f/11 2-seconds ISO 400
Singh Ray Color Intensifier Filter
Dual flash
I recently shared information on capturing water drops and
want to expand on it.
Here is the equipment I’ve used so far. The camera is a
Fujifilm GFX 50s medium format with cropped sensor. The lens is the Fujifilm
GF120 macro which by itself is about 50% less than a true 100% macro. I’m using
the new MCXX 45G WR extension tube which when combined to the GF120 allows me
100% macro. Using the extension tube also allows me a much closer focus
distance by a factor of one-half. I’ve experminated using various f/stops and
seem to like f/11 the most for the shallow depth of field. I began using ISO 100 when I used a single
flash and changed that to ISO 400 after adding a second flash.
f/11 2-seconds
Singh Ray Color Intensifier Filter
ISO 400 Dual Flash
Flash – I now use 2-separate flashes with the primary flash
set at 290ms and the 2nd at 300 to 400ms. I’ve
found the position of the flashes are just as important as the flash settings. Too close and you get burnout; too
far, darkness and shadows. I’ve found it normally takes a couple minutes for
the water to settle down and I’ve taken a couple images moving the flashes
around before I settle into place.
f/11 2-seconds
ISO 400 Dual Flash
Timing is everything
I use a very dark room to capture the images with the
shutter set on bulb mode. The water drop is triggered by pushing a button on
the StopShot console only after I open the shutter. Stopshot controls the water
drop and triggers the flashes. Once the
flash has activated I close the shutter. The entire time the shutter is open is
between 2 and 3-seconds with the time dependent on how fast I release the
button on the remote shutter release.
The camera captures the image during the instant the flashes fire.
Focus is done manually. I fire a drop into a container to see
where it lands. Using that as a point of reference I then hold a pencil in the
water to set the focus.
f/11 6-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
f/11 4-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
f/11 3-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
Custom White Balance
Water – I try to add some strength to the water and will
generally mix a batch of Xanthan Gum to 2-cups of warm water letting it sit
overnight. I’ve found that the gum thickens the water giving it a plastic
look. I also use food coloring in both
the drop tube as well as the container it drops into. Go crazy with the coloring.
f/11 2-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
f/11 3-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
I’ve now experimented using a bowl, plate, burner cover and
paint roller tray. Each container has their good points however I find I like
using the paint tray the most (make certain you get a black one).
Water drops are very much like snowflakes as no two are
alike. They will be similar however they’ll surprise you when you least expect it. The makeup of the water is key; do you have
hard or soft water as each presents their own issues. Heat of the water
and ambient temperature add into the mix. I’ve shot 3-days in a row using
different water mixtures and each day it was slightly different to where I
needed to change the timing of the flashes.
I’ve found my main flash stays in the neighborhood of 290 to 291.5ms
while the secondary flash is anywhere from 300 to a high of 900ms. If I hadn’t
shared this before I’ll do it now. Patience is the key here. It took me several
hours that first day before I captured my first collision. Patience will remain
being the key as each day brings its own issues. Each mixture will be off just enough to make
you stumble. Okay – enough said on Patience…
f/16 2-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
f/22 2-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
Capture format – JPEG or RAW. I always capture in RAW format as that will
give me the most information available. Yes, RAW files are larger than JPEG and
can take slightly slower to capture if you are in continuous (burst) mode,
however I’m not. Besides, RAW files are larger for a reason; the
information they contain, so use it. I’ll
normally take close to 200 files at a sitting and use less than 10%. I’ve found that
you get into a visual overload where all the images look good
and you have a difficult time picking the best of the best..
You don’t need medium format camera to do this and actually
from what I’ve been able to learn I might be the only one if not a rare few who
do. The normal camera system is 35mm. The one thing you’ll need is a macro
lens. If you are like me and have one that isn’t a true maco then you’ll also
need an extension tube. An extension tube will allow you to set the camera up
and focus much closer. A remote shutter release is also a must as it keeps you
fingers off the camera. And of course, a sturdy tripod for your camera.
Visit the Cognisy
website for much more information on the water drop kit as well as other tools
available.
I’ve got much more planned so please stay tuned for another
update.
Over Ice
f/11 2-seconds
Dual Flash ISO 400
Don
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