The Fascinating World of Water Drop Photography
Water drop photography is an art that captures the beauty of liquid in motion, freezing the moment a droplet collides with a surface or another drop. It requires patience, skill, and a keen eye for detail. Today, we sit down with an avid water drop photography enthusiast to learn about their passion, techniques, and creative journey.
The Art of Water Drop Photography
Water drop photography is a mesmerizing and intricate form of macro photography that reveals the hidden beauty of fluid dynamics. Every captured droplet is unique, forming incredible shapes, reflections, and colors that make for breathtaking images. For those fascinated by this art form, understanding the techniques and tools behind it is crucial.
What inspired you to start water drop photography?
"One day, while meditating on a large rock near my frog pond, I noticed a single water drop catching the light just right. I took a picture, and to my astonishment, the reflection was incredible. From that moment on, I was hooked. Whenever the weather allowed, I made it a habit to capture water drops in their natural setting. Every shot I take is done outdoors—no indoor setups, just nature and its magic."
What equipment do you use to capture these stunning shots?
"For my water drop photography, I primarily use an iPhone 15 Pro, switching between photo and portrait modes to capture the perfect shot. Recently, I invested in a Sandmarc macro and microscope lens, which attach to my iPhone and allow me to get even closer to the intricate details of each droplet. These lenses reveal an entirely new world within a single drop of water, making every shot a little adventure in discovery."
Can you walk us through your process of setting up a shoot?
"Of course! My process begins early in the morning, checking if the weather is in my favor. Sometimes, I’m lucky enough to catch raindrops forming, or I take advantage of the gardener watering the plants. Even misty mornings create perfect conditions for water drops to appear like tiny jewels. The key is to slow down, open my eyes, and look for the small, extraordinary details that nature offers.
I’m not afraid to step outside, no matter the weather. In fact, some of my favorite shots happen in extreme conditions. When it rains heavily, I get the chance to capture droplets in mid-air as they fall. On freezing days, I might discover stunning frozen droplets, stretched into long, delicate shapes—each one like a tiny ice sculpture. I love these moments because they offer something truly unique, fleeting, and magical.
Once I spot something special, I take out my iPhone and decide which mode works best—whether it’s photo, portrait, or using my macro gear for an even closer look. When everything is set, I enter a focused state, often holding my breath (aptiné mode!) to avoid even the slightest movement. It usually takes 10 to 15 shots—or sometimes even more—before I capture the perfect image.
Nature, however, is unpredictable. A gust of wind or a droplet falling too soon can mean starting over, but that’s part of the challenge. Patience and dedication are essential to getting that great shot. I also experiment with different backgrounds to make each image unique, ensuring my water drop photos can blend seamlessly into various artistic environments and connect with people in unexpected ways."
How do you achieve the perfect lighting and background for your shots?
"I take my shots at all times of the day, but the best ones are usually in the morning or late afternoon when the natural light is at its finest. The soft, golden glow during these hours creates beautiful reflections and enhances the tiny details within each droplet. I never use artificial lighting—everything I capture is purely illuminated by nature. The way sunlight filters through leaves, or the way shadows shift throughout the day, adds a unique and unpredictable beauty to every shot.
Sometimes, I discover special spots where water drops tend to reappear after rain. If I’m lucky, I can return a few days later and recreate a similar shot, though nature always adds its own variations. These recurring droplets feel like little gifts, offering me another chance to capture their fleeting beauty.
There have been times when I captured a beautifully detailed shot, but the light was a bit dull, making it less striking than I had hoped. That’s just part of the process—sometimes nature gives you the perfect drop but not the perfect light. It’s a game of patience, and when everything finally aligns, the result is truly magical."
What are some common challenges in water drop photography, and how do you overcome them?
"The biggest challenges in water drop photography come from Mother Nature herself. The wind can shake delicate droplets before I even get the chance to capture them, and if the rain is too heavy, I barely have time to take a shot before the drops vanish. Timing is everything.
Preparation is just as important. I need steady hands—no shaking—so sometimes I bring a small stool to sit on, helping me stay stable while I focus on the shot. Then there’s the sunlight; it might appear at the perfect moment, only to disappear behind a cloud the next second. And of course, there’s the technical side—sometimes my iPhone’s focus doesn’t lock in at the right moment, or I think I’ve taken an amazing shot, only to later realize that all the images are blurred.
It’s a constant challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting. Being out in nature, chasing these tiny, fleeting moments, and sharing them with the world is what I love most. Every drop is unique, and every successful shot feels like a little victory."
Do you use any liquids, additives, or coloring to alter or enhance the appearance of your water droplets?
"No, I don't use any special liquids or additives to alter the appearance of my droplets. Every droplet I capture is completely natural, showcasing the pure, unaltered beauty of nature in its finest form. I never use needles, artificial substances, or anything that changes the composition or color of the water. On rare occasions, I may use water from a bottle to support the natural journey of a droplet, but this is never about enhancing the droplet—just maintaining its natural flow. Water, driven by gravity, cannot be stopped, and only the natural path is possible. My intention is to follow that path as it unfolds, without manipulation."
How do you control the timing of the drops to capture unique collisions?
"I don’t rely on precise timing to control the drops. Instead, I simply stay ready and hold my breath, patiently waiting for the perfect moment. I can remain focused for long minutes, taking dozens of shots in anticipation, until I finally capture that unique collision — a fleeting moment of beauty that can't be replicated."
Can you share a memorable experience or a favorite shot you’ve taken?
"Absolutely! One time, while capturing a perfect water drop—exactly the one I call Beautiful Water Drop_V15—I lost my footing on the meditating rock near the frog pond and slipped right into the water. Luckily, I only ended up knee-deep, avoiding a full plunge into the pond. It wasn’t until I got home and dried off that I finally had the chance to review my shots. To my surprise, the shot turned out amazing, and even though I was soaking wet, it was totally worth it!"
What post-processing techniques do you use to enhance your images?
"I rarely enhance my images, as I truly appreciate the natural beauty they already possess. On occasion, I use software like Topaz Photo AI to sharpen certain details and make them a bit crisper, but I always aim to maintain the authentic essence of my shots. I do, however, ensure that all my images are formatted to high definition — 300 dpi and sized to 13x18 cm or 5 x 7 inches. While this process takes time, the most time-consuming part for me is selecting the best shots from the numerous ones I take. It’s important to me to constantly have fresh, new images ready for my audience and followers."
What inspired you to transform your digital pictures into digital oil paintings? Was there a specific moment or influence that led you to this idea?
"I've always had a deep love for oil paintings. My grandmother was a painter, and so is my sister—it's a part of my heritage, a tribute to them and their artistic legacy. I’ve always admired the works of painters like Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh. The way they capture light and use color is so captivating and beautiful. I thought, why not bring that same essence to my own photographs? That's why I decided to transform all of my shots into digital oil paintings, blending my love for both photography and classical painting.
Anyone can purchase either version—whether they prefer the original shots or the modified oil-painted ones. It all depends on their tastes and what they envision for them, whether it's a simple print, a framed piece for their wall, a billboard, a marketing campaign, or even an interior design project. With the variety I offer, I’m sure that everyone can find something to their liking. Even more, I can personally help them find what’s best for them based on their vision and needs."
Why have you chosen to put some of your digital pictures and digital oil paintings into frames in realistic scenes on Superbpictures?
I wanted to showcase my work in a way that helps people visualize how it would look in a real-world setting, which is why I decided to put my digital pictures and oil paintings into frames in realistic scenes. At home, I have many framed paintings of my grandmother, and I truly appreciate the impact of having art on the walls. I believe that when people see my environmental scenes displayed this way, they may feel inspired to purchase my digital art and frame it for themselves.
Among my creations, my water drop pieces stand out the most. They are highly versatile and can complement any type of environment—whether it’s colorful, dark, elegant, minimalist, artistic, modern, sophisticated, or timeless. Their adaptability makes them perfect for large framed prints, enhancing any space with a unique touch of visual harmony.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start experimenting with water drop photography?
"Be patient and take your time—water drop photography requires persistence. Invest in a good camera, but also focus on learning the basics of editing software like Photoshop, mainly for tasks like resizing your images. Don’t be afraid to step outside at any time to capture the perfect drop; water is all around us, and you never know when the right moment will happen. I really love going out and literally hunting for amazing droplets—it’s an exciting and fulfilling moment in one’s life. It’s funny because almost every day, I think I’ve found the best droplet, but every new day brings another one, and then another... it’s endless! Most importantly, develop a genuine love and appreciation for water—it's something we all need, and it’s the key to creating beautiful, meaningful shots. These moments are meant to be shared and, for the lucky ones, owned as pieces of my art captured through the lens of my camera, freezing amazing droplets forever."
CyMS at Superbpictures.com interviewed by his kids