Tips to Photograph Dandelions with Water Droplet Refraction

Photography Tips

What’s so cool about dandelions is the way water droplets cling to them. You could photograph the water droplets just as they are, but why not up your game by taking it a step further? The tiny water droplets on dandelions act as a refracting body and create miniature images of the things around them. Photographer Steward Wood elaborates on the process and shows you how you can take images of dandelion water droplet refraction:

Wood gives you an extensive look at the entire process showing you what it takes to capture photos like his. What you’ll notice is that the background is pivotal for the process. What you place in the background is what gets refracted on the water droplets. So, select your background carefully. Besides being refracted on the water drop, it’ll also add to the vibrance and ambiance of the image.

For his background, Wood uses a flower and lights it using a simple video light and a flashlight. Illuminating the flower is important for forming the image in the water droplet(s) on the dandelion clock. Also, keep in mind that you can either use a single drop or use multiple drops of water on the dandelion clock for dramatic results.

And try changing the direction of light on the background for varying looks. Even a slight movement of the light source will have a big impact on the image. Be sure to pay close attention to it.

“Move your light around to see what you can get.”

Change up the background and play with the light to create some unique looks. This is a great photography project that you could try out indoors.