Lightbender by David McMahon
David McMahon

Lightbender by

No, it’s not the rear end of a zebra!

I shot this yesterday, as a simple visual experiment to illustrate the refraction of light when it passes through a surface of different density.

All I did was shoot this view of a black-and-white striped table mat with a heavy lead-crystal bowl on top of it. If you’d like to see a different viewpoint of the same experiment, this photo from the same series works just as well, shot from a diagonal viewpoint.

If you like what you see, let me know. On the other hand, if you have a better idea to illustrate refraction, I’d love to hear from you!

I do not crop, enhance or post-edit my images in any way. Shot with a Pentax K100D using a Sigma 18-125mm lens. F5.6, 1/45 sec, ISO 800, focal length 125mm.

146-8051

Favorite

Tags

refraction, lines, crystal, david mcmahon

Comments

  • Lesliebc
    Lesliebc5 months ago

    I had my grade 4 students put a pencil in a half-full glass of water and look at how the pencil appeared to be in two pieces. Great shot!

  • Thank you, Leslie. The experiment you mention is exactly what I remember from my own primary school days!

    – David McMahon

  • kenspics
    kenspics4 months ago

    Infinitely better than a fenderbender .. and a VERY beautiful illustration of the power of light refraction!!!

  • JUSTART
    JUSTART4 months ago

    cool shot

  • RobynLee
    RobynLeeabout 1 month ago