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How to Photograph Something Dropped in Water

Photographs of an object dropped into water are called "splash shots." They are used in many advertisements because when done properly, they draw your attention to the object and make it look appealing. Once you figure out all the elements that go into a successful splash shot, it becomes easier. While food is the most common subject used in splash shots, any object can be used. Start with something common like strawberries.

Things You'll Need

DSLR camera
Tripod
2 photography lights
Polarizing filter
Table
4 white acrylic sheets
Cellophane tape
Large glass
Strawberry

Instructions

- 1
  Build the backdrop using the four acrylic sheets. Use three sheets to make the walls and the last sheet for the floor. Hold the sheets together with cellophane tape.
- 2
  Place the backdrop on the table. Fill the glass two-thirds with water. Fill the glass slowly to avoid creating bubbles on the side of the glass, then place it in the center of the backdrop.
- 3
  Attach the camera to the tripod and place it at least three feet from the table to avoid getting it wet. Align the camera so that the lens is directly facing the glass.
- 4
  Zoom the lens in to the desired focal length. You can keep the glass in the frame or zoom in so that its edges are not visible, creating the illusion that the strawberry is dropping into a larger body of water.
- 5
  Position the lights on either side of the backdrop. They should be aimed through the glass to the opposite sides of the backdrop. The white will reflect the light, making the water droplets more visible.
- 6
  Switch the camera to manual focus. The autofocus won't be able to focus in time, and the shot will look blurry. You can focus the camera on the glass or hold the strawberry in the water and focus on that. Once you have focused, do not touch the lens or move the camera.
- 7
  Take a few test shots and view them in the preview window on the back of your camera. Use a fast shutter speed, 1/1000 of a second or faster. Use the motor drive to shoot three frames per second or so. Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare. This will let you know if you have to adjust the settings on the camera, such as the shutter speed or f-stop.
- 8
  Drop the strawberry into the water, pressing the camera's shutter-release as it hits the surface of the water. Not looking into the viewfinder will make it easier to anticipate when to press the shutter-release. Take a few shots, then look at them in the preview window and make adjustments as necessary.

Photography