The Magic of Frozen Bubble Photography: A Winter Wonderland Through the Lens | by Melissa Tokariwski

As the frost deepens and snow blankets the world in white, winter offers a magical canvas for creativity. For many, the cold might be an excuse to stay indoors, but for me, it’s an invitation to explore the captivating world of frozen bubble photography.

Hi! I’m Melissa Tokariwski, a Lensbaby Ambassador (known as Skahdee on Instagram), living in Winnipeg, Manitoba—fondly called “Winterpeg” for its long, frigid winters. While some might shy away from the cold, I’ve embraced it, combining patience, a touch of science, and an eye for detail to transform simple soap bubbles into ephemeral works of art. Here, I’ll share my journey and some tips to help you create your own frozen masterpieces.

Why Frozen Bubbles?

There’s something enchanting about watching a delicate bubble transform into a crystalline globe. As the temperatures dip below freezing, the bubble’s surface begins to crystallize almost instantly, forming intricate patterns reminiscent of snowflakes. It’s a fleeting beauty—fragile, temporary, and utterly mesmerizing.

For me, frozen bubble photography is more than a creative outlet—it’s a way to celebrate the stark beauty of winter and find magic in a season many people dread.

Lensbaby Vevet 85 1/400 F8 ISO 500

The Best Temperatures for Frozen Bubble Photography

Temperature plays a crucial role in creating and capturing frozen bubbles. Over the years, I’ve learned how different temperature ranges influence how bubbles form, freeze, and hold their shape:

• Sweet Spot (-5°C/23°F):

This temperature allows bubbles to crystallize at a manageable pace. Chilling your solution in the fridge beforehand helps the freezing process along, creating those delicate frost patterns.

• Colder Than -10°C (14°F):

Bubbles freeze quickly at these temperatures, so I skip chilling the solution to avoid overly fast crystallization. A tripod and manual focus become essential tools for capturing shots before the bubble pops.

• Extreme Cold (-25°C/-13°F or below):

While possible, frozen bubbles at this temperature form and can pop quickly for detailed photography. It’s a challenge but can still yield interesting results!

Lensbaby Vevet 85 1/200 F8 ISO 1000

Perfecting the Bubble Solution

Creating the right bubble solution is the foundation of this art. After countless experiments, here’s my go-to recipe for Winnipeg’s cold, dry climate:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water

• 2 tablespoons regular dish soap (avoid “Ultra” formulas)

• 2 tablespoons corn syrup

• 1 tablespoon glycerin (adds elasticity and enhances patterns)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (encourages crystallization)

Mix the ingredients gently and let the solution sit for at least an hour to dissolve the sugar completely. Store it in a jar with a lid—one in the fridge for warmer days and one on the counter for colder temperatures. If the solution gets too cold, starts to freeze instantly, warm it slightly by placing it near a heat vent, or microwave it for 20 seconds.

Setting the Scene

Winter provides its own natural lighting, but planning your setup is essential:

1. Lighting:

Soft morning or late afternoon light highlights frost details beautifully. For nighttime shots, use a flashlight or portable light for dramatic side or backlighting.

2. Surface:

A flat, cold surface like snow, ice, or an upside-down chilled glass works well. Windless days are ideal to prevent bubbles from bursting too soon. Try placing your bubble on tree branches, flowers, rocks, and spikey ever greens. Test your skills with a bubble inside a bubble.

3. Camera Settings:

Use a macro lens to capture details, adjust aperture and shutter speed for sharpness, and work with manual focus for precision. A tripod is essential to keep the camera steady. I prefer to use my Lensbaby Velvet 85 or Velvet 56 with an aperture at f8 or F11 to capture the amazing details. Set your shutter speed a bit higher as those crystals move and dance until they set against each other.

The Magic Moment

Blowing bubbles in sub-zero temperatures is as much about timing as it is patience. Here’s how I approach it:

• Place a small amount of bubble solution on your chosen surface.

• Use a straw to blow and position the bubble precisely.

• Watch closely as the bubble begins to crystallize within seconds, forming patterns of snowflakes, feathers, and swirls. Depending on the temperature, you’ll have 5 to 60 seconds to capture the magic.

• Snap away or do a Timelapse to capture the beauty of winter.

Lensbaby Velvet 85 1/400 F8 ISO 1000

Creative Tips

• Unique Perspectives: Experiment with angles, focusing on backlit glows or intricate frost details.

• Shapes and Patterns: Use cookie cutters or make custom wire shapes to create bubbles with unique forms.

• Teamwork: Having someone help blow bubbles while you focus on shooting can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Lensbaby Velvet 85 1/500 F11 ISO 800

Finding Beauty in the Cold

Winter invites us to pause, observe, and appreciate the fleeting beauty of nature’s artistry. Frozen bubble photography reminds me that even in the harshest conditions, magic exists if we’re willing to seek it out.

Have you tried frozen bubble photography or other winter projects? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy freezing,

Melissa (Lensbaby Ambassador and lover of winter magic)

For more inspiration, follow Melissa on Instagram!

Lensbaby Velvet 85

Image 1: 1/500 F8, ISO 1000

Image 2: 1/400 F11, ISO 500

Image 3: 1/500 F11, ISO 400