGuyvering a gridspot (via popphoto.com)
MacGuyvering a ring light on your smartphone (via diyphotography.net)
MacGuyvering a beauty dish using a wok!
MacGuyvering sandbags (via ISO1200.com)
- Cut up jeans
- Or 2 nylon zip bags zip tied together
MacGuyvering camera straps (via Sarah Hipwell for Digital Photography School)
This paracord is strong and really inexpensive to purchase. It comes in a variety of colours. There are a multitude of uses for this cord, it’s a dream for most DIY enthusiasts. However, this configuration of strap isn’t a fail safe option should you let your camera fall out of your hand.
MacGuyvering a wrist rubber band to prevent zoom creep
I used to own a Nikon 18-200mm VR lens. It was a great versatile lens. But after some time, when I would take macro or overhead shots, where the camera is at 45 angle or more, I’d notice the lens would creep (move slightly due to gravity). I found this neat solution online to put a wrist rubber band around the zoom ring and the barrel of the lens. It worked and was a perfect solution to prevent the lens from creeping.
#ginachalleng #macguyver