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Raindrop Refraction Challenge:

Discovering Miniature Worlds
31 Jan 2025

Raindrop Refraction Challenge: Discovering Miniature Worlds

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Objective:

Learn to see raindrops as tiny lenses, capturing the hidden details and reflections they reveal. This exercise will help you experiment with angles, light, and composition to create unique macro images.

What You’ll Need:

  • A macro lens or a lens with close-focusing capabilities
  • A tripod (optional but helpful for stability)
  • A small spray bottle (if you need to create artificial raindrops)
  • A vibrant subject nearby (flower, leaf, colorful background)

Step 1: Find or Create a Raindrop

Look for naturally formed raindrops on leaves, flowers, or glass surfaces. If none are available, lightly mist a leaf or glass surface to create your own.

Step 2: Observe Before Shooting

Spend a few minutes studying your droplet from different angles. Ask yourself:

  • What is being reflected? The sky, trees, or a flower?
  • What happens when you change your position?
  • How does the droplet bend and magnify the details behind it?

Step 3: Capture Three Perspectives

  1. The Magnifying Effect – Focus on the details within the droplet as it acts like a magnifying glass. Adjust your distance to find the sharpest view.
  2. The Inverted Reflection – Position a subject (like a flower) behind the droplet and capture the tiny, upside-down world within.
  3. The Light Play – Observe how the droplet catches and refracts light. Can you spot color shifts, highlights, or even a rainbow?

Step 4: Experiment with Focus & Depth of Field

  • Use manual focus to ensure the sharpest details in the droplet.
  • Try a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) to make the droplet stand out against a blurred background.
  • Experiment with a higher f-stop (f/8–f/11) to bring more details into focus.

Step 5: Reflect & Share

After shooting, take a moment to jot down what surprised or inspired you. Did you notice unexpected details? A new way of seeing light?

Join the #RaindropChallenge! Share your best shots and tag me! Post them in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/878244939696285.