Soap Bubble Photography
Here is something really fun for you to try at home.
The best part is you don’t need a lot of expensive gear to do this. So if you wanna see how to create images this, read on and watch the below
Gear needed to do soap bubble photography
As I mentioned above, you need minimal gear to do soap bubble photography, but there are a few things that are essential. Then once you’ve tried that, if you want to take it up a notch there are some other optional items you can add to the setup.
Essentials
Here is a list of the must-have items that are essential for doing soap bubble photography.
- Camera with adjustable settings (you’ll want to use Manual Mode).
- A lens that has a close focusing distance, ideally one that is not a wide-angle lens (if you have a macro lens use that).
- A 5-in-1 reflector with a translucent inner portion (you can get a small 32″ one for under $20).
- A black lens cap (to use to hold the soap solution).
- A tripod (this is essential, you cannot hand hold this kind of shot.
- Liquid soap (ordinary dish soap will work fine).
- Glycerine (this will help to keep the bubbles from popping too fast).
Optional upgrades
If you want to go the extra mile you can use a macro lens (or extension tubes or close-up filters) to get closer and make the bubble bigger in your frame.
You can also use flash (a speedlight) if you have one, and it gives you more control over the lighting. But if you don’t have a flash, the first below shows you a method of doing this with just the sun and a small reflector. So we got you covered.
Here is a list of optional items if you want to take it up a level:
- A speedlight or flash.
- A remote trigger to fire your camera.
- A method of getting closer (a macro lens, extension tubes, or close-up filters). You can get a set of inexpensive filters for under $20 if you want to try it (just make sure you buy the right size to fit your lens).
- A small softbox to soften the light so you get a nice highlight on the bubble.
- A rain cover or protective gear for your camera (just in case you’re messy and splash).
Soap Bubble Photography –
This first is from Mike Smith. He does a great job of explaining and demonstrating how to do soap bubble photography.
This is the one you will want to watch if you do not have a flash (starting at about the 15:30 mark). Make sure you still watch the first part about setting up and making the soap solution too though so you don’t miss some critical steps.
This second is from Stewart Gibbs. He demonstrates how to do this using just a simple kit lens so regardless of what gear you have, you can follow along.
He also shows some processing tips at the end to make the colors pop in your bubble images.
He also has a newer updated version where he shows a different technique. It’s a bit more involved and complicated because you’re attempting to catch the bubbles in midair like this