Creative Photography with Ices Cubes

Creative photography of a glass of Coke (it was actually Pepsi) was a project that I did way back when I first started enjoying the art. It was very simple and could be done almost anywhere with very few supplies.

You can create amazing results that will show in your photographs with a few glasses, ice cubes and some soda as your main components.

You will also need a sheet of either glass or Plexiglas, a few large sheets of black sturdy paper or construction paper, some black spray paint (just in case) and off course your photographic gear which should include a sturdy tripod and perhaps an electronic shutter release.

Don't forget a photo lamp, but don't worry if you don't have one. A simple regular everyday light will do.

Get several clear glasses that are the same, size does not matter, put ice cubes and fill them with your choice of soda pop.

Colors or rather flavors, that work better are Coke or Pepsi, strawberry, orange lemon/lime and most anything in between. Clear ones like Sprite can work but you need to add more ice in order to block any possible background elements from showing in your images.

The set up includes getting a large sheet of black sturdy paper or construction paper and punch out small holes on which you will be placing individual soda filled glasses.

Next get two plastic milk crates from your local grocer which will be used to prop the glass sheet. Underneath the glass sheet goes the black paper sheet. The photo lamp goes in between the milk crates and aimed at the bottom of the paper.

Do not place the ice or the soda in the glasses until almost ready to begin since the lamp will rush the melting process of the ices cubes.

You have to set yourself to be looking straight down at the set up. Turn off all the lights, set your camera for night exposure or do it manually; a second or two should be enough and take the shot. The reason for conducting the project in almost total darkness is to lessen the presence of the glass itself and the idea of taking the shot from directly above the subject(s) is to minimize showing the glass which can occur if shot at an angle.

You can play with the designs until satisfied; do one glass at a time or multiple ones at once, use them to create shapes, words and so on. It's as simple as that.

These images are abstract thus they fit any genre for which abstract art would be used. Most photography publications can use them and so will art galleries. The key is to show detail but not that much that one can immediately tell what it is that they are looking at. Use a regular 55mm lens. That's really all you need.

The best part of this project besides having yet another opportunity or excuse to take photos is that if you get thirsty after completing the shoot, well at least you know where to get some relief!