Macro photography projects can be some of the most creative ways to experiment with textures and colors at home. One fascinating technique involves using oil and water to create mesmerizing patterns, offering infinite possibilities for unique shots. It’s a simple setup, yet it delivers results that can rival more elaborate methods.
Coming to you from Andrew Lanxon Photography, this inspiring video breaks down how to craft striking macro shots of oil on water. The process begins with a clear container filled with water and a small amount of oil, like baby oil. Baby oil is preferred for its clarity compared to cooking oils, which can leave a yellow tint. The container is placed over a colored background, and the interplay of oil, water, and light creates stunning visual effects.
Lanxon uses a 100mm macro lens mounted on a light stand for overhead shots. However, he acknowledges that specialized equipment isn’t necessary. Affordable overhead rigs or even a tripod with a tilting center column can achieve similar results. Lighting plays a crucial role, with an LED panel illuminating the background rather than the oil and water directly. Adjusting the light’s position and intensity creates variations in the colors and patterns.
One key tip involves using a shallow depth of field to blur the background while keeping the oil droplets in focus. Lanxon experiments with aperture settings, finding a balance between background blur and detail by shooting at around f/5. Distance also matters—keeping the oil close to the camera lens while maintaining separation from the background enhances the effect.
In addition to the technical setup, Lanxon discusses how to manipulate the oil to create dynamic compositions. Using a simple tool like a screwdriver, he stirs the oil gently to produce patterns, from tranquil orbs to chaotic swirls. He emphasizes that no two shots will ever be the same, making this project endlessly unique. Changing background colors or shifting light positions further alters the mood of each shot, from vibrant and psychedelic to minimalist monochrome.
Post-processing is another essential aspect. Lanxon shows how to clean up distractions like dust or small bubbles in Lightroom and Photoshop. He enhances contrast, sharpness, and colors to refine the final image while preserving the organic feel of the patterns. This careful editing brings out the beauty of the oil's interaction with light and water. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lanxon.
If you would like to continue learning about macro photography, be sure to check out "Mastering Macro Photography: The Complete Shooting and Editing Tutorial With Andres Moline!"
