Ripple Portraits: Custom Water-Drop Photography Rig
A photographer developed a custom rig for 'Ripple Portraits,' combining water-drop photography with portraiture. The subject lies beneath a shallow water tank, triggering drips to create ripples that distort their image. The system uses three independently controlled drip valves and programmable flash delay. After student sessions, a simpler method emerged: lifting the water tray to create ripples without electronics. The project uses two Profoto flash units aimed upward. Published on PetaPixel.
Key facts
- The rig uses a shallow water tank built from an aluminum picture frame and glass, sealed with RTV aquarium adhesive.
- Three independently controlled drip valves allow for varied ripple patterns.
- A programmable delay synchronizes flash with water drop impact.
- The subject triggers the system, taking their own portrait.
- Students captured over 500 images in a single session.
- A simpler method involves lifting the water tray to create ripples without electronics.
- Two Profoto flash units are aimed upward from the floor.
- The project is described as an introduction to creative photographic experimentation.
Entities
Institutions
- PetaPixel
- KEH.com
- Moment
- FJ Westcott
- Blue Moon Camera and Machine