How to use Glycerin: I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it...

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it is so much thick than water. There would be no spraying this on like water. So, my question is, so how is it done?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

bkellyusa wrote:

I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it is so much thick than water. There would be no spraying this on like water. So, my question is, so how is it done?

Go to google.com

enter

glycerin in flower photography

--Bob

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

You may want to experiment with how much of each you need to get the water droplets that you want, I would start with 1 part glycerin and 3 parts water or 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water. Good luck!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

bkellyusa wrote:

I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it is so much thick than water. There would be no spraying this on like water. So, my question is, so how is it done?

Careful now, use Nitro in front and you will see exploding stars!!!!

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

rmalarz wrote:

Go to google.com

enter

glycerin in flower photography

--Bob

Bob, Tanks or you help. I am embarrassed to admit that I had no idea it would be so simple to find that information on line. I think I am too old for all of this Google stuff. It's not truly real to me.

Thanks again.

h

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

Shellback wrote:

You may want to experiment with how much of each you need to get the water droplets that you want, I would start with 1 part glycerin and 3 parts water or 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water. Good luck!

Thanks for your help. In the last few minutes I started fooling with mixture rations as a result of your and Bob's suggestions.

Thanks again.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

A few of us on the True Macro-Photography Forum use glycerin for macro dew drops, especially for refraction photos.
Ask your questions here for advice from macro shooters: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

bkellyusa wrote:

I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it is so much thick than water. There would be no spraying this on like water. So, my question is, so how is it done?

BK, one of my professors, whom has shot more than 100 magazine covers in the last 40 years always recommended Karo Syrup. Exactly how much you cut it down is dependent on the spritzer that you use. Good luck. ;-)
SS

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Glycerine with fresh lemon juice and sugar in boiling water makes a great tickly cough medicine.Sip it whilst it is hot! Good enough reason to keep some in the cupboard.
have fun

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

G Brown wrote:

Glycerine with fresh lemon juice and sugar in boiling water makes a great tickly cough medicine.Sip it whilst it is hot! Good enough reason to keep some in the cupboard.
have fun

Even better with the last ingredient: a dram o' whiskey.

;)

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

bkellyusa wrote:

I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it is so much thick than water. There would be no spraying this on like water. So, my question is, so how is it done?

I generally use water as I find glycerin too heavy. Try a medicine dropper or a hypodermic needle. It doesn't take much. Most people who try this don't realize how small the drops are--and so they load it up and it slides/drips off.

krashdragon

Or add a few drops of glycerine to very soapy water to make giant bubbles.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

SharpShooter wrote:

BK, one of my professors, whom has shot more than 100 magazine covers in the last 40 years always recommended Karo Syrup. Exactly how much you cut it down is dependent on the spritzer that you use. Good luck. ;-)
SS

I've heard the Karo syrup recommendation before but not nearly as much as the glycerin. I went and bought some glycerin today and tired mixing it to see how it worked and how much it took.

I'll probably try the Karo syrup recommendation next just to see what i like.

From reading several articles on the subject I've come to realize that the additional tools like spray bottles, toothpicks, needle and syringe and Q-tips that go with this technique might be just as important as the wetting agent.

As it is I am looking forward to working on this technique.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

krashdragon wrote:

Or add a few drops of glycerine to very soapy water to make giant bubbles.

D you mean like in blowing bubbles? If that is the case I will try that with my granddaughter tomorrow.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

bkellyusa wrote:

I bought the glycerin to use in replacing water in macro flower photography as others have suggested but I am a little spooked about how to use this stuff since it is so much thick than water. There would be no spraying this on like water. So, my question is, so how is it done?

While glycerin and water work, the real thing (dew drops) or rain drops work best they are smaller and more evenly dispersed.
But Hey go for it!!! mix glycerin with water and use sparingly.