Mixing Beaters in Motion

[Mike Buckley]

I originally had the idea of making a photo of these mixing beaters throwing off water. I abandoned it once I realized the amount of water that would be thrown around my makeshift studio and then coupled that realization with the idea that I want to extend my 34-year marriage by at least one more day.

Setup
The mixer was positioned at the time of capture so the beaters were rising upward from the lower right corner. The background is black velvet. A small continuous-light lamp in the lower right area is pointing upward toward a white reflector suspended above the scene. A second white reflector is on the left side of the scene and a third one is underneath it. The lamp and reflectors brightly light the areas of the beaters that I wanted to appear that way. The image was then rotated 180 degrees.

[RandyRFJP]

I never would have thought to capture such an image. You certainly are creative, Mike, and the image is great!

[bnnrcn]

Nice image Mike It would certainly look nicer if the mixers were beating some water , but your final decision was very wise

BTW, how about shooting those mixers with some eggs ? (while not beating of course )

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[Wavelength]

This is a very creative idea; well executed; great

[JBW]

a small suggestion, either a little more or a little less of the machine. I find the top of the left beater mars the symmetry.

[Saorsa]

It's a cool idea and a neat shot. Water would splash too far. Have you considered a higher viscosity substance like honey at low speed? If necessary you could make it thicker with a little cornstarch.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, everyone!

BTW, how about shooting those mixers with some eggs ? (while not beating of course )

It would actually be fine to shoot them beating the eggs in a mixing bowl, so I might try that. Thanks for the idea!

Water would splash too far. Have you considered a higher viscosity substance like honey at low speed? If necessary you could make it thicker with a little cornstarch.

Thanks for that discussion. I wasn't concerned that water would splash too far; instead, I was concerned after putting some water on the beaters that way too much water would be required to get a decent effect. I thought of thickening the water with glycerine so more of it would be on the beaters when they start moving. Hard for me to explain, so I might have done a poor job of it.

As for the speed of the beaters, the mixer's slowest speed was way too fast for producing the effect I wanted and got, at least for the first few shutter speeds I tried. The above photo was made by turning the mixer on, turning it off, waiting for the beaters to slow to nearly a complete stop, and then releasing the shutter. When using a liquid, I'll probably have to figure out the right timing of releasing the shutter relative to when the mixer is turned on and the beaters start turning.

After giving everything more thought, I think I could shoot the scene outdoors at night, where it wouldn't matter how much liquid gets thrown around.

If you have any more ideas, please don't keep them a secret!

[Rainforest]

Now that is creative - a night shoot with egg beaters. Marriage stays intact and minimal clean up. You've got me thinking about whisks and assorted liquids and maybe a hand in the shot......

[Mike Buckley]

You've got me thinking about whisks and assorted liquids and maybe a hand in the shot......

I look forward to viewing your forthcoming photos! Get crackin'!