May 30, 2006

Through a cold lens

A macro lens made from a Pringles can? Someone’s been there, done that. A pinhole camera made from an airplane hanger? Sorry–beaten to the punch. So how’s an enterprising photo geek to distinguish himself? How about taking photos through a lens made of ice? Evidently unimpressed with Scientific American’s challenge to light a fire with a lens made entirely of ice, photographer Matthew Wheeler fashioned his own very cold lenses and has posted a gallery of images. I couldn’t find a demonstration or other info on the gear used, but some googling did turn up an article and video depicting the “excruciatingly painful” lens-making process. [Via]