How would you light black water?

[Overread]

Yah black water - I'm trying to light it but at present I'm getting horrific white lines and marks where the flash takes hold (the shot is very much flash dominated at around 4/5times life size). Whilst this creates clear edges it also dominates the shot and takes away from the shape of the water surface.

So anyone got any lighting tips for it? At present my method is diffused flash pointed at the water - though I'm thinking I'll have to break down and use flash light reflected of a surface (such as is often suggested for waterdrop photography).

 

[gsgary]

Can i see one of the shots you have, hard to tell without but i'm thinking light it from below up through the water

 

[c.cloudwalker]

What is black water?

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Water that is black.

 

[Big Mike]

What are you trying to do/achieve? Is the water still or turbulent?

 

[gsgary]

Water that is black.

It could be Guiness

 

[pbelarge]

Water that is black.

It could be Guiness

If it was Guiness, it would be gone....

 

[Overread]

No shots yet - I've not gotten one to work that well - but think of it like static jelly black water to light - with a slight oily texture (there's goes the chances of it being Guiness )

 

[Dao]

Water that is black.

It could be Guiness

If it was Guiness, it would be gone....

Problem solved. No more flash reflection from the water!

 

[Overread]

It could be Guiness

If it was Guiness, it would be gone....

Problem solved. No more flash reflection from the water!

leaving behind a shiny reflective glass to light though :greenpbl::lmao:

 

[reznap]

Ohh man.. did you get your hands on ferrofluid? That would be kick ass...

I would think a large light source close to the 'water' would be good. A decent sized softbox or maybe even a beauty dish should get the job done without really bad specular highlights. Or you could use a diffusion panel or a bedsheet as well.

 

[Overread]

Darn it you weren't supposed to guess!
Though I suppose the oil and stuff might have let it slip - but yes ferrofluid!
And its a nightmare to focus on! I also want to use it on more than a petri dish but I lack screws at the moment (and I'm not darn well buying a whole pack to just use one).

 

[Josh66]

but yes ferrofluid!

Awesome!

Now go figure out how to light it so we can see the pictures.

 

[reznap]

Sorry for spoiling

That stuff makes for sweet photos... Can't wait to see

 

[Overread]

ahh you must have linden on your flickr contacts list Yes indeed it makes for some amazing shots!