Macro Photography with Water Reflections

Super Macro Photography – How to Photograph Ballpoint Pen Tips – Watch on YouTube

Super Macro Photography of Ballpoint Pen Tips

Creating abstract and surreal images in macro photography doesn’t always require complex setups. With just a few simple tools and a bit of experimentation, you can achieve stunning results using water reflections and backlighting. This guide explores a unique technique for shooting macro subjects half-submerged in water, using reflections to add depth, colour and intrigue to your images.

The Concept

This method involves placing your subject in a bowl of water and using a coloured backdrop to reflect light across the water’s surface.

The result is a dreamy, almost sci-fi landscape that surrounds your subject with vibrant colour and soft gradients. It works particularly well for abstract compositions and still life, but can also be adapted for natural subjects like flowers, foliage or even pine cones!

Setting Up the Scene

The setup is deceptively simple. You’ll need:

• A black bowl filled to the brim with water
• A coloured gradient backdrop
• A single Adaptalux lighting arm for backlighting
• A second lighting arm for front illumination (optional but recommended)
• A small object to hold your subject in place (e.g. lens cap or Blu Tack)
• A plate underneath to catch any overflow

The black bowl is essential. It prevents unwanted reflections from underneath the water and ensures the surface reflects only the backdrop. Fill the bowl as much as possible to raise the water level and eliminate any visible join between the water and the background.

Choosing Your Subject

Reflective objects work best. Spherical items like balls or coins create interesting silhouettes and reflections. Non-reflective subjects may appear flat or dull unless lit from the front. If your subject has detail that needs to be visible, like writing or texture, front lighting is crucial.

For example, a coin placed in the bowl with only backlighting will appear as a dark silhouette. Adding a second light from the front brings out the coin’s detail and creates a mirrored reflection on the water’s surface, adding depth and visual interest.

Playing with Angles

Camera angle dramatically affects the final image. A low angle hides the back edge of the bowl and any objects beneath the water. A higher angle reveals more of the bowl and can expose hidden elements like Blu Tack or any supporting items if they’re not black.

Experimenting with angles allows you to control what’s visible in the frame. A steep downward angle can remove the bowl’s edge entirely, leaving only the subject and its reflection. This creates a clean, minimalist composition.

Adding Ripples

To take things further, try introducing ripples to the water. A gentle touch with a finger or tool can create waves that distort the reflections. If timed correctly, this adds a dynamic, almost painterly effect to your image. It’s a great way to add movement and mystery to an otherwise static scene.

Tips for Success

• Use black materials under the water to avoid unwanted reflections.
• Keep your water level high to maximise surface tension and reflection.
• Adjust lighting and camera angles to suit your subject’s shape and texture.
• Try different coloured backdrops to change the mood and theme.
• Use Photoshop to clean up minor distractions like Blu Tack or bowl edges.

Final Thoughts

This technique is a fantastic way to explore abstract macro photography. It’s not suited to every subject, but when it works, the results are striking and unique. Whether you’re photographing coins, flowers, or small objects, using water reflections and coloured backdrops can elevate your images and spark curiosity.

If you try this method, share your results with the Adaptalux community. We’d love to see how you use water and light to create your own macro masterpieces.

Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular macro photography tutorials, ideas and inspiration.