Before the River Turned Green

For the technique challenge 22 on refractions ( http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/21576/technique-challenge-22-refractions), this was taken using a crystal ball (50 mm) looking west on the Chicago River, toward Trump Tower on the left and the Wrigley Building on the right (white one) in the distance. The ball was balanced on a police guard rail, with one of the policewomen commenting, "looks a little precarious, hope you don't lose it in the river!" as I was photographing.
Main album: http://365project.org/taffy/365/2014-03-16

[Kathryn 🐎]

Wow, what a really clever shot. I just saw something on the news about the greening of the river in Chicago....I wonder what they use. Fav

[Sharon Lee]

Love this :) fav

[Amit]

Beautiful! I must get one.

[Krista Marson]

totally cool.

[Sue Wilde]

Totally fabulous shot

[Cindy]

This is really nice!!! I'm going to look into getting one of these soon to play around with.

[Sheralee S]

Wow, your image is so sharp! Awesome shot Taffy.

[Frank Hymus]

Very nice Taffy. Great result for the challenge.

[Kane Arlow]

Wow, what a fantastic shot.

[David Briggs]

Great subject, nicely done

[Shauna Doty]

great shot!!! i just got a crystal ball last month. i have used it a few times on here...but i have several other ideas to use but don't wanna burn myself out too fast!

[Lisa Poland]

Fabulous!

[Elizabeth]

Cool view of the river! I have no crystal ball of my own. (that's what I used to tell my kids!) But it would be a fun prop for this project. Maybe I'll get one. I also really liked the other shot you posted of the emerald green water in the Chicago River.

[Richard Hickey]

Stunning picture and clever capture.

[KWind]

Very cool!

[Richard Hickey]

Congratulations on making the Trending Page. Well deserved.

[Chris Stapleton]

Cool shot love how the crystal ball holds the image

[eDorre]

Fav! Love the combination of clarity and supportive blur!

[Hope D Jennings]

Love this both ways! Very effective

[Sally Ings]

Great clarity, love the composition and your use of negative space

[Pam Knowler]

Wonderful refraction! I love this kind of shot! I hadn't seen the challenge - might have a go. Love the clarity in your crystal ball - do pleased you didn't drop it in the river! Fav!

[Lee-Ann]

Amazing shot...your photos are always amazing..just luv them.

[April]

Beautiful blues..glad you got it before it turned green.

[Nancy Ivison]

Fantastic shot!

[Rachel Withey]

Fav. This is fantastic. Such a clear picture in the ball and perfectly blurred background

[Rachel]

Excellent shot!

[Issi Bannerman]

Super!

[Suse♡]

Fantastic reflections

[Michelle]

How wonderful! Fav!

[Ross Walker]

Clever idea to shoot and flip this image. The shallow depth of field is a great choice. I can imagine the policewoman telling her buddies about the crazy photographer.

[Kiran]

Love this, Taffy! Very clear and sharp.

[virtualbrownie]

Brilliantly executed

[Kathie]

Very creative. Super shot. Perhaps the policewoman could have held it in the palm of her hand. Maybe next time. :) Fav

[Doug Gray]

That is impressive. Thanks Another idea to use. Great shot.

[Leon Buijs]

Great shot, very clear refraction

[Rachel]

Brilliant refraction shot! Stunning

[Hazel]

Taffy this is ace - I want a crystal ball!

[Jocasta]

Wonderful crystal ball photo - so clever.

[Molly]

Clever and creative, with amazingly clear reflections.

[Shelley]

Oh wow, Very cool capture. A fav!

[Laurie]

LOVE this! Just bought one and it should be here tomorrow! Can't wait! Fav!

[Taffy]

@luvmynynix You'll love it -- it's trickier than I thought it would be but just check online and you'll find suggestions for settings and distance. I can't remember which ones I found, or I'd send them to you. Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[Darlene]

I love this shot, Taffy. It is full of amazing detail. Guess you have to find the right place to put the ball. I have one and keep forgetting to take it with me. FAV

[Carolyn]

I love this idea. Wonderful shot. I may have to get one of those crystal balls.

[Shanne]

fantastic focus

[Lindsay]

Wow, awesome shot!

[Lisa]

amazing shot!

[Elaine]

Such a fabulous image Taffy, the cityscape is great and I love that the whole background is blurred. Did you do anything in processing to blur it? Fav

[Taffy]

@nanalisarocks @linzelcakes @shannejw @carolyns @darsphotos
Thanks so much for your kind comments on this. I really do like using the crystal ball and would like to get stronger with it. There are so many wonderful shots I've seen on 365 using one.

[Julie Chapa]

Very cool shot. A fav.

[Ruby]

This is really beautiful, and very clever..

[Trudi Oliver]

i love these crystal ball shots, keep promising myself that I'm going to get one and have a go!

[Lee]

What a great shot. So cleverly done.

[FlyingGetsMeHigh]

Sweet, I love photos like these.