PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT
Nikon D850 Camera
Nikon 105mm Macro lens
Tripod (ProMaster)
Flash
Pluto Trigger
Backdrop and a reflective surface for the flash
WATER EQUIPMENT
Pluto water dropper
Level
Bowl or cup for water (black is best)
Tray large enough to catch spillage
Background (I used colored construction paper)
White poster or cardboard to reflect light
Camera Setting
Manual Mode
ISO of 200
Shutter Speed 2.5 seconds
F Stop of F11 or above
Recipe
1/2 Cup Water
1 Tsp. Milk
3 Tsp. Xanthium Gum
Food Coloring
The most important element required for water drop photography is PATIENCE. The whole process is based on trial and error. There are a lot of videos and books to help you get started, and every approach is different.
My approach:
(1) Work in a very dark space.
(2) Start with a single drop: I start with Drop1 Size=25ms; Drop2Delay=0; Drop2 Size=0
(3) My dropper is approximately 18 inches from the water surface so I start my Flash delay around 350 ms. I increase the delay in 5ms increment's taking a photo each time until I can see a tall "Worthing Jet" or water column. I then calculate Drop2 Delay much the same way starting at a higher number (70mm or higher) and decreasing the time in 5ms increment's.
Pluto App Settings
Camera Setting for Waterdrops
