Photo How To

We could all use a bit of fun these days, and for Shutterbug readers there’s no better way to get some than with a camera—especially if you can capture fascinating images in the process. Sound good? Read on.

Our friends at the Cooperative of Photography (COOPH) came up with the video below, with six crazy macro photography ideas in just five minutes that will brighten up your day and enhance your photo library. It’s a visual tutorial, so there’s nothing to read. Just sit back and watch the magic unfold.

It’s unlikely you’ve encountered any of these ideas before, which is why most of the tricks yield incredible results. Apart from a few props you likely have at home, the only photo tool that will come in handy is a simple flash diffuser. And there are links to everything used in the tutorial in the description below the video.

The first trick on the list demonstrates how to create the appearance of a dramatic explosion or a “shocked hedgehog” with a couple pinches of magnetic dust. You’ll also see how to make captivating images with your favorite record album or CD, morning cup of coffee, or afternoon beer.

We don’t want to spoil all the fun, so you’ll have to watch the video to see the other cool tricks. There is a lot more fun stuff to be found on the COOPH YouTube channel, and be sure to check out another of their creative tutorials we posted, with several DIY hacks for unique portraits.