Bronze Photography and Photo Manipulation Design · 2023
Frozen Splash Artistic Photos
by Hassan Taher
- A' Design Award 2023 Bronze Winner in Photography and Photo Manipulation Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Hassan Taher
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 50,074
- Verification code C84F818A5A · Verify this award
About Frozen Splash Artistic Photos
Frozen Splash is a series of artistic photographs of tea splashes. The images were made during an experimental studio session in Kuwait. Cups were tied to a transparent rope and pulled, so the liquid was thrown into the air. A speedlight flash placed in the background froze the motion, and careful shutter timing captured the splash within a fraction of a second. The raw files were then color corrected and edited with digital software. Each pull of the thread formed a different shape, so every image is unique.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This was an experimental photo session that captured drink splashes, this was done using speedlite flash (Godox V1) in the background to freeze the splash of tea and a Canon 5D M4 camera along with a 24-70mm Canon Lens. The cups are tied to a transparent rope, when pulled create stunning splashes which are also considered as a type of "Art by Accident". Moving the thread at different times and in different directions create unique splashes that created these artistic photographs.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- JPEG Files
- Tags
- photography, water, splash, tea, spill, frozen, liquid, drink, photoshoot
- Production Technology
- Raw Photos were taken using the Canon camera, and the images was then edits for color correction in Adobe Lightroom and then edited in Adobe Photoshop
- Design Challenge
- Capturing the photos at the right moment, the splash happens in a milli second and to capture this at the right time and in the right moment is the most challenging part in this shoot
- Project Duration
- The project was shot in July 2020 in Kuwait
- Operation Flow
- The most important factors in this shoot is the light set up and shutter timing. Fast speedlight help freeze the motion and the shutterspeed capture this on time. Timing the shutterspeed with the movement of the cups can be very difficult and sometimes might require the help of a second person. At this stage there is no right or wrong, photos clicked earlier or later can also be different and can create unexpected results
- Research
- Digital research and online courses, continuous testing and practical experimenting with different items to get the best results
- Inspiration
- Photography is a challenging profession and requires a lot of skill and experiments. Perfecting the lighting setup and technicalities is a never ending process that inspires & motivates him to learn something new. He has always been inspired with the flying food and liquids photography from people like Karl Taylor, Ali Arbes and others which also inspired him to try it himself, where he was able to come with unique results.
- Image Credits
- #1: Photographer Hassan Taher / Graphic Designer / Hassan Abdullah Taher / Frozen Splash / 2020 /
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Hassan Taher, 2021
Colors of Frozen Splash Artistic Photos
Grand Interview about Frozen Splash Artistic Photos
"The success of 'Frozen Splash Artistic Photos' is deeply rooted in the meticulous coordination of lighting and timing. A Godox V1 Speedlite flash, positioned strategically behind the subject at a lower angle and directed upwards at the wall, expertly freezes each splash at the critical moment. This setup creates vivid contrasts and brilliantly accentuates the liquid’s dynamic movement. Synchronizing the high-speed shutter settings on the Canon 5D Mark IV with the precise moment of pulling transparent strings tied to the cups was essential in capturing these ephemeral artistic expressions."
The intricate patterns formed by the suspended liquid in these photos emerge from my fascination with capturing fleeting moments that reveal the unseen dynamics of time and motion. Inspired by the pioneering high-speed liquid photography of Karl Taylor and Ali Arbes, I was driven to push traditional photography boundaries, exploring how motion, often invisible to the naked eye, can be artistically captured and appreciated.
The distinctive use of transparent string in "Frozen Splash Artistic Photos" originated from innovative experiments with everyday objects. This setup allowed controlled yet unpredictable results, refining a technique that enhances the dynamic interaction between liquid and air, and capturing each splash as a unique piece of art.
The "Art by Accident" concept in the Frozen Splash series is a celebration of the unexpected. This artistic approach stems from the belief that some of the most striking artworks are born from unplanned results. By embracing unpredictability, I ventured into various dynamic splash techniques, leading to unique and captivating images that traditional methods might not achieve.
One unexpected challenge was ensuring perfect synchronization between pulling the string and triggering the camera's shutter. This intricate dance of timing often felt like orchestrating a splash symphony in my living room, which, despite the chaos (and a fair amount of spilled tea), enriched my understanding of motion capture. This has ingrained a deep appreciation for flexibility and creative adaptability in my photographic work.
My graphic design background profoundly influences my approach to photography. In "Frozen Splash Artistic Photos," I applied design principles to enhance visual storytelling, using composition techniques to focus viewer attention and sophisticated post-processing to refine each photo's aesthetic, transforming simple tea cups into visually striking elements.
For photographers interested in liquid photography, patience and persistence are key. The complexity of capturing liquid motion requires experimenting with various techniques, understanding the interactions of liquids with other substances, and mastering the right lighting setup. The right moment can transform a simple splash into a breathtaking piece of art.
A significant learning moment in this project came from gaining a deeper understanding of our lighting equipment and the nuances of how different setups impacted our images. Experimenting with various speeds, the reloading time it required for taking multiple images, and how the camera reacted to these changes were crucial. Additionally, adjusting the pulling speeds and angles of the strings provided pivotal insights into capturing the perfect splash. These experiments not only enhanced my ability to capture motion but also opened up endless possibilities for creative expression in high-speed photography.
The success of this project has spurred me to further explore and challenge myself in real-time photoshoots for clients, aiming to capture spontaneous and artful moments. This journey into dynamic photography encourages continuous innovation, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with a camera and a visionary outlook.
For photographers venturing into experimental photography, my advice is to embrace both the technical and the unpredictable. Stay open to experimentation—sometimes a simple change, like changing a cup’s shape used in a shoot, can lead to a dramatically different and visually intriguing outcome. Always be ready to capture the unplanned, as these moments often yield the most artistically fulfilling results.