For Me Macro and Water Drop are Difficult to Mix (pun intended): I've been playing around with water drop photography while adhering to the rules of macro (1:1 or greater) and to be...

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

I've been playing around with water drop photography while adhering to the rules of macro (1:1 or greater) and to be honest the results are even more iffy than my usual offerings :-)) but it has been fun.

The problem has been in obtaining a sharp photo as at 1:1 and F14 the depth of field is just over half a mm, sadly focus stacking is not an option :-)). Next time I will move back and forget about macro.

However, as always I've shared my favourites in the hope that someone else has had more success and can offer a few kind words of advice.

The top picture is just before the second drop hit the splash from the first drop the other two are later in the drop cycle.

(Download)

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Nice. Did you use a water drop apparatus? I saw a presentation by a photographer who has taken this “genre” to very creative levels to where he has produced shapes of the splashes—even in the shape of a martini glass. If I think of his name, I’ll PM it. He did a “Science Night” presentation at a local brew pub—a regular event with various topics. FWIW, I won the trivia contest because I knew some of the history of this type of photography.

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Nice. Did you use a water drop apparatus? I saw a presentation by a photographer who has taken this “genre” to very creative levels to where he has produced shapes of the splashes—even in the shape of a martini glass. If I think of his name, I’ll PM it. He did a “Science Night” presentation at a local brew pub—a regular event with various topics. FWIW, I won the trivia contest because I knew some of the history of this type of photography.

Thanks for commenting LoneRangeFinder. The photographer’s name would be appreciated as a little inspiration would be warmly received.

I’m using a “SplashArt Kit MKII” purchased on eBay.

I did try to build something myself but a catheter overnight bag attached to a medical drip was great at controlling the drips but timing was almost impossible.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

PaulBa wrote:

Thanks for commenting LoneRangeFinder. The photographer’s name would be appreciated as a little inspiration would be warmly received.

I’m using a “SplashArt Kit MKII” purchased on eBay.

I did try to build something myself but a catheter overnight bag attached to a medical drip was great at controlling the drips but timing was almost impossible.

That’s what I found...my timing stunk. I like your background. The photographer is Martin Waugh. Here is his website:

http://www.liquidsculpture.com

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

While what you have done is not unique, it is one of the achievement hurdles that photographers should leap over to add to their list of "I have done the following." Like capturing a lightening bolt, a bee in flight, and so forth... much as being an eagle scout and doing the merit badge things.

Certainly, SplashArt Kits make life easier than the classic hit or miss, or build your own electronics, never that less, it is a significant accomplishment in my book. I like your choice of contrasting colors.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

PaulBa wrote:

Next time I will move back and forget about macro.

I think you have done brilliantly Paul at the 1:1 ratio, especially the last. Further to your comment above, I have been thinking of late that sometimes the difficult 1:1 ratio is best foregone on some subjects in favour of an interesting or artistic shot. However, despite what you are doing is really hard, you are succeeding so perhaps a bit of both would be the answer. Anyway, I'm sure you will get more good macro droplets and I can't wait to see them, you are so patient

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I join with the others to offer both praise and encouragement. I have never tried this, so have no idea how difficult it might be.
The images seem sharp, but not as sharp as they should be, I suppose. So from the angle of depth of field that might be improved by going for less magnification which affords a greater effective dof.
Perhaps there is some motion blur. No idea what settings you are using, but I know that some flashes offer a high speed sync setting which can be used for stopping the action of fast moving things. Of course there is the use of flash at low power which also does that. Finally, there are strobe lights, and even basic external flash units have settings that give that effect. I expect you know about all these things.

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

dpullum wrote:

While what you have done is not unique, it is one ... (show quote)

Thanks for the kind words dpullum.

You are right about the list of things to photograph, apart from the obvious family/holidays Macro is my main interest, been enjoying it for almost five years now. I’ve dabbled in a few others areas although I’ve yet to capture lightning or a shooting star. I sometimes wonder if, on occasions, the pursuit is more fun than the end result.

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

EnglishBrenda wrote:

I think you have done brilliantly Paul at the 1:1 ... (show quote)

Thanks for the kind words Brenda, much appreciated.

I agree, the pursuit of macro is probably inappropriate for this subject so I shall have to pull back a tad to increase that depth of field.

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

Mark Sturtevant wrote:

I join with the others to offer both praise and en... (show quote)

Thanks for taking the time to reply Mark.

I think you are right on both counts, motion blur and DoF could both be an issue here.

I’ve recently bought a part of strobes that support high speed sync which I’m looking forward to trying.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Outstanding shots!

Are you thinking of Adam of "First Man Photography" on YouTube? He's done a lot of this type of photography.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zUA7DUQl_c

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

CathyAnn wrote:

Outstanding shots!

Are you thinking of Adam of "First Man Photography" on YouTube? He's done a lot of this type of photography.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zUA7DUQl_c

Thanks CathyAnn

I’ve watched Adam’s videos on YouTube, they are a good introduction to water-drop photography using the SplashArt kit even if they do make it look a lot easier than it actually is.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

One more time on Martin Waugh. This guy takes this genre way beyond what other photographers have: he creates his own sculptures with intention—which is what distinguishes him from others who do water drop photography. “Intention” is the key concept here. To be sure, this photography is difficult. With the exception of Martin Waugh’s creations—the others produce work of the “what will I get” nature. Now there is a certain appeal to that—but Martin creates specific results with a pre-conceived design in mind. Check them out: http://www.liquidsculpture.com/the_artist.htm

More than a photography...an artist....

PaulBa Loc: Cardiff, Wales

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

One more time on Martin Waugh. This guy takes th... (show quote)

Thanks for the link LoneRangefinder, I’ve had a brief look, and bookmarked it for a leisurely read later, inspirational is the word that comes to mind. Already picked up a few pointers towards my next water-drop session, I must find out how he managed the mix of colours probably filters not dyes.