Method

In our project, we found the best equipment and measurements to use in creating the clearest images of the spray coming from smashed soda cans.  

The main pieces of equipment we used were a Sony DKC-FP3 camera, a Vivitar 283 flash unit, and a sound trigger with a delay unit.  

We found, after many trials, that these were the best measurements for our camera to capture the spray from the can:

We chose an aperture of f/6.2 and a film sensitivity of 100 because these two options gave us the right amount of light to create a good sized depth-of-field, did not cause over-exposure, and provided enough light to illuminate the subject.  

We put our flash in yellow mode, as this causes the flash to be the shortest.  A short flash is optimal for high speed imaging, as it captures the image quickly. 

We added a sound trigger to the flash so that the sound of the hammer hitting the can would cause the flash to light.  We added a delay unit to the trigger so that the flash would not go off immediately when the hammer hit the can.  The flash actually went off about .013s later, catching the smashing of the can at a prime time of spray.  

The delay unit also had an option that disabled the flash several seconds after it initially went off.  This kept the flash unit from going off twice and double-exposing the image.  

To see the set-up we used for our experiments, visit our Diagram page.

Step 1:

We found that the spray was much better with cold sodas rather than warm sodas, so we refrigerated sodas for a day or so before using them.  When we were ready to take the picture, we shook the can as much as possible, opened the can slightly so that the pressure wouldn't build up too much, and centered the can in front of the camera.

Step 2:

We turned off the room lights, and, to make sure that our actions were synchronized, we counted down to when the shutter button was pressed.  (At this time, the camera was already set on the measurements in the table above.)

Step 3:

When the shutter was pressed (opened), the person holding the hammer smashed the can as quickly as possible, being careful not to lift the hammer afterwards, reducing extra motion.                                                                                                       

The sound of the hammer hitting the can triggered the flash.  The delay device prevented the flash from going off twice, which gave us the double exposures that can be seen in our Photo Journal.

Because the shutter of the camera was held open and the room was dark otherwise, the flash captured the image on the camera.  Immediately after the event, the shutter was closed.

Step 4:

These steps were repeated with the same can until the can was fully opened or too bent to bust more.

To see our best images, visit our Photo Gallery.