THE KEYS YOU NEED TO PHOTOGRAPH SOAP BUBBLES

The inspiration is the most capricious and the enemy number 2 of a photographer (the first is laziness ). Unfortunately it is not uncommon, it will surely appear several times along your photographic path, but nothing happens . The important thing is not to let it settle in our lives, teach us something every time it appears, and have tools to get out of it when it happens. To set ourselves goals and short-term learning challenges is a wonderful way to break the lack of inspiration. How about learning to photograph soap bubbles? You do not need great knowledge or complicated logistics, but it can help you work on creativity , your camera settings, not to mention the wonderful images you can get. Do you dare to continue reading? Let's see how it is done

THE KEY FIGURE: YOUR HELPER

To begin, I already announce that I have not just imagined the scene of soap bubbles without an assistant who makes them while you take the photographs. Sure you could get to do it alone, but it would be a complete stress , so if you have someone to help you, much better, so you can focus on chasing, focusing and framing your bubbles, which I already advance that requires some agility.

Find yourself a helper

TYPES OF SOAP BUBBLES

Yes, I have not gone crazy, so a priori I can think of at least two types of soap bubbles that you can photograph.

The classic pomp made by pomperos and we have all used small (and not so much), which result in small and perfectly rounded pomp.
The bubbles made on a large scale that can be seen in many cities made by large street artists and variable shapes.

Just as the former are easy to find in any kiosk or children's store, the latter will have to be manufactured by you. But don't worry, there are many tutorials on the net that explain perfectly how to do it, from the proportions of the mixture (water, dish soap and hair fixing gel) to how to make the pompero with two sticks and a rope. Here is a video that shows it to you.

Oh, and if you have children or do children's sessions, remember that you can also get different toys or machines that make bubbles automatically and in large quantities, type this : And if you have not just cleared up with the mixture , or with the large-scale pompero, you can buy it all done, for example this one . Well, now, let's see some practical tips for photographing soap bubbles with good results.

THE BOTTOM

Find a background that enhances the soap bubble, preferably a somewhat dark tone so that the contrast is greater and helps you give prominence. Remember also the importance of a fund without distractions, so before starting your session look for a suitable place.

HELP YOURSELF WITH THE COMPOSITION

The negative space can help you compose the image respecting the prominence of the bubble. The rule of thirds , surely you already know it, says that in the image there are some "strong points" where the gaze is directed naturally. Try to use it in one of your images, it will help you sort the image and empower your protagonist. The odd rule tells us that odd elements create more interest in the viewer, specifically groups of three elements.

The odd rule

REFLEXES

It is surely one of the aspects that will give you more play when you want to photograph soap bubbles. The rounded shapes and curves of the bubble can generate interesting fisheye- like perspectives .

PLAY WITH THE OPENING

Remember that a wide diaphragm aperture (small value) is related to shallow depth of field and the ability to isolate the protagonist of your background image with blur. Instead, a closed diaphragm aperture (large value) increases the depth of field allowing you to focus the different planes of the image.

ADD A HUMAN ELEMENT

We have already commented on the importance of the human element in photography, how we empathize, create history and narration and add interest through it. Since you already have an assistant to make your bubbles ... why don't you ask him to make you a bit of a model?

Add a human element

SHUTTER SPEED

Since the bubble is a moving element , you will have to take it into account when choosing the speed with which you are going to work. Remember that the minimum speed depends on the focal length you are using (the more focal length the more speed you need), but an approximate speed of 1 / 250s with a mid-range focal length will surely be more than enough. However, do tests with the light you have, and check that the bubble does not come out enlarging the image on the screen before continuing.

SHOOTING MODE

Once you have set your speed, you can configure your camera in a semi-automatic option so that it gives priority to the speed and makes the aperture settings it deems necessary. And of course, if you want to work in manual , you can control all the parameters of the shot yourself and always, always, I will recommend this option when you have some ease with your camera ;-).

FOCUS MODE

Since we are talking about a moving element, the best shooting mode would be the AF-C or AI Servo , citing our article Detailed guide: How to configure the focus of your camera according to the Photo you want to do :

They are used to photograph moving subjects. This system will focus on what moves in front of the target and will follow up whenever we have the shutter button pressed halfway. Once we decide to take the picture, you just have to press the shutter all the way down.

SHOOT IN BURST

This way you will have more opportunities to “hunt” the pomp just the moment you want or even during the whole process.

Shoot in burst

BLACK AND WHITE

Give a different touch to your images by converting them to black and white too, look for more formal compositions, light, contrast, shadows, and so on.

SUNRISE OR SUNSET LIGHT

What is the most photogenic light is no secret, the laterality of the light rays of the first and last hours of the day, will help you enhance the volume of the bubble and fill it with warm tones. What? Are you already calling your best friend, your partner, waiting for your son to leave school to help you out in your bubble session? Truth? Do not forget that learning new things stimulates creativity and removes the lack of inspiration from our photographic soul. I hope you have been useful and share it on social networks so that someone else can benefit from it (Facebook, Instagram, Google+ or Twitter). Thank you and see you soon :-). Use the online HTML converter to maximize your web content composing efficiency.