Water balloon explosion!

[zed]

First time trying this out. It's pretty fun.

http://jwkphoto.smugmug.com/photos/49024682-L.jpg

Anyone else ever do this type of shot before?

[jfriend]

First time trying this out. It's pretty fun.

Anyone else ever do this type of shot before?
What type of trigger did you use?

I'm fascianted with this type of stop-action photography. Awhile ago there was a thread in dpr about how to use a sound trigger to capture balloons popping. They were doing air-filled balloons. I was curious and wanted to build such a trigger some day. A quick Google search shows these links to similar cool images and techniques of a similar type:

http://www.trevorshp.com/photos.htm
http://courses.ncssm.edu/hsi/ie302/photos/2005-6/C2/a/Thumbs.htm

[zed]

I have seen some of the same links you put up. But, I also found what I think is a teacher at the school in your second link. He has a website where he sells different types of triggers. Very cheap for a sound trigger with delay is like $18. He shows you how to do everything...really, really good info if you like this kind of stuff. http://www.hiviz.com/index.html
I have not ordered anything yet. But, here is what I did (very easy and no special components).

Camera on tripod at one end of the bathtub.
Black construction paper taped to the wall at the other end.
Coat hanger, hanging from the shower head to hold the balloon.
Puncturing device in my left hand and the shutter release cable in the other.
Then it's all about timing...POP, shutter, repeat with the next balloon.
It will work with the flash mounted on the camera although I have a flash extension cable. So, my flash was on the outside of the tub on another tripod to the left of the balloon. The timing was really pretty easy since I was using both hands. And, since the balloon is hanging, it will hold it's shape for a little bit while it is falling. If you don't have a flash cable, leave the flash on the camera. Pointing the flash up to bounce off the ceiling will give you a nice lighting effect on the water. Overall, it will be a bit dark but you can lighten it up in PS.

[Art Scott]

First time trying this out. It's pretty fun.

http://jwkphoto.smugmug.com/photos/49024682-L.jpg

Anyone else ever do this type of shot before?

all i can saw is WOOOOOOOOOOW.:thumb :clap Nice job.

[Skippy]

First time trying this out. It's pretty fun.
Anyone else ever do this type of shot before?

Ive seen a shot of a bullet going through an egg :D

This is an amazing shot you've shown us here, and thank you for explaining just how you did it :clap excellent work Zed :clap Skippy (Australia)

[gtc]

an entertaining shot which has been well executed-thanks for the explanation

[Maestro]

First time trying this out. It's pretty fun.

http://jwkphoto.smugmug.com/photos/49024682-L.jpg

Anyone else ever do this type of shot before?

Absolutely love it! I have always loved capturing water in motion! :thumb