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There are loads of images all over FLickr and alike featuring coloured drops of water close up. The random nature of water makes for a different photo each time and it is not as hard to set up a small ‘set’ to capture ‘the Chaos Theory’ in action!

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What you’ll need

• I used the following equipment;
• Camera (obviously)
• External flash (Canon 430EX MKii)
• Chair
• White and black cloth
• Lamps x 2
• Tripod
• Spatula (or similar)
• Bowl
• Water
• Food colouring

Subject Setup

First I took the chair, turned it around and draped the background cloth over the back of it.

Next I set up 2 variations for the shoot;

Spatula

Next I placed the bowl of water on the floor to catch the drips as they fell (it also helps to put something waterproof underneath this to stop the colouring staining your carpet!).

I then attached the spatula or to a tripod so that it would stay completely still when I poured the water onto it, I did this will tape.  I then positioned the spatula directly over the bowl.

I positioned the light on either side of the setup and angled them so that they where  behind the spatula and lit diagonally forwards from both sides (ensuring that they are not shining onto the position where the camera will be!)

Hand

A bit more tricky as you have to keep your hand still but a nice variation to the spatula.

Lastly I had a jug of water, be sure to use a jug with a spout so that you can accurately direct the water while pouring).  I then added some red food colouring to the water, how much is up to you however the more you add, the less transparent the water will become and reflect less light.

Camera Setup

I used a tripod for my shots but due to the high shutter speed required it is not essential (you will just need someone else to pour the water!!).

The lens I used was a Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Macro with the lens hood attached.

I whacked the strength of the external flash all the way up and did not use a diffuser, I tried it on lower settings but the sharpness was not great and as I blocked out other ambient light full strength was required.

I used the following settings on the camera;

• ISO 800
• F13
• 1/3200s
• Manual focus

As I was experimenting on my own I also used the self timer on the camera to enable me to get ready with the water.  I sat on the chair and because of the background cloth I was hidden from view, whether you leave the water pouring onto the object from above, in the photo is up to you.

Post Processing

For post processing I simply played with the levels, sharpened the image and deepened the colours slightly…..have fun!

And to finish, this one was just for fun (although I did get the carpet wet regardless of the waterproof sheet I put down!!).