There are many different camera settings which will effectively capture frozen soap bubbles, but the most important thing I learned this year is that the temperature must be below zero to make it work consistently. Also, I found that I get better results using a speedlight (flash). As soon as the bubble is blown, gravity causes the water within the bubble walls to drain downward, meaning that the ice crystals forming in the water will be moving; and there’s nothing that “freezes” movement better than a flash!
Another helpful tip is to capture the bubble at f/18 to increase the depth of field, allowing us to capture more crystals in sharp focus. We must be able to click the shutter immediately after the bubble is formed, because the best crystals form quickly, before the entire bubble freezes!
My bubble with the dark blue background was captured at night when the temperature was -5°F (-20°C). I had a speedlight on a tall stand pointing downward toward the top of the bubble, and one off to the side angled onto a blue backboard. Yes, this created an unwanted bright spot on the top of the bubble, but this was easily removed in post.
My bubble with the orange crystals was captured at sunrise when the temperature was -8°F (-22°C). It was backlit by the rising sun. I used no flash, but it would have been even better had I done so.
Here is the frozen bubble soap recipe which I have found to be the most effective.
- 7 oz warm water (to help dissolve the ingredients)
- 1 oz Palmolive liquid dish soap
- 1 oz corn syrup, Karo® syrup, or vegetable glycerin (to thicken the bubble, rendering it less likely to pop prematurely)
- 2 T sugar (to aid in crystal formation)
There will always be lots of bubbles that pop prematurely. But, if we are persistent and the temperature is below zero, we will eventually be successful!