DECEMBER 2018 • NEBRASKAland 25
Soap Bubble Magic
Snowflakes are not the only subject
Komarechka photographs during the
winter. Below, Komarechka explains
his method for producing beautiful
pictures of freezing soap bubbles.
"To create a freezing soap bubble
image, at least the way I do it, start by
lighting the bubble from behind with a
bright LED flashlight. A Fresnel sheet
magnifier can be used to refocus the
light to be intensified over the bubble.
To create the bubble, the formula is:
6 parts water
2 parts dish soap
1 part white corn syrup
The white corn syrup serves as a
'cushion.' When the bubble is blown
from the end of a drinking straw,
the syrup pools at the bottom of the
bubble. When gently placed onto
snow, this cushion prevents the
bubble from popping instantly.
Temperatures between around -4 F
and 17.6 F work best, with absolutely
no wind. Even a little whisper of wind
will knock the bubble about and it will
pop/shatter.
Freezing soap bubble images are
best taken when the bubble hasn't yet
completely frozen solid, so that you
can see a variety of 'puzzle pieces'
all about to connect together. You
need to work fast, as most bubbles
will freeze completely solid in around
10 seconds. There is a lot of trial and
error involved, but once you get the
hang of the technique you can start to
use other foreground objects beyond
just snow. I've used mineral samples,
a branch from my Christmas tree,
flowers and more. It's a fun winter
activity!"