Getting Started: Experimenting with Prism Photography / by Leung-Kit To

Lotta-Liina

Lotta-Liina

There's something about imperfections that makes a photo really interesting. Imperfections in a photo such as obscuring a part of the lens, lens flares, or light rays can make a photo more visually interesting. They could change the mood of a photo, making the scene more angelic, or even retro through the use of lens flaring or rainbow effect. One way to introduce these photo imperfections is through the use of a glass prism. The glass prism can have several effects, depending on how you're holding it to the lens. You can use it to split white light into a rainbow of colours. The prism, can be used as a sort of mirror to reflect other parts of the scene into the frame. Finally, it can be used like any sort of glass - to obscure the lens and add a nice soft blur.

Here's a link to the Glass Prism I use on my photo shoots.

Below are some examples of ways I've used a glass prism in my photography.

Mari

Mari

Emma

Emma

Tyra

Tyra

Experimenting Further

Don't just stop at glass prisms, you can take it further by obscuring the lens with other items. Whether it be a piece of acrylic, metal, cloth, or even your finger - there are so many different effects you can create. Experiment yourself and find out what technique or material compliments your style of photography best.