I tried out photographing refractions this week for the first time. We’ve had monsoon type weather recently so rather than taking photos of raindrops on flowers I decided to finally try out some refraction photography.
- In fact it’s easier to use a macro lens.
- Use a wide aperture f/3.5 to f/5.6.
- Set your lens to manually focus.
- However if you have some extension tubes you can get even closer to the water droplet.
- Once you have found your raindrops then move around the plant to find a refraction in the drop.
- Then find that refraction in your viewfinder – adjust your settings, focus and then shoot!
- All I used was a tripod and lots of patience.
- Furthermore you can still try this out even when it hasn’t been raining. Just gently spray water unto the blooms until the water droplets are large enough to photograph.
- However just don’t knock into the plant accidentally as the droplets will fall unto the ground.
The photographs in this post were all taken with a good quality fuji point and shoot camera rather than my dslr.
'Tsuki
Wow… So stunning, so marvelous, so poetical, those tiny reflections of such big flowers… I just love them !
Thanks for the sharing
Sylvia K
These are gorgeous! And how creative you are! They really took my breath away, Rosie! You do have patience! Have a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia
Limar
Oh, gorgeous reflections! Very beautiful photos 🙂
Scott
These are simply gorgeous. I'm so glad I came and visited. I've got to try this now. I love it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
michael
Those are beautiful macro shots, though technically they are refractions instead of reflections. Doesn't matter when the photos are so nice.
RuneE
The fun one can have with water drops is endless. These are excellent examples.
Malyss
Woaw! I love the colors in the first, but the second one is completely magic!!
Ashley Sisk
This is beautiful! I'm going to check out your friends blog now and subscribe to your posts. Such beautiful work.
Beverley Baird
Extraordinary capture! I love it!
Karli
Good heavens!! Now that's the kind of shot that I'm unable to capture. Just amazing! I think I'll have to stick with Fruit Loops – ha! Unbelievable shot.
Lotta
The picture is perfect.
Lovely colour and the sharpness is marvelous.
Put it on the wall.
Hugs //Lotta
Have a nice weekend
Thank you for visiting me and my blog
bfarr
Perfect little flower in that droplet. Wonderful capture.
And about the cow killer ant, yes I would have stayed away. Quite pretty, tho.
Julie
I have always wanted to be able to do this, but while I have immense patience, the technique has eluded me. Following your instructions, I will try this out before this weekend is over.
Your results are stunning. Like tiny miniatures captured forever.
Carol
Absolutely stunning!!!
maiaT
Now, this is not fair, you've learned this lesson too well.
These shiny raindrops and the perfect reflections are fantastic Rosie.
I new you will try it and succeed. Congratulations for your patience and result, these macros are exquisite!
Many thanks for link to my post and also for the tips on the orchids, I will follow all your advices.
That post with 'how to get them back into flower again' would be really useful.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Clytie
Stunning – absolutely stunning.
Mia
Lovely photo Rosie! Its unbelievable how clear the reflection is in the water droplet!
May Yahweh bless you,
Mia
EG Wow
Excellent! Very well done. 🙂
Gardening in a Sandbox
I love the effect of getting the reflection in the water droplet. I will try it.
Kim, USA
I tried this too but since I don't have a tripod my hands got tired ^_^. It is very beautiful and I would love to this again. But first I have to get a tripod first. Thanks for sharing the tip. Happy weekend!
Macro Flowers
Bunch of Barrons
Very pretty. Love the reflections…like a little surprise. And the color is awesome. 🙂
lisaschaos
These are wonderful! I have been wanting to try this but haven't taken the time to yet. 🙂
Jenn
Very great! That's something I hope I could do – take pictures of reflections on the water drop.
Mine's HERE.
Xavi
Breathtaking capture, Rosie!
I regret not having answered your kind comments earlier. Was traveling.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a nice weekend!
kanak7
Oh Rosie….I'm so glad I to see this and click on the link as well. Beautiful captures! Can't wait to try this out!
Have a great weekend!
Dani
WOW..WOW…These are prefect. I LOVE this shot. And the colors.
Thanks for sharing
BJ Roan
Wow! Perfect. I'm going to have to give this a try, but I doubt mine will match up.
Mike B.
I never considered trying this. Next time it rains I'm going to spend some time in the yard looking for possibilities. Thanks!
Poetic Shutterbug
I could see where you would need much patience for this. Magnificent!
Dharma Shots
They are so lovely Rosie. And that reflection on the drop is certainly awesome!
dancingmatilda
it looks like someone painted them in….such gorgeous little swirls! love how the drops have micro reflections.
Olga
Oh my, this pictures is incredible. I should look at your other pictures; they must be wonderful too.
Scott
It's me "hasting back again". Several people who commented on my "Monochrome Lake" post for Phun Phriday! wondered how it was done, so I posted a tutorial on it today. If you're interested just click here. Thanks for dropping by and your comment.
Judy
Oh, my goodness!! I have never seen raindrops captured so well! I love that the reflections are of the flowers, too!!
Nefertiti
Superbe ! OO
Mrs. M
Amazing shots! Lovely, lovely flower reflections.You are one gifted photographer!
Ann
I always admire water droplets. I have not been successful. Yours are beautiful
Heather at Dusty Bay
Beautiful Rosie – you've really captured it!
Andrea
Hi Rosie, my computer takes a lifetime to open, and really exhausted my patience, but at the end it is never wasted as i learned how this type of reflection/refraction is done. I've been trying it lots of times, without succeeding. I spray water but they drop without me able to get any photo. I hope next time my patience will cooperate with me and i will succeed as you did. It is marvelous, awesome. Thank you.