Refraction photography is an interesting way to capture images. It involves using glass to alter the path of light. This can be done by placing a piece of glass between the camera lens and the subject. 

Refraction photography is a unique way to experiment with image capture. Refraction is the passage of light from one medium to another, which changes the speed and direction of the light. Consider what happens when white light passes through a prism and splits into the colours of the spectrum, that is refraction! Essentially, refraction occurs all around us wherever light shines. Although refraction can be obtained through transparent plastic objects, glass provides the best quality. Refraction photography exploits the phenomenon to create stunning images.

Rainbow: No Rain,No Rainbow.

Zigzag: I am still on my zigzag way.

Colorful: “Colors are what make us feel alive”.

The light in the background is essential in refraction photography; it matters more than the lighting on the actual subject. For example, if you’re using a Speedlight, make sure to point it at the backdrop so that the light reflects off of it and makes the image in the sphere stand out. Wine glasses can be used for refraction. The better the wine glass, the more spherical it is. An empty wine glass will not produce a refracted image, so you must first fill it with water.The water in the glass now provides a denser mass area.

Impressive: It always seems impossible until it’s done.   

Polka Dots: Dots are what you need to make a point.

Stars: It’s time to shine for me.

Refraction occurs when light passes through it. When water condenses into a spherical drop, you can see an inverted image inside it. In fact, refraction occurs in any water container. This is due to the fact that it has a higher density than air.  According to Alan Cohen, “Everyone and everything that shows up in our life is a reflection of something that is happening inside of us.” Concentrating on water droplets, on the other hand, produces the most interesting effect for photography. The chapter “ Hue Of Divergence” depicts Refraction photography.

Copyrights:

All the photos and text in this post are copyright of Vineeth M, Bangalore, Karnadaka, Creative Hut Institute of Photography. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.