Multi-colored smoke for a photo shoot as they say. How to shoot smoke. Long live improvisation

Photographing smoke is a great example of the abstraction genre in photography. And photographs of smoke are successfully used both in commercial (smoke is well sold on photobanks) and in art photography. And this is very simply explained - beautifully shot smoke looks very impressive and unusual. But getting really interesting and original shots is not easy - the shooting process of the smoke has a lot of its subtleties and nuances.

In our article we will tell you about the most important points of smoke photography. With this knowledge base, you can start experimenting by creating interesting and unusual photographs.

Smoke source

To shoot smoke, use incense or cigarettes. The smoke from incense differs from the cigarette - they are different in their behavior, density and texture. By the way, incense is also different, for example, some give a thicker smoke, while others are more voluminous, etc.

Scene and background

The main task of the photographer is to light up the smoke and leave the background as black as possible. The black background will come in handy for processing and working with exposure. For this, the light source should not be large, and the background should be far away. The light setting scheme can be as follows:

Lighting

Another point is working with light. The smoke photo clearly shows the difference in the setting of the light. You cannot create overexposures, they are effective, but they limit the possibilities of processing by making a negative from a photo the white areas of overexposure become 100% black. Backlighting makes the smoke more contrasting and interesting.

The most convenient way is to use an external flash, it is easiest to control and move. And the tube-shaped nozzle will make a point source out of it.

Exposition

A shutter speed of 1 / 100th of a second is quite sufficient for shooting smoke, a shorter one does not give an advantage. Aperture - the larger the better. Feel free to close the aperture down to f: 16. This will increase the depth of field, which is very useful for shooting smoke.

If lighting allows - use ISO 100. This will give you more flexibility in processing.

Focusing

The smoke itself is shapeless. And "sharp" details are formed only at curls and joints. Only by them you can determine the sharpness of the frame. The autofocus speed is quite sufficient, so you can safely use it. Manual focusing quickly tires your eyes.

Checking the snapshot

When shooting smoke, it is very difficult to evaluate the resulting frame from the photograph on the camera display. Use the histogram to see how dark the background is and how close the smoke is to white. How to use a histogram

Smoke shape

The shape of the smoke can be anything you like. To get an interesting shape of smoke, you can use this technique - fix the incense stick and push it slightly. The gradually dying vibrations will create a beautiful smoky trail.
For a thick sillage, use 2 sticks or pick a variety that smokes a lot.

Treatment

It is during processing that you can make beautiful and original pictures out of ordinary smoke photos. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment.

To understand the processing of smoke, you can use our lightroom preset, which makes the smoke photo more effective.

It's very easy to do some interesting editing in Photoshop. For example, to make black smoke on a white background, invert the photo. Photoshop - Image - Adjustments - Invert.

To make the smoke colored, create a layer, fill it with color and set the blending to color.

Many photographers have already appreciated all the delights of such a special effect as colored smoke... It has a huge number of advantages: Various colors, and there are a lot of them and you can easily choose the one that suits color gamut... Ease of use - it can be keep in hand or place somewhere in the frame. Low cost and the ability to make several interesting shots using one checker. In general, there are many pluses and it is for these qualities that many photographers love him.

They say that in an ideal couple, newlyweds should look at each other with loving eyes. Perhaps this is correct, but not quite! It is much better when they look in the same direction, that is, their hobbies, hobbies and interests coincide.

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PHOTOSESSION...

Witchcraft image of a witch with black smoke in the cauldron.

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She is wearing a young guy who decided to try this image. The face of the main character is painted as it should be. White background, the widest smile, ...

Those who love horror movies know that a lot of time has passed since the release of the movie "Scream". But nevertheless, this film is remembered and has a lot of fans. Not surprisingly, the image of the main villain is very vivid and it is quite easy to repeat it.

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A masculine look with colored smoke.

It is very easy to create an interesting male look. It's enough just to work on the real masculine details and the photography will turn out to be simply gorgeous.

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Tricks in the air and colored smoke.

What newlyweds don't want to blow up the internet with spectacular photos? And what photographers don't dream of adding cool shots to their portfolio? That's right, none. Therefore, all the nuances and options for the upcoming shooting are carefully discussed and thought out.

A variety of accessories, attributes are used... It is worth considering in more detail such a "trick" as wedding photos with colored smoke. This approach to photography deserves attention for several reasons: creative, compact to use, adds dynamism and volume to photos, inexpensive.

Photo with colored smoke

When developing ideas for shooting, it is first and foremost wise to start from the general concept of the wedding. For example, for newlyweds fans of "Game of Thrones" it will be cool to recreate some shots from their favorite TV series, where the smoke will come in handy and create the necessary atmosphere. If the celebration does not have a clear idea, then you will have to call on all your imagination for help.

Just a kissing couple against a smoky background looks at least strange, we need a plot, an idea.

So it's worth trying:

• play with color: create a contrast (with white snow, the bride's dress) or, on the contrary, duplicate the shades that are present in the images of the newlyweds (bouquet, accessories);
• create a mini-photo story where the smoke will add action, not necessarily an exact copy of the heroes' costumes, there will be enough atmosphere (meeting Snow White and Hunter, how love melted the heart of the Snow Queen, saving the princess, etc.);
• to attract guests for the embodiment of large-scale ideas (a huge rainbow or even a national flag), the photographer will be able to play from the perspective, and the invitees are always happy to be useful, and not languish in anticipation of a banquet while the photo session of the young is taking place;
• to humor - not only ideal staged, but also funny, cute photos have the right to be in the family archive, colored fog will help create the image of an inept wizard or a schoolboy (an interesting idea for a couple who are together from school or university);
• an unusual alternative to boudoir photography is “reincarnation” into a bride using a thick veil (for example, a bride enters and exits a cloud of pink fog in a pink wedding dress - the scope for options is huge).

It is important not to be afraid to experiment, be sure to consult with a photographer and use photos from the Internet solely as a source of inspiration, not copying. After all, we need unique, interesting shots, and not another take of someone's idea.

In order to get a good result from shooting, in addition to developing ideas, there are several important points to consider. It's impossible to foresee everything, but it definitely makes sense:

• buy colored smoke bombs only in specialized stores, do not hesitate to ask for quality certificates, this is elementary safety;
• calculate the time of the photoset, because on average the checkers smoke up to several minutes, all the artistry of the couple and all the professionalism of the photographer will be useful in order to have time to take the maximum amount of frames;
• remember: checkers can be held in your hands (long and comfortable handles are required), or you can use smoke from a can (put in the right place and smoke, leaving your hands free) - such different forms give completely different possibilities for a photo;
• take into account that smoke effects cannot be used for problems with the respiratory tract, for allergies;
• know: some checkers can have a coloring effect, test the desired sample before shooting, otherwise the spoiled bride's dress will cause irreparable damage to the mood;
• you can use colored smoke only outdoors, away from a restaurant, wedding tent, etc., here, as they say, no comment;
• do not forget: the saying about where the wind blows is relevant for working with checkers as never before; when setting a shot, this must certainly be taken into account.

A rehearsal for future shooting is the most reliable guarantee of an excellent result.

It's good if the photographer already has a similar work experience, because not everyone agrees to shoot with difficult props and not all newlyweds are ready to take some risk. In case of force majeure situations and for their own peace of mind, it is advisable for a couple to stock up on:

• a sufficient number of wet wipes or towels;
• a cape over a wedding dress (bolero, shawl, cloak, a piece of beautiful fabric);
• spare checkers (to correct unsuccessful takes or increase the photoset time);
• good mood and confidence that everything will turn out great.

For a wedding photoset, first of all, you need the drive and positiveness of the couple, and secondly - a photographer with hands.

In this video, there are several more options for a wedding photo shoot with colored smoke:

Props and various attributes can only enhance the impression of a photo, make it interesting and original.

Colored smoke is cool and unusual, but you shouldn't make it the main "hero" of photos. Let the love of two, sincere joy and happiness be in the main role. Do you agree with this?

Smoke in photography is used to create tonal perspective, an atmosphere of mystery; revealing rays of light as a background.

When we were tasked with photographing the dance group at night, in the headlights, we decided to try to place smoke between the cars and the girls. Since the photo shoot was free, we looked at budget methods for creating smoke.

1. Smoke generators or car smoke. The undoubted advantages of these devices include the ease of controlling the smoke generation process. Smoke can be made as much as needed.

1.1. Stationary. The price starting at 3000 rubles for Chinese products makes these devices quite affordable. To operate the smoke of the car, a liquid is needed, the cost of which is about 500 rubles for 5 liters. However, this device requires a 220V electrical network. The shooting was supposed to be done on the embankment, where there is no electricity. Electricity generator, worth 10,000 - 60,000 rubles. went far beyond the budget and we were forced to abandon this option.

1.2. However, there are also portable smoke machinepowered by accumulators, which eliminates the need to purchase a generator. For example Antari M1. Such a device costs about 15,000 rubles.

2. Spray balloon. Antari MG550 Magican or Condor "Smoke-Fog".The price of such a spray is 250 - 500 rubles. depending on the greed of the seller. Despite the fact that the spray can be used in any conditions, this option did not suit us because of the small smoke release, the wind on the embankment, where it was planned to shoot, would immediately blow up the smoke. However, the spray can be used at home or in small studios.

After we were convinced that the traditional methods of creating smoke, despite their ease of use and controllability, do not suit us, first of all, because of their high cost, we moved on to consider alternative solutions:

3. Smoke bombs. The disadvantages of checkers include the uncontrollability of the process. It cannot be stopped. The advantages are mobility and accessibility.

3.1. Homemade. There are quite a few recipes on the Internet “how to make a checker at home and not burn your house down”. We refused them due to their insecurity for property and health.

3.2. Army smoke. RDG-2B, RDG-2Ch. Excellent smoke giving white (B) and black (H) smoke. The price of such checkers is 200 - 250 rubles. Unfortunately, by the appearance of the checkers it is impossible to determine when they were made and how they were stored. And since the soaked checkers can explode due to the blockage of the smoke outlet, and we would have to work with them in the minimum proximity to people - we refused them too. In addition, such checkers give too much smoke.

3.3. Checkers used in cinema. White smoke checker ШД-40Б and natural smoke checker NDSH... We could not find these specialized checkers for sale in our city. According to our calculations, the price for them should have been 200 and 450 rubles, respectively.

3.4. Checkers for airsoft, paintball. How are they different from army smoke? The smoke of these checkers does not irritate the respiratory system and vision. There is information about the production date and expiration date.

It should be remembered that checkers emit a large amount of smoke in a relatively short time.

4. Those who are friendly with hands can try to do a homemade mobile smoke machine running on dry ice. Dry ice can be purchased at a cold storage facility or from ice cream vendors selling from mobile outlets. The cost of ice is about 40 rubles per kg. The cost of building such a device is minimal. However, for it to work, the ice must be placed in boiling water, which increases the time it takes to operate the machine.

5. And finally, extreme advice for owners of unnecessary household appliances: “ The smoke machine is completely replaced by an iron, you just need to fill it with a water-glycerin mixture. I diluted 1: 1. There was a LOT of smoke, for a room of 25 meters with standard ceilings one 50 gram bottle was enough.”

We stopped your choice on a paintball checker with the name “Smoke signal torch Smoke screen”. You can buy it in shops specializing in paintball or airsoft equipment. We bought these checkers for 275 rubles.

This checker consists of two halves. Each works for 30 seconds, the halves are lit independently. In this way, minimal control of the smoke production rate is possible.

Before use, the checker was tied with tape to a stick. After being carried through the photographed scene, the checker remained out of frame. The shooting had to be done quickly. After a short rest, the second half of the checker was lit and the process was repeated.

The smoke was illuminated from the side. The flashes were equipped with red and blue gels. Filmed on Canon 500D with lens Tamron 17-50 f 2.8... All photos of the night photo session can be viewed below.

Photo shoots with colored smoke are popular now, but many of these shots are frustrating. Especially when it comes to wedding photo shoots or historical stylizations.

Why don't you get beautiful photos? Traditionally, colored smoke has nothing to do with thematic photo shoots (if not talking about narrowly sports). Therefore, even experienced professional photographers often do not know how to use it correctly.

How to take a mesmerizing photo?

The secret of the WOW effect of such a shot is that the pyrotechnics are not visible on it. The absence of a smoke torch in the picture is the guarantee of a fabulous impression from the photo session. The pyrotechnics are held at an outstretched hand, so many photos of the same type are obtained, uninteresting to anyone. If you allow it to flow freely, the photo session will turn out to be much more interesting.

How will the assistant help?

How can you free your arms so that you feel freer and more relaxed? Experts recommend inviting an assistant to the photo session, whose duties will include the ignition of smoke. You will only have to pose aesthetically, surrounded by an airy train of the selected shade. This way you will definitely not resemble a football fan in a wedding dress with a veil when it comes to a wedding photo shoot.

Another plus of working with an assistant is that there is no risk of ruining a dress or a historical costume prepared especially for this fabulous moment. And in general, the launch of the pyrotechnic product will take place in absolute safety.

What if you don't know where to get an assistant? Your friend or decorator can act as an assistant. If you want to use colored smoke in a wedding photo shoot, you can also ask a witness to help with the torch.

What role does the wind rose play?

You don't need to draw a vector diagram, but you have to take into account that the behavior of a colored cloud is determined by the speed and direction of the air flow. Especially effective pictures are taken when calm reigns.

If the photo session is not at sea, the most calm places can be found in the lowlands and valleys surrounded by mountains. Then the smoke will form a huge colored cloud. If the photo shoot is arranged in a wind pagoda, choose a background so that the smoke flowing in the wind is as much as possible within the frame. Pictures with several types of colored smoke will look especially interesting.

Long live improvisation!

The script for the photo session must be prepared in advance and well directed. Take some smoke bombs with you, then you don't have to worry about the fact that the perfect shot didn't come out the first time.

Original ideas

Colored smoke allows you to embody the most unusual fantasies. In the hands of a creative artist, he gives a chance to play in a new way to any image. The concept of a photo shoot can be different:

• Fabulous. Filming as witches, elves and other magical medieval heroes.
• Futuristic. The architectural background will be more intense and emphasize the dynamics of the plot.
• Gothic. Models in the photo will look mystical and bewitching.

Take advantage of our simple tips to create stunning exclusive shots!