Some photographers on TikTok are trying an unconventional technique for unusual results: taking a rock to the front of their lenses, scratching the glass, and destroying them in the process.
Photographer Illumitati posted a video of her using a rock to mortally wound her Canon 50mm f/1. 8 in response to a viral video made by Andres Videography where he appeared to do the same to his lens.
@illumitatiana #stitch with @video.andres #greenscreen #photography original sound – Illumitati
However, Andres didn’t actually scratch his lens; eagle-eyed viewers will notice that he was actually scratching a lens filter placed on his Sony 85mm.
@video.andres Reply to @liftingasian #donttrythisathome#Photography #tipsandtricks #diy #hack#canon#sony #camera#triggerwarning Love – <3
But in Illumitati’s case, she actually takes a rock to the front element of her 50mm. Speaking to PetaPixel she explains what happened.
“I saw another person do it with a filter, and my intrusive thoughts told me to try it on the lens for real,” she says.
@video.andres Reply to @retrorevi #donttrythisathome #Photography #tipsandtricks #diy #hack#canon #sony #camera#triggerwarning Love – <3
“But then I was so curious to see what a photo from that camera would look like I actually destroyed one of my lenses,” she continues. “Then I set it down and got ready to take a couple of portraits and to my surprise, it actually gave it this glow. I don’t recommend doing this to your lenses but hey, it’s kind of cool.”
@video.andres #Photography #tipsandtricks #diy #hack #canon #sony #camera #donottrythisathome #triggerwarning You – Petit Biscuit
When asked by PetaPixel, the portrait and fashion photographer seemed to have no regrets over the video.
I scratched it and the photographs were not terrible. The lens is really not great in the first place so I don’t think I’d use it,” she says.
TikTok Photographer Generation
It’s not the first time TikTok photographers have shown off unusual techniques. Last month PetaPixel featured a photographer who uses ripped pantyhose for a soft-focus effect, and a wedding photographer who asked couples to act like they’re drunk while shooting pictures.
Image credits: All photos by Illumitati.
