DrJoeS Loc: Tampa Bay area (FL)

I started to try water droplet shots. I shoot on glass above an image from my iPad. I know these need improvement.
Does anybody else shoot these?
Any advice on how to make rounded drops that hold shape for reflection/ refraction?
Thanks.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Very cool! I have a suggestion for simpler, if you're interested: water beads.

The link to what I purchased from amazon is in this topic:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-651351-1.html

The refraction and reflection properties are awesome.

Ourspolair

Mostly they are teardrop shaped until they start to flatten out due to acceleration in the atmosphere. Probably more likely to be round in the absence of gravity. I think Linda may have a smart idea (as usual). Stay well and keep on posting.

DrJoeS Loc: Tampa Bay area (FL)

I did not know that you could buy pre-made rounded "drops" Thanks you for your advice.

DrJoeS Loc: Tampa Bay area (FL)

So I need to shoot on the ISS for good drop shapes?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Think of them more like marbles, except they're gel and soft. You put them in water to increase their size. Three of the colors I've used so far are transparent; the white was opaque.

DrJoeS Loc: Tampa Bay area (FL)

I ordered 8 oz of the clear ones - $7.

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

A trick I have used in the past is glycerine rather than water. It is clear and holds its shape better than water and is less than $4 for a six ounce bottle at WalMart. That will last a pretty long time. I apply using a water dropper or the applicator on the bottle if one is supplied. Another thing to try is to vary the distance of your glass plate from the background until you find a combination that pleases you. I do like the patterns you have chosen but the focal point you have chosen makes the background overwhelm the drops. Have fun experimenting and post your results.

DrJoeS Loc: Tampa Bay area (FL)

Thanks. I have used glycerin, but I still could not get great drops. More practice needed.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Very cool! I can only admire.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Fascinating! I'm resisting getting into that. I don't need more equipment and projects.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

I really like these images. Nice job.
The problem you are having is gravity. Your surface is not perfectly level which is nearly impossible to achieve. Even if you were to get it perfectly level using lasers the glass itself is not perfectly flat either. Under a microscope you would be able to see variations in the thickness. Humidity and temperature will also effect it. Try glass wax. You can find it in most hardware stores. It is great for cleaning the glass and the water will bead up nicely. You can also try adding some glycerin to the water but it will make it slightly cloudy which will give you a different effect. A drop or two of dish soap will give the drops a rainbow effect. Lastly you can try using a hypodermic needle. You can find blunt tipped needles on eBay usually. The metal is hydrophobic so the water will flow away from it much more easily to form better droplets. If you use a glass or plastic eye dropper the water wants to cling to it so it is harder to get good consistent droplet shapes.
All that said the randomness of the shapes is also interesting. I have found patience is also important but well worth it. I have shot for hours moving the lighting re dropping the water and adjusting everything just to get one shot I really like. Water droplets are not the most cooperative models. I have also never found a single formula that works every time. Every time I have done this it’s all different which is part of the fun
Good Luck.

harry-j

Have you tried applying a glass wax like Rain-X? I'm pretty sure any automotive wax on glass will provide you with the shape retention you're looking for.

TreborLow

Second vote for Rain-X....

TreborLow

Second vote for Rain-X.... Just bought some glycerin, and it was recommended to be only 10% in water. Have not yet checked that one. Anyone have a recommendation?