In physics, refraction is the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another or from a gradual change in the medium. The mediums often used in photography are glass or water. It can be seen in these photos below, how things do not visually align when looking through a glass of water.
Refraction through a Prism
Refraction of light is the most commonly observed phenomenon, but other waves such as sound waves and water waves also experience refraction. Below white light is pointed into a prism and separated into the visual colors of the rainbow.
Hints for better close up refraction photos... Focus close up on the water droplets to see the objects behind the droplets. Keep your camera still and in focus by using a tripod, timer, or shutter release. Using glycerin makes the droplets more full. Use 1 part glycerin to 3 parts water. Using an eye dropper places the droplets better. Placing your objects around a white bounce setup or white wall and white papers keeps unwanted reflections out. Bright items such as flowers, colorful backgrounds, m&m's, or toys work well.
Refraction Photos
These are often set up and shot through glass, glasses, or spheres. Spheres and round wine glass shapes can make objects appear upside-down.
Assignment: 5 Refraction Photos Set up objects that you can use to shoot a series of Refraction Photos. Hand in your best 5 refraction photos as jpegs.
Hints: Examples of objects you might use: Clear drinking glasses, wine glasses, clear bottles, clear baking dishes, glass spheres, reading glasses, or marbles. Droplets of water, oil, or glycerine work best placed carefully with an eye dropper.
Putting an interesting design or colors on the inside or behind the see through objects can make interesting visual effects.
Blocking out distractions by using white walls, white paper, or white poster board helps to keep distractions out of your images.
Refraction Portraits
bend, distort, alter your portraits though refraction
Assignment:
5 Refraction Portraits or Animal Portraits Set up drinking glasses, magnifying glass, glass spheres, glass bottles, or other objects your can shoot your model through.
Hand in your best 5 refraction portrait photos as jpegs.
They may of the same model, animal, and set up, but should be all different angles and designs.