How to photograph a milk splash at home

Samer

A dark room, one flash and a lot of spilt milk: a step-by-step guide to liquid photography with gear you already own.

A splash of milk rising from a glass against a blue sky

Splash shots look like studio magic, but most of them are made on a kitchen table.

The set-up

Place a clear glass in front of a plain backdrop, with one flash to the side and slightly behind it. Turn off the room lights so the flash, not the shutter, freezes the movement.

Focus before you pour

Hold a spoon where the splash will be, focus on it and take it away. Switch to manual focus so the camera does not hunt during the shot.

Pour, shoot, repeat

Ask a friend to pour while you press the shutter, or use a remote. Expect fifty frames for one keeper. Full-fat milk gives smoother, whiter shapes than water.

Clean up the frame

Remove stray drops from the backdrop in editing and lift the whites gently so the milk keeps its texture.