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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Having troubles taking a water droplets photo :(
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 06/12/2008 08:27:51 PM · #1
I can't seem to get the kind of picture where people have suspended water droplets over an object to get reflections. Something like these:



Here's my lame attempt:



I've tried moving the glass higher and lower, changing f-stop, etc but nothing is working :(

Message edited by author 2008-06-12 20:28:48.
 06/12/2008 08:32:11 PM · #2
Have you tried mixing glycerin with your water???
 06/12/2008 08:33:06 PM · #3
Originally posted by TCGuru:
Have you tried mixing glycerin with your water???


I sprayed RainX on it and the water made nice little droplets, so I don't think that's the problem....
 06/12/2008 09:22:41 PM · #4
So what is the issue you are having? Is that the image in the water drops is not in focus? or is the image not completely in the water drop? Post a sample if you can.
 06/12/2008 09:29:34 PM · #5
Originally posted by Moose408:
So what is the issue you are having? Is that the image in the water drops is not in focus? or is the image not completely in the water drop? Post a sample if you can.


Originally posted by Tom:


Here's my lame attempt:



That's my try. The water droplets are in focus, but the flower is not in focus in the water drops
 06/12/2008 09:33:14 PM · #6
What is the subject and how far away from the glass is the subject. Did you try to raise or lower the glass?
The lighting looks good. How did you light it, just for my own curiosity. Thz.
 06/12/2008 09:34:27 PM · #7
How far above the flower are you? I saw that in one of jmsetzler photos...he said he was about 8 inches above with the glass. I've tried this myself and took over 200 photos just to get one that finally worked out. I was using an M&M candy photo underneath. I took the photo of several pieces of candy, printed it out, then used the glass/water/rain-X over the top. I ended up about 4-6 inches above to get everything in focus. Hope you get it worked out.

Message edited by author 2008-06-12 21:35:04.
 06/12/2008 09:35:39 PM · #8
From the looks of it you're not far enough from your subject that you want refracted by the water. The subject is small and that doesn't make for great effects. Use something large or wide so that it covers all your frame. Glycerine may help mixed into the water. A 50-50 solution works well. It helps by keeping the droplet together and thus allowing for greater refractions. Also your light source seems to be above the glass, try lighting the subject you want refracted from below the glass on a 45 degree angle.

Good luck
 06/12/2008 09:47:29 PM · #9


I think everyone should try this technique at least once. Maybe we could even have a water drop challenge. :)

Mine didn't come out as well as I hoped it would. I had all the same problems that you're now having. I don't remember why I used such a long exposure, but I do remember making a tent around my setup with a large piece of black cloth. It helped control some of the reflections I was getting.

I think the advice you've already received should help.

Good luck!

06/13/2008 12:17:15 AM · #10
This was my first try at this stuff a few months ago. I plan on doing it again but with a twist.
[thumb]688331[/thumb]

Here's another one I did on that same night.
[thumb]688333[/thumb]

Message edited by author 2008-06-13 00:26:38.
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