Water Drops Are Special
I suppose it’s obvious to many that water is a special substance. To recount a few of its properties that make it so:
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It has the highest surface tension of any liquid except mercury.
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It has one of the highest heat capacities of all materials.
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It expands (floats) when it freezes.
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It is a nearly universal solvent.
For my work with water drop photography, the surface tension is the most important of these, since when the volume of water is small, surface tension is by far the strongest force at work. This force is responsible for the marvelous splashes that are possible.
For example, when a drop splashes and forms a column, the diameter of that column is largely determined by the surface tension: the higher the tension, the larger diameter of the column, all other things being equal. Put a bit of soap in the water, and the column is quite thin and tall. Also, when the column falls back down, it “falls” 5 times faster than gravity would have it fall, because it is the surface tension pulling it downwards.
The other property of water that is important in determining the shape of water drop splashes is the viscosity. Water has a fairly low viscosity, especially warm water (I have to admit that I didn’t realize how much less viscous boiling water is that cold water – about 1/6 as viscous. When I learned this it made sense why I much more often splash hot water on myself – it really is splashier.) Sometimes I add glycerin to the water I use to increase its viscosity. It makes for a smoother, slower flowing liquid.
They are special, and you make them more special!
I’m from Holland so forgive me my poor englisch..
I was wondering how you made the picture on the top of this site, if you want the picture shine in the drop, how big must the picture be behind the drop? And how close stands the picture with the 0 and 1’s to the drop?
Can you tell me what the exif look like?
Thank you so much, Paulien
Paulien,
The picture is 4 inches or so from the drop and is 11″ square.
The useful part of the EXIF info is: I use a 180mm macro lens, 1/100th sec at f/11 (or so), ISO 200.
Martin
Hello and Happy New Year
I am currently developing a power point presentation concering water sanitaion on board marine vessels.
I would like to use your photo for my introduction slide.
I am an engineering instructor at the RTM STAR Center in Dania beach florida.
My I please have premission to use your photo for my presentaion?
Todd,
I’d be glad to license an image for your use. I’ll contact directly via email.
Thanks,
Martin
wow!! cool!
anyway I’m first!!!!
They are special, and you make them more special!
I’m from Holland so forgive me my poor englisch..
i like water and water drops……..
Could I please have permission to use your waterdrop image with my class of five year olds who are learning about “Our beautiful World”. We are using some blue screen effects and would like your fabulous photo for a background.
Judith,
Thanks for asking permission before using the image. I have replied via email.
Martin
Hi, I found your site and examples of your art while looking for pictures of water for the church bulletin I am doing. If I had more time I would have requested to use this one on the front of the bulletin, but instead found another picture to use. I did want to tell you though I find your photography interesting and it has given me the idea to maybe try to get some water drop pictures on my own when I get the chance. Thank you.
BTW What is your policy for using your pics on bulletins (less than 25 copies) and/ or web pages. For example you can visit my webpage I have connected and see how I used the pic I have there now.
Hi..
your photography is simply awesome..
through ur photography u have shown us splendid beauty of nature which is much beyond the beauty of any body’s imagination.
i enjoyed it so much.
Hi. I came across your photography through reference of a friend; it’s incredible. With the easy access of cameras these days, I feel like photography is underapreciated as an art. Your work displays both the creativity and simple, yet intriguing, natural beauty of the earth. Thanks.
I would also like to say that your naming of the pictures is quite interesting. I first viewed the entire collection without looking at their titles. But then, as I looked through them a second time, I paired the image with it’s name, and the drops suddenly became all the more meaningful. Human nature has a subconcious desire to assimilate one thing with another (especially the unaimiliar to the familiar) and the way that you named some of the photos bridged one miniscule, seemingly incomprehensible world, to one that we can relate to. Liquidated abstract representation.
Love your work! Im majoring in Industrial Science at Brooks. Currently I am working on a drop/splash series. I have a question about the images you used with paint. What did you use to separate the different colors, if you don’t mind sharing? I’ve been trying for days and cannot figure it out. Any way hope all is well. Keep creating amazing work. Your an inspiration to students world wide. -dani lynch
Thank you so much for this info!!
I’m gonna almost freeze the water I use now, add soap and try the glicerin.
EXTREMELY valuable info! THANK YOU!
HI.. Sir your work is great.
Dear Martin,
The techniques you have mentioned are very extensive & too good for a learner like me. I have done the water droplet photography after going through your website & was able to get significant results.
Thanks much for sharing the info!!
Regards,
Sudhakar