Method

Setup for the "Sneeze" experiment

We used a CoolPix 990 to capture images of a sneeze and its effects on the surrounding air. The sneezer sat in a chair about ½ a meter in front of the camera. Behind the sneezer we put up a dark background. The dark background made it possible to see the sneeze and it effects. To create a flash we connected a very sensitive sound trigger to our flash unit, the Vivitar 283.

Setup for the "Wet Balloon" experiment

The trigger we used to discharge the flash in this experiment was a sound trigger.  We had a very sensitive sound trigger, so we turned the sensitivity down to a fairly low level.  We placed the sound trigger and flash on a table that was in line with the plane of the camera.  Once everything was in place, we blew up a balloon and placed it at the edge of the table.  We then sprinkled water over the entire balloon and either held the balloon in place or taped it to the table.  Once our camera was focused and zoomed in to an appropriate window, we used a pin to pop the balloon, which triggered the sound sensor and discharged the flash.