Water drop reflections in focus

[A Team]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14708208@N04/2222205108/" title="flower droplet by A Team1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2222205108_aa4ee275ae.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="flower droplet" /></a>

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/45
Focal Length: 90 mm
ISO Speed: 160

Thanks to Snapdragon's tutorial, I have been practicing on water drops with some success. Overall I think I like the photo, however, I would straighten it, and ideally have more space under the bottom water drop. My ultimate goal would be to get the reflection in the water drop in focus. Is there a lighting technique to accomplish this? Your comments are very welcome and appreciated.

[jiminyClickit]

A Team,

First, a huge ThankYou for beginning with a perfect thread, giving a Critiquer a chance to see and understand what and how you did this.

The globule separated from its 'stem' is unique, and fixing the issues you mention will give you some excellent works. I believe precise control of the distance between your dropper and your lens will get your focus under control. Think "eyedropper clamped to a tripod."

[FocalFrenzy]

This is an amazing shot. I'm not sure if there is a better way to light this image. Perhaps you might try pointing a flashlight at the bloom in the background, while keeping the droplet in semi-darkness. This might allow your camera to focus on the reflection rather than the drop itself. If I get the opportunity, I may try this out myself. If you do have any luck with this, by all means, PLEASE post your results. Apparently, I'm not the only one who finds these shots fascinating. Thanks for posting, and I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[A Team]

Thanks for the feedback JimnyClicket. I am using a faucet as my water source, so I have it sounds like I have the correct set up. I guess I will need to keep tweaking my focus and practicing until I get it.:) Thanks again!

[jiminyClickit]

A Team,

Camera is on tripod, in the sink? Using a printed card, held in exactly the same plane as your drop falls, and focussing on it, should get you there. Do you use a manual focus ring?

[A Team]

Actually I tried shooting with my tripod and without. I have a 90mm Tamron fixed focus lens, so I felt a little restricted by the tripod since I could not get in as close as I wanted. This shot was without the tripod.

I do use manual focus, and I have been putting an object in the water stream to focus on when it is on a tripod. Is a manual focus ring something other than the M focus on my camera? Perhaps I will have to figure out a way to get my tripod IN the sink. Maybe I need to relocate to the tub!

FocalFrenzy - Thanks for your comments. I like the idea about trying to light the flower in semi-darkness. It is worth a try. I will post any new results after my next attempt.

[FocalFrenzy]

I tried using a lit tea-lite candle as a background subject, and even though it was properly out of focus, the light it put out prevented me from being able to focus on the reflection in the drop. Maybe if the light or lit up subject were alot further back, it might work. I'm sure I'll get this figured out.

[A Team]

FocalFrenzy -- thanks for your efforts. I'm excited to hear your technique. I keep trying with no success.

[jiminyClickit]

A Team,

To get any Macro, I have to physically move either the subject or the camera, because I only have auto-focus, no manual ring to turn for fine tuning. Sounds like you've got it handled. Tried snow yet?

[A Team]

I found some info on refracted lighting that I am going to read - and try to comprehend today. If I find anything significant I will share it.

Jiminy - Snow shots ..... hmmm .... I'd probably be shooting with my macro lens, which means that their would be a significant focus issues because the distance of the camera (inside) and where the snow is located (outside), would be pretty large!:rolleyes: All kidding aside, not yet, but I have the perfect environemnt.

Linda

[A Team]

I found the following info on a blog regarding capturing a crisp refraction in a waterdrop that I found helpful. The object is to use the fash to control the exposure vs. the shutter. Unfortunately, I do not have a photo to show yet. :p There are additional steps listed at this blog; however, since I am a newbie, I found this easier to follow.

Thank for all the input and help.



http://nocroppingzone.blogspot.com/2007/04/frozen-in-time.html

Footnote: You can also set your camera on a tripod and adjust the focus by placing a ruler under the dripping faucet (focus on the ruler with the water hitting it). Set an external flash (like the 430EX) to manual mode and set the power level to 1/16 to start. Set the camera to manual mode F5.6, ISO 200, and the shutter to 2 seconds. Press the shutter release and then, while pointing the flash at the subject, press the pilot lamp button to trigger the flash. Experiment with different power levels and the distance between the flash and the subject. You may also want to decrease the shutter speed just to cut down on long exposure noise.