I occasionally photos like the one attached. This one is a finalist in the CUPOTY awards but some similar ones are out there. I’m not sure what to call the effect, therefore it’s hard to search for technique tips. Can anyone shed some light on how this effect is achieved? Is it a type of filter?

No personal experience, but my best guess would be manual focus, possibly from a tripod, a buddy blowing a thin stream of bubbles with a second stage between the lens and the subject, and lots of attempts. The effect looks more like lensing than a reflection.

On 10/30/2024 at 11:30 PM, LeafySeaDragon said:

I occasionally photos like the one attached. This one is a finalist in the CUPOTY awards but some similar ones are out there. I’m not sure what to call the effect, therefore it’s hard to search for technique tips. Can anyone shed some light on how this effect is achieved? Is it a type of filter?

I would guess that the photographer put a piece of glass over the subject and introduced a few bubbles underneath it. It probably required a platform on the glass to keep it in place.

 

While some contests allow for created edits, I don't think a filter or AI construct would be allowed.

Edited November 28, 2024Nov 28 by Dave_Hicks

If a macro lens focuses close enough, maybe its possible to do similar to what @Dave_Hicks suggests trapping bubbles on a flat port.

Yeah, my guess was trapping bubbles. Perhaps in an old port or even in an inverted glass. That might be easier than using a sheet of glass. 

putting a uv flter to the port and 'burp' it?

Wouldn't trapped bubbles get distorted by the surface they're trapped against? These look perfectly circular, and not on the same plane either.

Thanks all. I found a description on Jenny Stock’s Instagram site. She did trap bubbles on plastic/ Perspex and focussed on the bubbles