I’m on this DIY kick lately, maybe because it’s summer and I feel the need to make stuff or I’m on a budget and am forced to be creative on where my money goes. I think it’s a little of both actually.

A good lens filter, like the Black ProMist Filter, is gonna cost you. Depending on the thread size of your lens, you’re looking at shelling out around $100 or more of your hard earned money. In the following video made by Film Riot, Ryan Connelly shows us how to use a pair of fishnet stockings to create a very similar effect. He also uses a pair of panty hose to create a more dramatic filter effect. It’s a nice little trick that isn’t a new revelation by any means, but I would’ve never thought of using my stockings over my lens as a filter.

DIY-lens-filter

[REWIND: DIY: HOW TO CREATE AN AWESOME PRODUCT SHOT WITH ONE LIGHT AND FOIL]

The other part of the video shows a few inexpensive lights you can purchase for around $20-30 bucks. The LED headlight he mentions probably isn’t one I would use, simply because I’m vain, errr, I mean, I don’t use the spotlight look all that much, but the $20-25 Energizer Folding Lantern that Ryan shows looks to be an awesome little addition that I’m going to add to my kit. I can see myself using that light as a little extra oomph for some fun ring shots and/or detail shots on a wedding day. Or even kicking some light on the bride in the hotel room. The possibilities to be creative are endless when you have light to play with.

If you liked the tips that Ryan Connelly gave in the video and want to check out more, he is teaching a CreativeLive class today August 11th-13th. Register for Guerrilla Filmmaking now and watch it for live for FREE.

Filmmakers: Do you have a rad idea, but need some $$$ to make it come to life? Would $50k in gear help you out? If so, check out #ProjectFilmSupply in this article HERE.

What are your favorite DIY photography hacks?

[Via No Film School]