Take a photo using sunglasses as a filter

What can we use if we don't have sunglasses or plain white paper?

If you don't have sunglasses you can use a piece of tinted acetate or a dark reading lens held over the camera, and you can substitute the plain white paper with a white plate, poster board, or a light-colored wall for a clean background.

My photos are blurry or have reflections when I hold the sunglasses over the camera — how can I fix that?

To reduce blur and reflections when you 'hold the sunglasses so one lens covers the camera lens and keep it steady,' rest the smartphone on the table, prop the sunglasses with tape or a rubber band, use the camera timer, and angle the lenses to avoid glare from the bright light source.

How do I adapt the activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, simplify by arranging only two or three colorful objects and just taking the two photos (with and without sunglasses) and verbally naming differences, while older kids can take extra shots under different bright light sources, use a color-picker app to measure tint shifts, and write detailed comparisons in their notebook.

What are some ways to extend or personalize this sunglasses filter photo activity?

Extend the activity by testing multiple sunglasses or colored films, photographing the white paper and objects under sunlight versus a lamp, creating a side-by-side collage on your device, and posting your favorite photo with the three observations on DIY.org.