Thank you to everyone who voted for me on Technique Challenge 21 “One-light Lighting”. Now it's my privilege to host Technique Challenge #22.
So, are you ready for some fun, creativity, and perhaps to learn something new? It’s time for a new Technique Challenge! So what is a Technique Challenge you ask? The host challenger selects a specific technique to try. The technique may be brand new for some or just a challenge to be creative or practice for others. Techniques may include high/low key, macro, portraits, landscapes, abstracts - the possibilities are endless. It could even be specific techniques in processing.
MY CHALLENGE: Refractions
What is a refraction? well, the dictionary gives us the illuminating definition of: "the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc., being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density."
Basically, it is the bending of lightwaves as they pass thru a medium of some sort. The result is usually an upside down and/or contorted image. You will no doubt have seen many excellent examples of refraction photography here on 365 - i know i have - and i've been struggling to recreate them. And i thought i would offer up the opportunity for you to struggle along with me :)
First off, you will need something to use as your medium for bending the light. Drops of water or glycerin work really well, as do crystal balls - or even an ordinary glass of water!
You will also need something to "refract" - basically the scene/image that you're going to shoot thru your glass of water, crystal ball, or whatever. It can be a landscape, a person, a bunch of smarties, an abstract design - whatever.
Set yourself up so that the ball or water is between the camera and the scene and start experimenting with settings to see what works best.
The challenge will run from March 10th to March 24th. Voting will take place from March 25th with the winner announced March 27th. All photos must be taken within the challenge dates.
Please tag your entries ‘TECHNIQUE22’
Constructive & kind feedback is encouraged. Feel free to share tips, suggestions or how you were able to get the terrific photo you did. You can also post your photo on this thread if you want, but it isn't necessary to enter the challenge.
To post a photo on this thread:
1) Go to your page that has the photo you would like to post.
2) Find the code located toward the bottom right side of your page. The code is on the right side of the word "share".
Nice pick, Northy! I've seen these kind of pics before and admired them, but didn't knew the name for it. Is it only water glass and crystal ball or refraction in dewdrops is allowed as well? I've always wanted to try the dewdrop ones.
@ikamera dew drops too... i just didn't include a tutorial because the only ones i could find had flowers refracted in droplets and i am not the biggest fan of flower photography... a personal bias that i realize i will have to overcome when choosing finalists for this technique :D
Thanks for this challenge - whilst playing around with my crystal ball in the parks this afternoon I realised you can use it to magnify things! I love macro shots but dont have any of the equipment so this has made me really happy!
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last month:
December 2012:
Sunset in a bottle
My first attempt at refraction. This took me much longer than I anticipated! I wish I had a crystal ball too, these photos look wonderful!