I took three shoots of different oil and water images, before receiving advice on techniques from Sharon. The photographs shown here are some of the best ones from the shoots. I used a macro lens and tripod to take the images. Different materials were placed under a glass of water with olive oil, and washing up liquid was added. My aim was to create a collage of different colours, and focus upon some of the formal elements of photography. (Texture, shape, form pattern and colour) I used a macro lens and experimented with different aperture settings, I.S.O. and using the flash. The materials I used included coloured pencils and coloured feathers. Also I had previously experimented, using flower petals, leaves and sweet papers but these were not as successful.
6910 Coloured Pencils shoot 3
6900 Coloured Pencils Shoot 3
6881 Pastel pencils shoot 3
6878 Coloured Pencils shoot 3
6558 Coloured Feathers shoot 3
6855 Coloured feathers shoot 3
6387 Coloured Pencils Shoot 1
Firstly I love that you have been experimenting! And thank you for showing me some of your work. In terms of lighting when you don’t use flash you need to watch your shutter speed. I noticed in your image ‘6858’ your shutter was down to 1/9 sec. If you use a slow shutter you will need to use a tripod to shop camera shake. Experiment with your oil and washing up liquid mix. Try using less and don’t mix the water up, (which should give you fewer and cleaner bubbles). In images ‘6387’ and ‘6855’ I found the composition works better for me in ‘6855’ as there is space around the bubbles. I think my favourite images though are ‘6910’ and ‘6881’, the colours pop and I really like the composition of ‘6910’
Closer 