Ever wondered how photographers capture the exact moment a balloon bursts or a drop of water forms a perfect crown? With a few simple tools and a smart trigger, you can create those stunning high-speed shots right at home. In this guide, we’ll show you 10 easy and creative high-speed photography experiments you can try indoors — no studio required.
Materials & Equipment You’ll Need
- Camera: DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone with high-speed capabilities
- Camera triggers: MIOPS Smart+, MIOPS Splash, or any sound/laser trigger
- External flashes: Adjustable power and short duration
- Tripod: Stable and sturdy
- Backdrop: Black, white, or colorful fabric
- Household items: Balloons, water, fruits, ice cubes, paint, soap bubbles, flour, chalk
- Optional accessories: Colored gels, reflectors, spray bottles, containers
1. Popping Water Balloons
Fill balloons with colored water, pin them to a wall, or hang them with string. Pop the balloon using a needle or dart and capture the exact moment it bursts using a sound or laser trigger like the MIOPS Smart+.
Tip: Use a black backdrop and colored light gels for maximum effect.
2. Shattering Glass or Chalk
Strike a piece of chalk, a light bulb, or a thin glass sheet and freeze the moment it breaks. Safety is key: wear goggles and gloves, and work behind a backdrop.
Settings: ISO 100, f/8, flash at 1/32 power, shutter 1/200s.
3. Dancing Water Drops
Use a MIOPS Splash Kit to control droplet size, interval, and timing. Experiment with droplet collisions, varying heights, and colored water to create crown shapes and abstract liquid sculptures.
4. Flying Fruit or Vegetables
Throw or drop fruit and freeze it mid-air using a laser trigger. Try slicing fruits like strawberries, oranges, or kiwis for vibrant, dynamic compositions.
5. Colorful Paint Splashes
Drop acrylic paint onto a speaker cone covered with plastic wrap. Play a short bass sound and capture the paint as it leaps up using a sound trigger. Combine multiple colors for abstract compositions.
6. Bursting Soap Bubbles
Soap bubbles pop in milliseconds, making them ideal for high-speed shots. Add glycerin to bubbles for longer life and backlight them for a glowing effect.
7. Splashes in a Glass
Drop ice cubes or small objects into a glass of colored water. Freeze the exact splash moment using a laser trigger or careful manual timing. Try different liquids like milk or juice for interesting textures.
8. Exploding Powder or Flour
Create a controlled puff of flour, chalk dust, or colored powder. Capture abstract textures and motion. Work in a ventilated space, avoid sparks, and use safety goggles and masks.
9. Falling Objects and Gravity Shots
Drop coins, marbles, or toys into liquids or onto other objects. Freeze the impact to capture dramatic splash or bounce effects. Adjust drop height and use flashes for crisp results.
10. Bursting Balloons with Arrows or Darts
Add action by popping balloons with darts. Capture both the projectile and the burst using dual triggers. Sync flashes slightly after the trigger for perfect timing.
Bonus Indoor Ideas
- Exploding fruits with compressed air for dramatic effect
- High-speed ink drops into milk for abstract compositions
- Playing with colored gels and shadows for creative motion shots
Final Thoughts
High-speed photography isn’t about expensive gear — it’s about precision, creativity, and curiosity. Using a smart trigger like MIOPS Smart+ or MIOPS Splash, you can turn everyday objects into extraordinary art. Start with simple experiments, adjust timing, and play with lighting to capture the world in a way your eyes can’t see.
