Crystal Ball Refraction Photography That Will Blow Your Mind!

What Is Crystal Ball Refraction Photography

Crystal ball refraction photography is when the light is bent through the sphere and inverts the picture.  The light through the sphere causes it to be curved and distorted.  Imagine the creative pictures you can create!

This picture is of a condo and its reflection in a pool of water.  Can you see the upside-down egret in the pool?  He was in the pool.

Where To Find A Crystal Ball

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Awhile back, I noticed a crystal sphere on Pinterest.  This crystal sphere allows you to take refraction photos that reveal the background in the ball.  How cool is that?  Under fifteen dollars, this sphere is relatively inexpensive. Totally intrigued, I ordered one from Amazon.  With Prime, it is delivered quickly, you know.

This ball has a 3-inch diameter.  It came with a bag, a cloth for wiping fingerprints, and a stand.

[ctt template=”8″ link=”vCjil” via=”no” ]Crystal ball refraction photography is when the light is bent through the sphere and inverts the picture. [/ctt]

Using The Crystal Ball

However, I’ve held on to it for a while now, anxiously awaiting a trip to the beach.  For whatever reason, my thought was that it would be the best place to use to photograph the sphere.  Okay, after focusing on taking pictures at the beach, I realized that this could be used in tons of other places and situations for amazing photos.  Unlike yours truly, be wise and practice around your home first!

 

 

Dave and I got up early one morning and walked to the pier while we were staying at the beach.  Excited to take pictures with this crystal ball, I probably wasn’t thinking completely straight.  The crystal ball sat in my hot little hand as we walked along the edge of the ocean.

I snapped this picture and didn’t even see the fingerprint right on top of the sun.  The crystal ball is heavier than you might think.  The cloth to wipe off fingerprints in the camera case didn’t even come to mind.  Pretty happy with the picture except for that fingerprint right on the sun!

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Tips For Taking Pictures With The Crystal Ball

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Tip 1 – Be sure to keep your fingerprints wiped from the crystal ball.  This crystal ball came in a cloth bag, with a clear stand, and a cloth to clean it.

Tip 2 – A macro or a wide-angle lens works best for this type of photography.  With the macro lens, you can fill the frame with the crystal ball.  It looks best if the picture in the crystal ball is in focus and the area around it is blurred.

Tip 3 – If you like, the picture can be flipped so the image is right-side up.

Tip 4 – You can hold the ball with your fingers, hold in the palm of your hand, have someone else hold it, rest on the stand that comes with it, rest on the grass, sand, etc.  Be sure it is resting securely so it won’t roll.  You can also use a bottle cap to hold the crystal ball.

Tip 5 – Be aware of where the light is coming from because the ball can reflect your image in it, too.  (Maybe that is what you want for a different look…)

Tip 6 – Don’t have a crystal ball but want to achieve this look?  Use a wine glass filled with water.  The more rounded glass works better.

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A Caution

One thing to be aware of is that the crystal ball is like a big magnifying glass and, if left in the hot sun, could cause a fire hazard.  Recently, we've heard how water bottles left in cars with the sun beating down can cause a fire.  Just be careful and aware.

You can find many other tips and information on Crystal Ball Refraction ◄ here on Pinterest.

In Conclusion

My favorites using the crystal ball seem to be the architectural shots of the pier but this adventure is just beginning!  Flower gardens are my next subjects.  Hey, now you know that you can do this, too!  Get out a wine glass or order one of these crystal balls and begin your own adventure. 

 

 

 

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