How to shoot “Caustics”

ustic

Definition: Luminous curve of light often seen in a glass or cup of liquid either near the surface of the liquid, reflected onto the side of the container or projected onto a surface. * Formed by the intersection of rays of light (i.e. it is the locus of such intersections) which cross each other due to spherical aberration: rays near the centre converge less strongly than rays near the edge of the lens. * Occurs in reflection as well as refraction of light.

This tutorial has been inspired by the works of Alan Jaras. See here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanjaras/

Tools:

Camera with a removable lens

Any piece of glass

A “light modifier” (anything that allows light to pass from a small opening)

Adhesive (tape, etc.)

Light source (torch, led, etc.)