How do you create and capture a coffee splash shot like this?
Asked 8/11/2012
3 views
2 answers
0
I want to photograph a cookie or biscuit dropping into a cup of coffee, with a visible splash above the rim like the example image. How is this kind of splash usually created, and how do you keep the hand or object drop out of the frame? What techniques, timing methods, and camera setup are useful for this type of splash photography? Any practical tips for getting the shot cleanly would also help.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
12
In this particular case, I'd probably tackle it with lots of cold coffee, a big roll of paper towels, and a very big box of those cookies. Couple that with some real patience, a partner or long cable release, very fast shutter speeds (given it is outdoors, it'll be the shutter that freezes the moment), and several exposures in sequence.
Putting those ingredients together, I would set up the cup and cookies as needed. Position the camera back a bit, on a tripod and focus. Drop the cookie and then hold down the shutter button on the cable release letting the camera take several shots in sequence. Ideally you'd have a camera that can do 6 or more frames a second, the more the better.
If you didn't get the shot you wanted, clean up, refill the cup, and repeat the sequence. Messy, but also fun. From there you can have a bunch of variants on the theme, such as berries into milk, milk drops into coffee, etc. I love splash photography, myself, it's fun to do.
Now, you could use laser or sound triggers, which takes a bit more setup (and cost), but probably gives you a better chance of getting a shot. I don't find that as much fun, oddly enough, I kind of prefer to have my finger on the shutter and be a part of that process.
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A practical way to make this shot is to stage it and repeat it many times. Set the cup and props first, put the camera on a tripod, pre-focus, and shoot a burst while an object is dropped into the coffee from just above and outside the frame. A cable release or a helper makes timing easier.
To freeze the splash, use a very fast shutter speed if you have enough light. Outdoors or with strong lighting, the shutter can stop the action well. High continuous shooting speed helps because you can capture several moments in one drop.
For more precise timing, some photographers use triggers such as sound-trigger systems or similar controllers that fire the camera after a tiny delay. That lets you drop the object and have the camera capture the splash automatically.
For practice, you may want to drop a small stone or similar object instead of a cookie. It can create a stronger splash and avoids filling the drink with crumbs. Then reset, refill, clean up, and repeat until you get the shape you want. Expect it to be messy and patience-heavy.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI14y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I reliably trigger a flash for high-speed splash photography?
How can I improve my beginner food photography composition and styling?
How do you create a flash-frozen subject with an offset silhouette trail?
How do you approach a vague photo competition theme and generate ideas?
How can I shoot good indoor 360° spherical panoramas without stitching errors?