Refraction Photography

In this lesson you will learn how to create a photograph of a refracted image. You will then edit the photographs using your mobile phone or Photopea.

This lesson is in three parts:

  • Part 1 - What is refraction?

  • Part 2 - How to take a refracted photograph.

  • Part 3 - How to edit a refracted photograph.


WAGOLL:

Below are examples of some of the refraction photographs you could take after following these tutorials. Click on the 'student examples' link to see real student creations.

Part 1 - What is refraction?

1.Refraction is what happens when light waves (or radio waves etc) travel through mediums of different density. For example, when light waves travel through objects such as glass and water. The light wave is 'deflected' (changes direction) as it travels through. This can look very cool visually.

2. Do a quick Google image search of 'refraction photographs'. Look at the effect that happens when light travels through air, water and glass.

3. Choose your favourite refracted image and save it to your device.

4. Describe what is happening to the light in your image. How does it get refracted?

Part 2 - How to take a refracted Photograph

1. Watch this YouTube video which will show you how to take a refracted photograph: https://youtu.be/-2Y7o7ESMxU

2. Find a nice clear glass and fill it with water. Then search your house for clothes, paper, cushions etc that have interesting patterns on them. Set up your shot and place the glass of water in front. Take a variety photographs from different angles. You could also experiment with placing objects behind the water and document how the image is refracted with photographs.

Part 3 - How to edit your refracted Photograph

Once you have taken your photographs you will need to edit them. There are 3 options for you at this stage:

Option 1 - Edit your photographs on your computer using https://www.photopea.com/

Option 2 - Edit your photographs on your mobile device using https://www.photopea.com/

Option 3 - Edit your photographs on your mobile device using the gallery editing tools.

Decide which option you want to use and watch the video tutorial below to learn how to do it.


Option 1: Using Photopea on a Computer

Option 2: Using Photopea on a Mobile Device

Option 3 Using the image editing tools on your mobile device