I don’t remember when the first time I saw a crystal-ball photo was. It looked interesting, but it was one of those things that I could live without, I thought to myself. However, it didn’t hurt to find out the price, so I checked on Amazon. It started around $8 and one of them costs $58. I bought one for $14; I would bring it to my next trip, so I thought.
There are a lot YouTube videos on how to shoot with a crystal ball. There are, also, several videos on how to flip the image inside the ball (the image inside is always upside down.) Here are a couple of them: tips on how to shoot, and tutorial on an easy way to flip the image.
I had a lot of fun. But one thing for sure is: I won’t bring it to trips, because (1) it is heavy (camera is heavy enough) (2) it takes time to set the crystal ball – the spot to place the ball, the light, the angle… etc. Besides, someone named Andrius had already done that; see Andrius and the Glass Ball Project.
Are these photos useful? I am not 100% sure. I have an idea for this year’s Christmas card though… a family tree decorates with lots crystal-ball photo ornaments 😉 That would be cool, wouldn’t it?
Thanks for visiting my blog.
HHC Blog 
it would be a great idea for Xmas cards. what camera are you using?
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I am using Nikon D750. I like it a lot. 😉
Have a wonderful evening. Warm days are coming 😉
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Nicely done, keep at it and you’ll discover the one that appeals most to you.
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Thank you, Sally. I like your advice a lot! I hope it won’t take too long though 😉
Have a wonderful evening.
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It inspires a neat idea for a book’s cover!
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That’s great! I am so happy.
Love your blog. I have been soul searching all my life. Can’t wait to read your blog.
Good night.
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It looks like a lot of fun. Great pics!
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Thanks, Yinglan. It’s something different, that’s for sure. Ha.
(Good luck to your new business adventure.)
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Thank you. 🙂
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wow, Helen! You need to make a tutorial about how you did this. I especially like the first photo. I want to shake it upside down and watch the snow fall.
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Thanks, Lois. I wish I were as good as you think I am 😉 There is nothing difficult here. Place the glass ball somewhere (the ball should have a stand) and focus on the subject inside of the glass ball — that’s it.
Oh, I followed the steps on the second video to turn the subject (inside of the glass ball) around. If the background is blurry like my first photo, you can actually turn the whole picture around (not just the subject inside of the glass ball.) This would be much easier. You can see in the first photo that the ball stand is, actually, on the top, because it is an upside down photo 😉
Good night.
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I think you are wonderful, Helen!
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🙂 you make my day!
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Forgot to say… I love those snowing glass balls! 😉
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I like the comment about shaking the ball and letting the snow fall!!
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Thanks, Carol. Lois is quite creative, isn’t she? I love those snowing glass balls. Once I had one and I kept playing; I couldn’t get anything done! 😉
Have a wonderful evening.
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Wonderful images! I really enjoy the one with the fence and snow. Much agreed about taking it on trips, it’s just too heavy!
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Thank you for your comment. One article says fence is a good subject for glass ball 😉 (I don’t know how true it is.)
I can’t wait to go read all the traveling tips on your blog. I can use all the helps I can get. 😉
Good night.
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You’re welcome, I think it’s a great idea! I’ll have to try fences in my next crystal ball shoot.
Looking forward to sharing more with you, stay tuned. 😊
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I love, love your crystal ball experience! Crystal clear! I bought one a few years ago and only used once. :): will try to find it from one of my drawers.
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You have one, too??? Cool! I am looking forward to seeing your photos!
Have a great day.
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Oh my.. now I want one..lol.. It looks like fun!!
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At least, it’s affordable 😉 Wish you live around here… you can use mine. I am not sure how often or how long I will keep using it.
Have a great day.
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Aww thank you Helen! I sure enjoy seeing you tackle new challenges.. I am a scatter brain and have not outgrown it.. You have a great day too!
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Wonderful Amy, I love it!!!
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I’m so sorry Helen, I change your name to Amy…
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LOL. Hope this will make you feel better — I had done that, too 😉 I have no problem with your comment — I agree with you that Amy is wonderful 😉
Have a great day.
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Hi Helen .. you are so clever! I love the way you experiment .. wish I did! These are super Miss. Thanks so much for sharing a grand idea 😃
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Thank you, Julie. I saw someone else did it, and it looked like a fun thing to do 😉
Have a great day.
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The leaf looks ;ike ot is in a toaster – very surreal and imaginative 🍀
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LOL. You are right… now that you’d mentioned. It is a trivet made of wood.
Have a great day.
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Most creative and effectual photographic work,great the techniques you applied,dear Helen!
Have a nice and creative day,my friend 🙂
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A glass ball is all you need 😉 I can’t wait for warmer days so I can take the glass ball to the trail 😉
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