Smartwatch Photography Hacks Taking Creative Photos Remotely with Your Smartphone Using Your Watch
Controlling Your Camera Remotely: Using Your Pixel Watch to Snap Photos
If you've previously used the Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2 to control your Pixel phone's camera, you'll find the experience even better now. Google has updated the Pixel Watch camera app with a revamped interface and enhanced controls for using these watches as remote camera controllers. Here's how to use the updated Pixel Camera app.
What's changed on the new Pixel Cameraapp for Pixel Watch
Similar to Samsung's camera controlfor Galaxy Watch models, both the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 (review) can also be turned intohandy remote camera controllers but for Pixel smartphones only. This is useful if you're taking group pictures and ensure that no one will be left out of the frame.
But before the update the Pixel Watch app only had basic functions, including aswitcher betweenrear and front cameras and a singletimer. Withthe latest update, the Pixel Watch (review) and Pixel Watch 2 get new controls and a mode picker. So below is how to efficiently use the new Pixel Camera app on your Pixel Watch.
What do you need before using the Pixel Camera on your Pixel Watch
Essentially, you'll just to make sure that your Pixel Watch or Watch 2 is already set up and connected to your Pixel Watch, which means both Bluetooth connections are turned on these devices. If you have a new Pixel smartwatch, we prepared a separate guide on how to set up your wearable for the first time.
Most importantly, the Pixel Camera app might not be readily available on your Pixel Watch, so you need to download and install the app first from the Play Store app on your smartwatch.
How to take photos using your Pixel Watch
Once you got your Pixel Watch and Pixel phonepaired, you can just easily access the Pixel Camera app from your smartwatch. Do keep in mind that you'll need to havea tripod or mount before taking photos to secure your handset. Once ready, follow the steps below.
- Position your Pixel camera phone and set to the view or subject.
- Unlock your Pixel Watch.
- Go to the apps list and open the Pixel Camera.
- You can use the dial on the Pixel Watch to make zoom adjustments.
- When ready, tap the shutter button.
- The default is 3 seconds, but this changeable this inside the Timer menu.
How to recordvideos using your Pixel Watch
Activating remote video recordingfrom your Pixel Watch has the same process as when taking photos. You'll just need to switch the camera lens. We'll show you how in the following:
- With the Pixel Camera app open, tap menu and select Modes.
- Look for Video and tap on it.
- Press the shutter button on your watch to start recording.
- Press again the shutter to stop recording.
Apart from Video and Photo, Modes houses different camera modes as well. These includeNight Sight, Portrait,Slow Motion, and Time Lapse.
Other useful Pixel Camera controls you need to know
In addition to Modes, the other Pixel Cameramain menus are Camera and Timer. It would make sense to know what these options offer.
Camera switcher
Tapping the Camera option lets you switch between the front-facing or selfie camera and theback camera. But by default this goes directly to the primarycamera on the back.
Change timer duration
As for the Timer, there are now two options of 3 seconds and 5 seconds. Selecting either button instantly sets the time, while you still need to press the camera shutter on your Pixel Watch to start the timer and take a photo or video.
The new UI may take a little time for anyone to master, but overtime, this is considerablya lot useful and can also save you precious time when controlling a Pixel camera phone from your wrist eventually. At the same time, this upgrade makes the Pixel watches as flexible as Samsung's Galaxy Watch models when used as a remote camera phone controller.
Do you rock a Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2? So, have you tried the new controller on thePixel Camera app on your smartwatch? Share with us your experiences down in the comment section.
122 Photography Tricks & Camera Special Effects to Try Today
What do duct tape, pantyhose, beer helmets and alphabet noodles have in common? They can all be used to hack your photography for some awesome creative effects!
If youre the kind the photographer who likes to leave others scratching their heads and wondering how your super-inventive shot was created, this list is packed full of tricks and ideas.
Other camera hacks are more geared towards solving common photography problems, expanding your cameras capabilities, or simply taking your photography to the next level.
Want to know the best part? Almost all of these camera tricks can be done with cheap, easy-to-find objects and materials around your home.
Check it out for some photoshoot ideas and inspiration for your next creative photography project.
Dont forget to share this post with any photographer friends who might benefit from some cool new ideas as well.
You should also learn how to make props for photography using household items.
122 Photography & Camera Tricks Wow your Friends
1. Use a Tea Strainer For Dramatic Lighting or Bokeh
2. Use Pantyhose to Create a Soft Focus Filter
Credit: Giga Android
3. Use Reflective Paper For Product Photography
Credit: DIY Projects
4. Create Your Own Lightbox
Credit: Maeling Designs
If you want to dip your hands into a bit of DIY photography, have a go at this one.
5. Use a Laptop Or Computer Monitor to Create Stunning Backdrops
Credit: Photography Juice
Want some cool photography effects but on a budget? Check this one out.
High-definition laptop screens are great for making awesome backgrounds cheaply. This makes it one of the essential photo hacks, especially for beginners.
6. Create a Bokeh Effect With Tin Foil
Credit: COOPH
7. Use A Glass Coffee Table To Create A Interesting Frame
Heres a neat way to take some cool pictures on the cheap.
8. Use Tinsel or Metallic Streamers to Frame a Headshot
Credit: Chris Hernandez
9. Use a Shop Window And a Couple Of Friends To Create Unique Look
Credit: Chris Hernandez
Cool photography tricks only need a bit of creativity and imagination to pull off!
10. Fill An Umbrella With Autumn Leaves
Credit: Chris Hernandez
This is one of the many cool photo tricks to try rain or shine!
11. Drop Pages Of Text Or Sheet Music In The Foreground
Credit: Chris Hernandez
12. Use Convenience Store Refrigerators For Dramatic Lighting
Credit: Chris Hernandez
13. Find A Garden To Use As A Natural Backdrop
Credit: Chris Hernandez
Creative photography tricks like this let you use your surroundings to make eye-catching backgrounds for your shoots.
14. Create Dynamic Backdrops With Household Items
Credit: Chris Hernandez
15. Use A Treadmill, Model Car & Spray Bottle For This Awesome Effect
Credit: @theautofocus
With a bit of creativity and composition, one can make pretty compelling photo tricks.
16. Create Your Own Simple Lightbox With a Window and Sheet of Paper
Credit: Techradar
17. Cut A Hole In A Cardboard Box And Fill It With Fruit
Credit: Chris Hernandez
18. Use A Backyard Pool To Simulate A Country Pond
Credit: Chris Hernandez
19. Turn A Beer Helmut Into A Reflector Rig
Credit: @nishihiro0312
20. Hold Long Strands Of Hair Up Behind The Camera
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
Sometimes, cool camera tricks are just creative ways to use perspective to make interesting photos.
Or you might get lucky with a perfectly timed photo.
21. If The Weather Wont Cooperate, Create Your Own
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
22. Shoot Through A Dirty Garden Pot For A Fun Look
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
23. Plant A Mirror On The Beach For A Reflection Portrait
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
Playimg with reflections can produce some amazing photography.
24. Shoot Through A Burning Newspaper
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
25. Create A Dramatic Image With A Broken Window And A Rock
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
Making objects appear floating is by far one of the oldest trick photography ideas known to man.
One of the most must try cam tricks in the book.
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26. Turn A Tasty Treat Into A Fun Prop
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
27. Drop Garden Leaves To Add Interest To Your Image
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
28. Turn Milk, Cookies And A Sheet Of Glass Into A Dramatic Photo
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
29. Bury Picture Frames In The Sand To Frame A Beach Portrait
Credit: Jordi Koalitic
30. Make Your Own Simple Flash Diffuser
Credit: Photodojo
31. Turn Ordinary Candy Into A Work Of Art
Credit: Photodojo
32. Create This DIY Camera Raincoat
Credit: Henritte Hoffs
33. Use A Light Boom Or Long Pole To Get A Great Top-Down Shot
Credit: Gilmar Silva
34. Shoot A Gorgeous Sunset Portrait In The Tall Grass
Credit: Gilmar Silva
35. Hold Up A Fake Rope Swing And Use Photoshop To Make It Real
36. Dangle Over A Ledge To Capture A Dramatic Angle
Credit: Gilmar Silva
37. Shoot A Gorgeous Wedding Portrait Under The Brides Veil
Credit: Gilmar Silva
38. Capture A Stunning Image Of Your Child In The Backyard
Credit: Gilmar Silva
39. Get Down Low For A Stunning Pregnancy Shot
Credit: Gilmar Silva
40. Get Some Friends To Throw Leaves Onto A Garden Path
Credit: Gilmar Silva
41. Climb A Tree To Replicate That Iconic American Beauty Moment
Credit: Gilmar Silva
42. Hide A Light Behind Your Subjects To Illuminate Water Droplets
Credit: Gilmar Silva
43. Use Photoshop To Create A Fun Wedding Image
Credit: Gilmar Silva
Credit: Gilmar Silva
45. Call On That One Friend Wholl Always Be Your Ladder
Credit: Gilmar Silva
46. Turn A Roadside Ditch Into A Dream Family Portrait Location
Credit: Gilmar Silva
47. Capture Gorgeous Pregnancy Photos In The Roadside Weeds
Credit: Gilmar Silva
48. Capture A Stunning Portrait With A Dirt Path And Some Fairy Lights
Credit: Gilmar Silva
49. Use Photoshop To Add Drama To A Couples Shoot
Credit: Gilmar Silva
50. Place Your Subject In A Shallow Pond For Amazing Results
Credit: Gilmar Silva
51. Use Photoshop To Create A Stunning Baby Photo
Credit: Gilmar Silva
Credit: Gilmar Silva
53. Turn A Puddle Into A Lakeside Photo Shoot
Credit: Gilmar Silva
54. Add Some Bubbles To A Roadside Baby Shoot
Credit: Gilmar Silva
55. Use A Blanket As A Sling For Your Next Baby Shoot
Credit: Gilmar Silva
56. Hold A Curved Leaf To Build An Incredible Portrait Composition
Credit: Gilmar Silva
57. Use A Water Bottle And A Chair To Create Dramatic Images
Credit: Jordi Puig
58. Turn A Bamboo Basket Into A Strong Photo Element
Credit: Jordi Puig
59. Tie Shoelaces Behind The Camera For Dramatic Leading Lines
Credit: Jordi Puig
60. Create A Cool Look With A Spinning Wet Tennis Ball
Credit: Jordi Puig
61. Carefully Set A Newspaper On Fire For Intense Images
Credit: Jordi Puig
62. Use A Chain To Create Dramatic Lines In Your Moody Images
Credit: Jordi Puig
63. Use A Plastic Toy Slinky To Turn A Simple Portrait Into A Masterpiece
Credit: Jordi Puig
64. Turn A Book And Some Alphabet Pasta Into A Story Of Its Own
Credit: Jordi Puig
65. Add Drama To A Moody Image With Vape Smoke
Credit: Jordi Puig
66. Call On Friends To Hold Props And Lighting
Credit: Chris Hernandez
67. Shoot Through A Cuttlery Drainer For Amazing Outcomes
Credit: Jordi Puig
68. Cut The Ends Off A Plastic Bottle To Amplify A Sunset Shot
Credit: Jordi Puig
69. Roll Up The Page Out Of A Book For A Cool Frame
Credit: Jordi Puig
70. Head To Your Local Craft Store For Simple Filter Solutions
Credit: craftedincarhartt
71. Take A Mirror Off The Wall And Use It In Your Next Portrait Shot
Credit: COOPH
Credit: COOPH
73. Use Vaseline To Achieve Fun Vignette Effects
Credit: COOPH
74. Add Flare Effects To Brighten Your Images With A Torch
Credit: Peter McKinnon
75. Turn Your Smartphone Into A Pinhole Camera In Seconds
Credit: COOPH
76. Create Dramatic Flare Effects With A Single Match
Credit: Sheldon Evans
Credit: my23skidoo
78. Create Dynamic Lighting Backgrounds With A Tablet
Credit: COOPH
79. Hold Up A Glass Prism To Achieve Incredible Images
80. Turn A Glass Jar Into A Simple Filter For Creamy Effects
Credit: Wolfeye
81. Soften Your Images With A Few Items From Your Grannys Knitting Basket
Credit: elyanaivette.com
82. Use A Piece Of Paper Or Material To Enhance The Lighting In Your Portraits
Credit: 5-Minute Crafts
83. Attach Some Frayed Fabric To Your Lens For A Unique Look
Credit: freepeople
84. Create A DIY Windblown Look With A Hairdryer On Your Next Model Shoot
Credit: Clicknetwork
85. Raid Your Kids Toy Box For Some Fun DIY Photo Props
Credit: Satyajit Sardar
86. Elevate Your Portrait Game With A Simple Piece Of Card or Board
Credit: Jwalt Photography
87. Shoot Thorugh A Glass Window For Amazing Portraits
Credit: Jessica Kobeissi
88. Add Interest To Your Images With Two Simple Stationary Items
Credit: Olivier Schmitt
89. Grab A Black Tile From The Hardware Store To Make A Perfect Prop
Credit: COOPH
Credit: COOPH
91. Turn Discarded Clothes Into An Anti-Shake Camera Support
Credit: tech adar
92. Raid The Pantry To Produce Stunning DIY Droplet Photos
Credit: COOPH
93. Grab A Take-Away Coffee And Make An Instant Lens Hood
94. Use A CD Bulk Storage Case To Create A Rain Guard
Credit: techradar
95. Add Some Drama To Your Next Selfie With A Cut Of Lace
Credit: Maddie Lullaby
96. Use An Everyday Sandwich Bag For A Quick And Easy DIY Filter Effect
Credit: Jesse David McGrady
97. Recycle Your Coloured Plastic Bags Into Coloured Filters
Credit: COOPH
98. Turn Birthday Sparklers Into A Seriously Powerful Look
99. Heat Up Your Food Photography With The Help Of A Steam Iron
Credit: nicolesyblog
100. Boost Your Bokeh Game With Hand-Cut Templates
Credit: howaboutorange
101. Hold Up A CD For Instant Lens Flares In Your Photos
Credit: Sheldon Evans
102. Elevate Your Portraits With Cardboard Shadow Filters
Credit: Learn photo editing
103. Use Clear Plastic And Vaseline For Incredible Images
Credit: freepeople
104. Use A Laptop Or Desktop Monitor As An Endless Source Of Cool Backdrops
Credit: Sheldon Evans
105. Enhance Your Smartphone Photography With Sunglasses For A Filtered Effect
Credit: COOPH
Credit: Ana Mireles
107. Create Whimsical Images With A Cutout Bokeh Filter
Credit: globetrotterdiaries
108. Use Photoshop To Remove Unwanted Tourists From Your Best Images
Credit: windsywinds,toomanyadapters
109. Achieve Fun Top-Down Shots By Taping Your Phone To The Ceiling
Credit: happygreylucky
110. Create Fun Visual Effects With Forced Perspective
Credit: COOPH
111. Boost Your Night Portraits With a String of Fairy Lights
Credit: Brandon Woelfel
112. Slide Your Camera With A Towel For Steady Shots And Video
Credit: Sheldon Evans
113, Re-use Your Shopping Bags To Make A Simple Diffuser
Credit: Sheldon Evans
114. Enhance Your Food Photography With A Cloth Placemat
Credit: Taylor Mathis
115. Submerge Your Camera In A Fishtank For Incredible Water Shots
Credit: COOPH
117. Use a Crystal Ball to Flip your World Upside-Down
120. Dont Discard Your Toiler Paper Rolls Use Them For Amazing Macro Shots
Credit: COOPH
121. Use Photoshop to create dream-like landscape images
Credit: Teryani Riggs
The Orton Effect in Photoshop is a popular and simple way to give landscape images that dreamy Lord of the Rings look. It can also give portrait images a painterly effect.
122. Create a picture within a picture Droste Effect
Tammy Danan
Create the Droste effect in images or design, which is an effect that displays parts of the image in a smaller version with a spiraling effect, creating what seems like an infinite loop.
Final Words
Ready to go forth and create some awesome images using everyday objects and a little bit of inventiveness?
Whether you let people in on the secret of how you got your effects or not, the shots you take will surely light up your social media with positive reactions.
Got any other genius photography hacks to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
