9 Cool Smartphone Camera Hacks You Probably Didn't Know

Pinhole Effect

With only a little piece of cardboard and a thumbtack, you can add a nice framing effect to your photos by holding the camera up to the hole. You can achieve different visual effects by playing with the size of the hole and using different materials.

Retro Look

You don't need Instagram to make a Polaroid effect. You can do it with a piece of white cardboard. Just cut out a frame, but just remember to make one side of the frame thicker than the others to get that old school feel. Also, try making objects come out and through the frame for an added effect.

Headphones as Shutter Release

If you need to get some distance from your phone for a self portrait, your headphones will come helpful as it can be used as a shutter release.

Scan Barcode

You can scan barcodes and QR codes with the applications that are helpful for the purpose. You can download any such application on your smattphone and it will use your device's camera to scan and capture the code.

Multiple You Panorama

You can use the panorama effect to make clones of yourself. You can have someone do a slow pan over the field of vision while you actually run behind as they shoot you and back to the other side.

Drive by Panorama

The panorama feature is available in most smartphones launched lately. It works by clicking big and wide shots that are stitched together as you tilt or move the device. You can make the panorama feature work when you are in transit by holding the smartphone steady and pointing it out.

Digitize the Old Negatives

If you are looking to digitize your old film negative quickly, you can use the negative effect of your camera. You can also make use of some special apps that are available for download to digitize your old negatives.

Snap a Photo with the Volume Button

It could be a bit tough to capture selfies with the large screen smartphones. In that case, you can click a selfie by hitting one of the volume buttons. This way, you are free from hitting the virtual camera button on the screen. The volume button trick can be used to click photos using both the front and rear cameras.

Play with Telescopes

This is a simple yet useful trick that many smartphone users might not know. You just have to stick your smartphone's camera lens to the telescope and you will be able to shoot the zoomed image.