Abstract photography with NO LENS: Refractographs and Reflectographs

Refractography is a very experimental way to capture abstract images. By taking the lens off your camera and using transparent objects to bend and focus the light, we can create some beautiful abstract images.

In this lensless photography tutorial, we will be trying reflectography and reflectography. The shoot is very fun to try out at home, and the results can be stunning, so follow along!

Recommended Macro Photography Tutorials;

More coming soon!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:53 Equipment
2:53 Lighting
5:30 Camera Setup
7:03 Lensless Photography
7.31 Reflectography
8.01 Refractography
9:05 Lighting Placement
10:50 Wrap-up

#Abstract #Refractography #Adaptalux

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Watch our latest video all about Iris Photography!
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[nancypeplau]

What fun! You always teach me so much Ben! Thanks!

[aldomariaibello]

Such a cool concept!
By the way, if you're afraid of dust getting on your sensor, you can use a macro reversal ring (which lets you mount a lens backwards with the filter ring) and mount a clear UV filter on that. The extra glass might create some interesting effects as well.

[steveirvine]

Also interesting is to place a slide photograph in front of the camera instead of a wine glass. In that case, a white light source shining through the pinhole works best.

[andream..]

Hi Ben, i never knew lensless photography even existed.
I also so excited as I’ll be able to try this soon as today I ordered my very own adaptalux studio!! 😁
Only a little nervous working without the lens tho, will have the blower close by.
Thanks for the great video as always 😊
Andrea (Australia🇦🇺😎)

[stardomee]

not exactly lensless photography but freelensing can also be of interest as an expression of a more experimental photography - I'm only mentioning this because freelensing leaves the sensor exposed for a while as per above video - and no expensive gear is required, for example a basic Nikon d3xxx model and an old Helios lens is all that you need to keep you going

[gregorycelis]

Excelente, las fotos resultantes son maravillosas

[rinoa]

Would it help if clingfilm was taped over the camera lens hole to reduce the dust from getting in?

[danrichman]

Adaptalux, could you explain more clearly just how to use multiple light sources? I presume with double or triple exposures? Or is it one long exposure, changing lighting during it? I also assume shutter speed and ISO are a matter of experimentation here.

[soundseen]

Great tips thanks!
Are the videos with this effect made in video mode or like a timelapse?

[Cintas]

BEN! You sir are my new experimental photo guy, man this is epic. I have been playing around with CDs, lord knows we never use them and I work at a community college in Washington where I've got a crate of...80, 000 blank CDRs so yeah, I experiment. When I get to play again I'll use them with the reflectography, I'm wondering if you've found a photo pure body cap to protect your DSLR when you do this? I've looked all over wondering if that was a thing, no luck yet. Thanks tons Ben, subscribed and watching your whole catalog.

[jesss]

I have a Nikon b500 Coolpix can I still do this type of photography? I don't know if I can take off my lens 😅

[anotherperspective]

Really cool! Need to try that one day...;)

[robfielding]

Have you tried a small red, green or blue laser?

[cherylcallen]

Do I need to do anything different if I am using a DSLR vs a mirrorless? Such as a Mirror lock up.

[claudinchenchen]

Looks very interesting! Have only a bridge camera though ;-)

[jeanscotland]

I would be to scared to work my camera without a lens. Great video though

[ramipo]

i didnt see you press the botton of the camera ?!???