Shooting splashes is always great fun, even if it’s a simple image with a coffee cup and a falling piece of refined sugar. Plus, there is always so much room for experimentation—in other words, for even more fun!

When I made the “Empty Cup” image, many people asked me how I shot it. And I thought it would be better to show you in a step-by-step breakdown rather then answer individual questions. So, this is how:

1. Props

First of all you will need a solid background (paper or set of boards only will make things more complicated; I used a sheet of painted plywood), a large syringe without needle, glue gun, reliable double sided tape and any components of your still life that you like.

Besides that, as for any splash shooting, you will need a tripod and an external flash.

2. Set up

Arrange a still life composition, keeping in mind that it will be turned upside down. Make sure that it’s a composition you like to see, because later there won’t be a chance to modify it.

And now glue everything steady to the background. Use the double sided tape for light wooden items and the glue gun for heavy glass ones (and eventually for cookies and napkin).

Check whether everything is held down firmly, and then turn the background upside down. I put mine on two sheets of painted plywood; the right one, since it’s pained white, actually works as a makeshift reflector.

It’s very important to make sure that your construction is steady and still.

3. Lighting

For lighting, I used a typical speedlight on low power (1/8 up to 1/128 of the power provides a very short pulse that will freeze the motion of liquid) and set to RPT mode, which allows it to take a few shots in a row.

I also used a softbox, and as mentioned previously, the sheet of plywood on the right side played the role of reflector.

4. Have fun!

Now fill the syringe with coffee, milk, or any other liquid, point it up, and start spraying! Make circular motions the entire time so you can get a twisted splash. This is the best part, isn’t it!?

After shooting you can choose the most beautiful splashes and combine them in Photoshop into one picture. Than you can give your image a little polish (i.e. adjust the tone and contrast) and voila!

The Results

Hope it didn’t turn into a giant mess and you had fun.

Stay inspired and good luck!

About the Author

Dina Belenko is a freelance photographer based in Khabarovsk, Russia.  With a passion for still life photography, Dina brings her scenes into existence in lively and animated fashion.  Samples of her stunning work can be viewed at 500px and her blog. This tutorial was also published here and shared with permission.