Oil on Water

I am currently working on oil and water photographs for for Level 2 Award - called AIPF - with the Irish Photographic Federation. Having completed and passing the more general LIPF Award in 2018, the requirement is for photographers to get more specific. Though I shoot a lot of landscape photos I have been very successful in my camera club winning the abstract competitions over the past 3 years. And so i am looking for advice, tips etc for shooting oil on water.

I shoot with a Sony A7R3 and the Sony SEL FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS lens

I have a room that I have set up a tripod, a new large clear baking/oven dish, normally 2cm of water, Olive Oil, a little washing up liquid (too much and bubbles appear), coloured and reflective paper for under the dish, a camera switch and 2 large piles of National Geographic with a an old framed window to bridge the 2 stacks and on which to place the baking tray and of course a level for the dish and the over head camera.

I usually shoot at F4-7.1 ish. When I shot at F2.8, it was nearly impossible to get all the photo in focus. I can shoot at anything from 1/20th of a second to 1/100th. ISO at 50 or 100.

I also use a portable flash with the controller attached to the camera.

I am posting 2 shots taken for this project below. They are not 100% edited but are samplers of what i am doing.

I would really appreciate advice, tips, shared experiences with what worked and didn't work when tackling Oil on Water Photography or if there is a similar yet different technique that you have used or that you have come across on the likes of Pinterest etc, please share how it shot/Taken/accomplishe​d.

There are many different variations and it can be a very rewarding form of photography when it is successful.

Thanks in advance,

Fergus Cooper

Really like image 2. Very strong and graphic.

Can't offer any advise but interested so will follow.

I don't get it. #1 looks like a movie projector jammed and the hot lamp melted the film. I find #2 appealing... from what the heck is that??? perspective.