Fluid Forms: How Liquid Can Transform Product Photography:
Following on from my last post, I thought you might be interested in another technique for photographing liquids - a way to introduce organic motion and texture into product imagery. This approach involves the interaction of two or more liquids, creating visual effects that range from delicate, wispy tendrils curling around a product to more dramatic, opaque ripples that allow the product to emerge from within.
The Unique Aesthetic of Liquid Interactions
What makes this technique so compelling is the sheer range of moods and textures it can evoke. Depending on the choice of liquids, their densities, and the way they are introduced into the scene, the results can vary dramatically.
The Process - Experimentation and Precision
Unlike a straightforward packshot, this method is anything but predictable. Originally we had a vision of the final effect but no set formula for achieving it. Instead, the process required extensive testing, patience, and an understanding of the physics at play - primarily gravity and the subtle differences in liquid densities.
We experimented with a wide range of substances, from diluted paints to oils, but ultimately, we found that inks provided the perfect balance of fluidity and opacity. Their ability to disperse slowly, creating organic and evolving shapes, was exactly what we needed.
The setup involved a large 3’x2’x2’ water tank, with the product carefully positioned using rods for precise control. The secondary liquid was introduced via large syringes and thin tubes, allowing us to direct its movement and interaction with the product. But even with careful placement, each take was fleeting - once the ink dispersed, the shot was lost, requiring the entire tank to be drained, meticulously cleaned, and refilled before we could attempt the next. Even with a large electric pump, this reset process was time-consuming, limiting us to just a handful of shots per setup.
The Final Steps
For the completed compositions - such as with the two perfume shots - an additional step was required. After capturing the liquid interactions in water, we rephotographed the product separately, ensuring perfect lighting and clarity. The two elements were then merged in post, allowing the product to be seen in pristine detail while maintaining the organic beauty of the ink and water interaction.
This technique is time-intensive, but the results speak for themselves. When done right, it elevates product photography beyond simple packshots, transforming it into something almost sculptural - an image that feels alive, dynamic, and captivating.
Cheers to Thomas Mountney and Simon Mountney for all their help and patience.
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