Use everyday items as creative photo filters

The humble wine glass turns into a magical photographic filter when filled with water. Thanks to refraction, the image is inverted and flipped upside down inside the glass. A great explanation of the physics can be found here.

Find the full instructions and tips on creating filters with everyday items here.

Using coloured cellophane wrapped around the lens so it covers part of the frame can give a really nice effect like in the photo above, simulating a pink sky.

Do you shoot on film? Then you may remember the look of light leaks and fogging on the frame. Use cellophane to recreate these unexpected results.

Another example of the wine glass trick, this time with the Sydney Opera House in the frame. Using a shallow depth of field to blur the background helps to emphasise the subject. Then, rotate the image 180 degrees in post-processing for a fun result.

A pair of stockings can turn a dreary day into something more interesting. Diffusing the light adds an ethereal feel, while the colour cast from the stocking gives a sepia-like tone.

Turn an ordinary scene into something spooky with a dab of vaseline. Don't put it on the front of your lens directly! Attach some cling wrap to the front of the lens and attach with a rubber band. Or, use a skylight or UV filter you don't mind giving a thorough clean afterwards.

Add a rainbow effect to portraits by dangling lit glowsticks in front of the lens.

Using a wine glass can produce some unpredictable results, so keep trying until you get the photo you desire.