Glass prism , how do you use it for creative photos?

The glass prism is used by a large number of photographers for creative photographs. If you, in your turn, would like to have such results, just read this article where we will cover some ideas and tips on how to use a glass prism to create some cool effects in pictures.

Glass prism, its definition :

Have you ever seen a rainbow disappearing because of the reflective glass inside the camera, and wondered how this could appear in the picture? Unfortunately, the small glass saws used in reflective glass do not fill the sufficient portion of the camera frame to provide a detailed picture. But if you want to have this effect, there is away.

The triple saws, usually found in university science laboratories, have become an increasingly popular tool for adding reflections and beautiful light to an image. Because the prisms are small, they are easy to carry in the camera bag and ready to be used in your next photo.

The physical properties of the prism :

You may be familiar with the triple prism and light characteristics of high school. Thus, the physical properties here follow the same approach. When the light beam (consisting of different electromagnetic waves of varying wavelengths) reaches a piece of glass directly, the light passes through it.

However, if the beam of light contacts the surface of the glass in one of the corners, the waves are bent, a phenomenon called refraction. Then, when the beam comes out through the other side of the prism, the waves bend again. The amount of curvature of light depends on the wavelength itself. Red bends in one corner, violet bends again, and so on until each color is separated into a rainbow that we see when we look through the prism.

As photographers, we take advantage of the full properties of light whenever we take a photo. The set of glass elements in the viewfinder directs light from the scene, translating it to the sensor. But by adding a glass prism to this process (in front of the lens), you can introduce some creative effects to your photos. The light, which usually meets at the lens first, is connected to the prism, which in turn disperses the light before being directed to the camera.

What you need

• Camera

• Triple prism 

• Lens cloth

This project includes only two components: a glass prism and a DSLR camera. In this project, I used a triple post that I bought from eBay for a few dollars. The glass prism or one-hand glass prism is ideal for this project. That is why I preferred to buy a publication of 8 x 2.5 cm. Keeping the lens cloth close is useful for removing fingerprints that may appear in the image.

How to use the glass prism 

Using a prism, a glass prism, to create distinctive photo effects requires a little trial and error, and a little bit of coordination as well. Since carrying the prism in front of the lens is the easy part. I recommend using the camera holder, as it will be tiring for you to hold the camera with one hand and the prism with the other hand. I also recommend using Live View to give you an accurate indication of the effect the post has without straining your eyes to stray reflections from the sun.

If you've taken some photos with the glass elements before, you'll know that the autofocus won't work. First, focus the camera on the subject with autofocus, then switch to manual focus. This way, the subject in the background will be really sharp, without letting the camera try to focus on the post itself.

Rotate the prism slowly, and monitor the effect on the camera screen. Without placing the prism away from the lens, or change your position depending on the sun to add different effects. Try changing the distance between the prism and the lens as well. When you find the reflection you want, take the picture.

Now that you have the basics, try changing your post. I usually switch between a triple prism and a hex prism. The hexagonal prism also offers a greater effect, but it tends to tarnish the image further, so you may want to try it as well.