Homemade Photo Filter DIY

We've fallen in love with dreamy photo filters! It's common to find colorful filters you can add to your photos in iPhone apps. They can also be added using Photoshop. We thought it would be fun to do it the old-fashioned way, though! Here's how we made our own filters for our DSLR cameras...

First, cut pieces of transparency about 1 inch (all the way around) larger than your camera lens. Then draw on them with sharpie (or any permanent marker). We experimented a lot and found that large, bold shapes work best. Small doodles and drawings do not show up. Above are a few of our favorite homemade filters.

To use your filter, simply hold it over your lens when shooting. (with auto focus enabled) Move the filter around over your lens as you frame your shot. You'll be able to choose which part of your photo is in focus and which part is blurry and colorful! 

Here are a few examples of photos we snapped using our homemade filters... 

The results are a little unpredictable, but that's what we love about it! What do you think? Do you plan to create your own dreamy filters? It's a fun and easy way to spice up your next photo shoot. xo. elsie

Comments

[Morgan]

How fun! I love the yellow-toned filters, especially that first photo!

I'll definitely have to try this - reminds me of something we would have done in photo class back in high school or college. :)

xo,
Morgan
seemomogo.blogspot.com

[Catherine Denton]

How fun! I love how they turned out, especially the blue. Definitely going to try this.
http://catherinedenton.com
Catherine Denton

[LARY@ Inspiration Nook]

Love this idea. Might have to give it a try! Love how the first photo with Emma turned out.

[Jessica]

Wow, love this idea! I'm going to try it tonight :)

[Sisie Crawford]

This is Genius! You girls always come up with something so Creative!!
Thanks for sharing the goods :)

Sisie
Glorious Adornment

[Kate @ A Creative Cookie]

Ooh LOVE this idea! Going on a trip to CA and I'll bring some along!

[Rebecca]

I love this idea...so much fun! Now where did I put my sharpies? Thanks for the great idea!
Rebecca
Heronscrafts.blogspot.com

[RoselyC]

Thats such a cool idea, and photos turned out beautiful.

[Kate]

Have to try this!! So awesome :)

[Brooke]

I love this idea! I love using filters on photoshop but now I really want to try it the "old fashioned way!"
Can't wait to try!

youreinbrookelynn.blogsopt.com

[wackdelly]

This is so creative! I love my filters from photojojo, but I will definitely try this!

[Bitty]

wow, this is so awesome annnd so easy. I love it when that happens :D Thanks! :)

[Nat]

This is so cool and my favorite DIY yet! So inspiring and now on my to do list:)

xoxo
Nat

[Rachael]

Lovely idea. I might try using old transparent (coloured) sweetie wrappers to see what effects I can get.Rx

http://sandersonsmithstory.blogspot.co.uk/

[heidi]

Fantastic way to use filters. I'm definitely going to try it.

[konner]

You could try holding the filters over your flash as well. I like using my Diana F+ flash color gels with my DSLR.

[Isla]

So clever!! :)

http://islaeverywhere.blogspot.fi/

[Megan]

great and simple idea!

[Meg]

Um, WOW! This is so neat! I can't wait to try it myself :)

http://lifeatruestory4.blogspot.com/

[Naomi A]

What a great and simple idea! Love it!

http://theoccasionalindulgence.blogspot.com