Matty Graham explains how to create an abstract image full of colour using nothing more than some candy and warm water… You may think you have to travel to far flung destinations to create interesting images, but the truth is that quirky and fun photos can be captured in the comfort of your own home.
What’s more, everyday items hiding in your cupboards can serve a double purpose and add a surprising X-factor to the frame. Take candy for example; while it’s fun to eat, it can be used to fill an image full of colour. The coating of Skittles melt when mixed with warm water and with a little preparation, this super saturated reaction can be used to make abstract streaks on a subject. Interested? Here’s how to do it….
Step one:
Gather your props - You’ll need a little space to get this done, so clear a table top or even make some space on the floor. To capture the same shot as ours, you’ll need a bag of Skittles, some warm water and a plate.
Step two:
Arrange the Skittles - Set your plate down and then start arranging the Skittles around the edge of the plate. They can sometimes be a little tricky to keep them in the right position so some patience will be needed. You can arrange the colours in whatever formation you prefer, but I found that by grouping the colours together in bunches, it gave a stronger, more solid effect.
Step three:
Set-up the camera - While you can handhold the camera, I prefer to set-up a tripod and secure my DSLR, pointing down at the plate. This meant I then had two free hands to concentrate on pouring the water, rather than worry about holding the camera.
Step four:
Dial in your settings - Set the camera to Aperture priority mode (A or Av on your mode dial) and then select a mid-range aperture of f/8 to maximise sharpness in the frame. Achieve focus by half-pressing the shutter button and then switch to Manual focus (MF) by flicking the switch on the side of the lens.
Step five:
Pour in the water - Your water doesn’t have to be boiling, but it does need to be warm or it won’t melt the candy coating. I found the best approach was to pour the water around the very edge of the plate and let it seep into the middle of the plate. Don’t go too fast or you will dislodge the candy and you’ll have to start again.
Step six:
Take your shot - It takes a few seconds for the candy coating to react and mix with the water to before the colour starts to appear and bleed into the centre of the plate. Press the shutter to take your image and if the frame is too dark, add some positive Exposure Compensation.
. digitalrev.com
2017-4-20 03:00