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Take a photo using a color filter

Take a photo using a color filter
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Make color filters from cellophane or plastic, take photos using them, compare results, and learn how colored filters change light and images.

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Step-by-step guide to take a photo using a color filter

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard or stiff paper, cellophane sheets in different colors, clear plastic wrap or transparency film, flashlight or lamp, scissors, tape, white paper or a white object

Step 1

Gather all your materials and clear a flat table to work on.

Step 2

Pick each color of cellophane and cut one square about the size of your palm for every color.

Step 3

Cut a circle from the cardboard that is a little larger than your camera lens or the flashlight end to make a frame.

Step 4

Tape one cellophane square flat over the cardboard circle so it makes a colored window.

Step 5

Hold the cardboard colored window over your camera lens or over the flashlight so the colored film covers the light.

Step 6

Put the white paper or white object where you will take the photo and make sure the light is on.

Step 7

Take a photo of the white paper while holding the first colored filter in place.

Step 8

Swap to the next colored filter and take another photo of the same white paper.

Step 9

Repeat swapping filters and taking photos until you have one photo for every color.

Step 10

Stack two different colored filters together over the lens and take a photo to see how the colors mix.

Step 11

Take a photo of a colorful toy or object with one filter on to see how the filter changes real colors.

Step 12

Take a photo of the same toy or object with no filter so you can compare the difference.

Step 13

Compare your photos to see which colors changed the most and write or say why you think that happened.

Step 14

Share your favorite filtered photo and what you learned on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of cellophane if it's hard to find?

If you don't have cellophane, use a thin colored plastic report cover or a transparent folder sleeve cut to palm-size and tape it over the cardboard circle in step 4 as your colored window.

My photos are too dark or the filter doesn't fully color the picture—how do I fix that?

If photos are too dark or the colored window doesn't cover the lens in steps 5–7, firmly tape the cellophane to the cardboard circle, hold the frame flush against the camera or flashlight, and move the white paper closer to the light source to increase brightness.

How can I change the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger kids, pre-cut the cellophane squares and cardboard circle and let them tape and press the shutter, while older kids can stack three filters, use manual camera settings, and record how colors mix in step 9.

What are simple ways to extend or personalize the photo filter project?

To extend the activity, create a labeled collage of all filtered photos from steps 6–11, note which colors changed most during the comparison step, and decorate the cardboard frames before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to take a photo using a color filter

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How to use Adobe color

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Facts about light, color, and basic photography

☀️ Colored filters change brightness and contrast too — in black-and-white photography they can make skies look dramatic or faces pop.

📸 A red filter will make green leaves look much darker in photos because it blocks green wavelengths.

🌈 Cellophane was invented in 1908 and is a great cheap material for making bright, homemade color filters.

🎨 Colored filters work by subtraction — they remove (absorb) some wavelengths of light and let others pass through.

🧪 Stacking two different colored filters usually makes the image darker, not a brighter new color, because each filter blocks more light.

How do I make and use homemade color filters to take photos with my child?

Start by cutting pieces of colored cellophane or thin plastic large enough to cover your camera lens. Secure one color over the lens with tape or hold it in front of a phone or tablet; use a cardboard frame or clothespin to keep it steady. Take photos of the same scene with different filters and combinations, and with/without filters. Compare images to observe how filters change hues, contrast, and brightness. Discuss color mixing and how filters block or transmit light.

What materials do I need to make cellophane color filters for photography?

You'll need colored cellophane or thin transparent plastic sheets, scissors, clear tape or rubber bands, and a smartphone or camera. Add cardboard or a clothespin to make a simple frame, white paper for a color reference, and a pen to label each filter. A tripod or stable surface helps steady shots. Optional extras: a flashlight for controlled lighting and more cellophane colors for layering experiments.

What ages is making and photographing with color filters suitable for?

This activity suits a wide range: ages 4 to 6 can participate with adult help for cutting, holding filters, and pressing the shutter. Ages 7 to 10 can make simple filters, compare photos, and start discussing color effects. Ages 11 and up can experiment with camera settings, layer filters, and analyze white balance. Always supervise scissors and device handling for younger children and provide clear safety guidance.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for this color filter photo activity?

Benefits include learning about color, light, observation, and basic photography while encouraging creativity. Safety tips: never look directly at the sun through filters and supervise scissors and electronic devices. Variations: layer multiple colors to see mixing effects, use a flashlight for controlled tests, try portraits versus landscapes, or make multi-window frames. Create a comparison chart to note how each filter affects hue, contrast, and exposure.
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