How to Take Pictures of Water Droplets

Colored water will create an interesting photographic effect.

Capturing motion is a skill in photography that you must learn and perfect over time. The moment a droplet hits a larger surface of water is a photographic target that requires precision to ensnare on film. Taking a photograph of water droplets requires you to set up an area and object to photograph. Additionally, you must take your time and exercise patience to capture the moment in a picture correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Table
• Bowl
• Water
• Tripod
• Pen
• Eyedropper

Instructions

1. Set your camera's shutter speed to 1/320. Every camera is different; consult your user's manual if you are unsure of how to adjust shutter speed.

2. Place a table in front of a well-lit window. Ideally, you should photograph when high amounts of light are available. The high shutter speed requires more light to produce quality photographs.

3. Place a bowl on the edge of the table and fill it 3/4 of the way full with water. Position the bowl so reflections from the window do not hit the water.

4. Set your camera up on a tripod so the lens is 6 inches higher than the bowl of water. Place the tripod at the edge of the table so it focuses only on the bowl of water.

5. Hold a pen 3 inches above the water in the center of the bowl. Adjust the camera's lens so it focuses directly on the pen. This will ensure the camera captures the water droplets clearly.

6. Fill an eyedropper with water and prepare your camera to take a photograph. Hold the eyedropper 10 inches over the center of the bowl and place your finger on the camera's shutter button.

7. Squeeze the eyedropper to release one droplet of water into the bowl. Press the shutter button as soon as the droplet hits the water. Getting your timing correct will take several tries, so be patient as you perfect your technique.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a colored or patterned bowl will provide interesting effects for your photographs.

• Measure the distance and adjust your camera as you did in the above steps to take a picture of water droplets in any setting.

References

• "The Digital Photography Book"; Scott Kelby; 2006
• "The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos"; Michael Freeman; 2007