We've talked about capturing falling water droplets and improving your photos of water droplets with photo editing software, like Photoshop Elements (and others).
Another fun way to capture the beauty of water is to photograph the splash that occurs when a water drop hits a watery surface.
Any watery surface will do – a very easy one is a bowl of water under a dripping faucet.
Remember these tips:
- use your macro setting
- turn on your flash
- use a tripod to avoid blur from camera shake (or set camera on something stable)
- good lighting is essential – both from flash and other sources
- be patient
- shoot a lot
The very first way I ever tried this was just to let the water drops fall into my hand.
I just…
- started a drip in the sink
- let it hit my cupped palm
- focused on the water in my palm
- shot again and again and again until I was happy

Captured with Kodak EasyShare DX7630
(6MP Point & Shoot, no longer available for sale)
Things you can vary for fun:
- striking surface (shape, color)
- distance from tap (further = larger splash)
- speed of drip
- backgrounds

Captured with Canon Powershot G9
When your splash is higher, if you want to maintain focus on the height of the splash, remember to adjust your focus to anticipate it ahead of time.

Captured with Canon Powershot G9
As long as you have a camera and some water, the only limit is your creativity!
Lotus is a full-time mother to one mischievous, toddler son and wife to a road-touring, musician husband. You can find her pontificating about motherhood and life, while shoving her photos in your face, at Sarcastic Mom , 7 days a week.



Thanks for the tutorial. I love the water shots!