100-megapixel waterdrops

Getting setup



One of our first images using the GFX100



f/8 3-seconds ISO 100 GF120mm

 

We began shooting waterdrops about 2-years ago using a 50-megapixel Fujifilm GFX50s and upgraded to a 100-megapixel GFX100 about 6-months ago.  I’ll admit that shooting waterdrops with the GFX100 wasn’t high on our to do list. The GFX100 is perfect for landscape, nature and wildlife and it wasn’t until recently that we even thought about shooting waterdrops again.

f/8 2-seconds ISO 50 GF120mm

 

We’ve been using the same lens; the GFX120 with and without the MCEX-45G or 18G extension tubes. Likewise, the flashes remain the same as we used previously.

Changing the water color as well as the background can change the outcome significantly.

f/8 3-seconds ISO100 GF120mm

 

f/8 2-seconds ISO 100 GF120mm

 

The one item that has changed is the method of dropping the water. We went through about three different systems before finding one that works best for us; the MIOPS Splash Waterdrop kit.

f/8 3-seconds ISO 100 GF120mm

 

f/8 3-seconds ISO 100 GF120mm

 

Set the MIOPS up on a tabletop tripod and drop into a small bowl of water. Connecting the MIOPS to a flash is easily done with one cable. The remaining flashes are slaved to the main flash which gives us between 2 and 3 flashes should we wish to use them. The MIOPS is connected to our Android cellphone.

 

 

 

f/8 3-seconds ISO 100 GF120mm

 

f/8 3-seconds ISO 100 GF120mm

 

The app on the phone controls the size of the drops, delay in dropping as well as the flash delays. The camera sits on a Platypod tabletop pod along with using a QR plate, Arca Swiss head and occasionally a focusing rail. We also can’t forget the wired remote to the camera.

 

f/8 3-seconds ISO 50 GF120mm

 

f/8 3-seconds ISO 50 GF120mm

 

Just a note on settings. Remember, this is medium format thus the camera setting will differ from that of a 35mm camera. We routinely use 2-flash units but sometimes 3. The f/stop is normally set at either f/8 or f/11 for the GF120. While we've included the shutter time please remember that this is the total time between opening the shutter, pressing the drop button then closing the shutter. One hand holds the shutter release - one hand is pressing the drop button on the phone. The timing in reality is much faster.  

We had been using our garage as the wet studio however it can get ungodly hot here in Tucson and just this year moved into the kitchen.

We'll be doing more as the summer progresses so please stay tuned. Feel free to leave a comment or question and we'll get back to you.


Sandy & Don