This Macro HDR Video of Glitter and Liquid is Cosmically Wonderful
Photographer and filmmaker Vadim Sherbakov, whose work PetaPixel has featured on numerous occasions, recently forayed into HDR video with a brilliant short film, Creation.
The video explores the theme of the cosmos through macro shots of ink and glitter. The new film builds upon Velocity, seen below.
In the description for Velocity, Sherbakov explains that the idea for the project came from observing the similarities between glittery ink and cosmic objects in deep space.
“I couldn’t shake the feeling that sparkling glitter with dark ink backgrounds on one hand and colourful pigments on the other reminded me of a distant galaxies, galactic clouds, nebulas and other cosmic bodies,” Sherbakov said.
For his new film, Creation, he utilized new filming techniques and different materials, including magnets to move metallic flakes through the ink and other new liquids. He also worked with set designer Luidmila Tregub, “who spent countless hours creating the right mixture of the different inks, alcohol, soaps, etc.”
“This film would not be possible without her,” Sherbakov explains.
To create the final video, which clocks in at just under three minutes, Sherbakov shot about 12 hours of total footage. He used his Canon EOS R5 camera, shooting in 8K RAW, alongside an Irix 150mm f/2.8 macro lens. He tells PetaPixel over email that he mainly shot at f/2.8, enabling a shallow depth of field and some lovely bokeh.
As for lighting, he explains that he used just a single light, a constant-source FalconEyes LED. It has a 5,600 K color temperature, which Sherbakov used almost exclusively. He adds that he did use different color settings when filming magnetic iron powder “since it is mostly dark grey with no colors of its own.”
As for his post-production, Creation marks the first time that Sherbakov has worked entirely in an HDR workflow. He didn’t even process an SDR version, so for users to get the whole experience, they must view the YouTube video on an HDR-compatible display.
Sherbakov explains that everything was achieved in-camera, including the colors, textures, and motion. While he graded and processed Creation in DaVinci Resolve and added titles in Adobe After Effects, the bulk of the look was accomplished through excellent camera work and brilliant set design.
When viewed in 4K, the HDR video is truly spectacular. To see more from Vadim Sherbakov, visit his YouTube channel and website.
Image credits: Vadim Sherbakov
