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View Full Version : Smoke Photos - This is cool!


BLWNHR
15-10-2009, 9:08am
This is something I've been wanting to try for ages, and last night I finally got to do it - Smoke Photos!

The setup was pretty simple, black background, a stand with incense burning, flash to camera left, reflector disk to camera right.

Camera settings were D300 + Sigma 24-70, 1/250, f/14, ISO-200, SB-900 with cardboard snoot, wireless, at full power (until it overheated then I swapped to the SB-800).

The results:

Confusion
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Photography/_DSC2789a.jpg


Tornado
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Photography/_DSC2850a.jpg


Twins
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Photography/_DSC2800a.jpg


The Mask - Can anyone else see what looks like a masquerade mask?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Photography/_DSC2889a.jpg


Pelvis
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Photography/_DSC2796a.jpg


The setup shot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blownhr/Photography/_DSC2862.jpg
TEITZY
15-10-2009, 9:22am
Nice work Adam. The pic of the setup is helpful too.

Cheers
Leigh
Riverlander
15-10-2009, 9:35am
Interesting images - well done.

It is always interesting to see something a bit different and even more so if the results are as good as this.
Thanks also for the setup shot -- very helpfull.
MattC
15-10-2009, 9:39am
Very, very interesting - thanks for sharing. :th3:
I am definitely going to have to try this.

I assume the photos with the white background you just inverted the colours?
ricktas
15-10-2009, 9:50am
I love doing these and seeing others efforts as well. It is amazing how often you can see 'things' in the smoke patterns. Good work showing the setup to Adam
Allann
15-10-2009, 9:52am
Love em. Seen them around every now and then, and like have always wanted to try, but also, unlike you, haven't tried yet. That setup shot will help I'm sure. Thanks for sharing.
maccaroneski
15-10-2009, 11:25am
It is amazing how often you can see 'things' in the smoke patterns.

Sometimes it depends what kinda smoke you're working with....

Great shots. I love the setup shot too - a great example of improvising and not needing to spend up big (i.e. the "light stand" and the background holder)
bowds1122
15-10-2009, 11:31am
Great work, I love seeing the setup shots too. I can't wait till I can this this a go, but will have to wait until I've got a flash...
BLWNHR
15-10-2009, 12:48pm
Cheers everyone. I've got more at home and will post some more of the interesting ones as I process them.


I assume the photos with the white background you just inverted the colours?

Yep, sure did!


I love the setup shot too - a great example of improvising and not needing to spend up big (i.e. the "light stand" and the background holder)

Yeah, I don't have light stands and I couldn't be bothered unrolling my 6mx3m backdrop (in a bag to the right of the background I used) so I just used some heavy black material on an mobile clothes rack, lol. I used one of the backdrop stands to hang the reflector off.

I don't know if the reflector did anything, but had it there all the same.
Miaow
15-10-2009, 1:40pm
Nice work :) Cool shots :)
MCS_80
15-10-2009, 2:53pm
Awesome looking shots BLWNHR :D

Great use of contrasting colours.

P.S. I like the stack of Dragster Magazines near the wall, im a fan also. :D
BLWNHR
15-10-2009, 3:40pm
P.S. I like the stack of Dragster Magazines near the wall, im a fan also.

They just send them to me, lol, I supply them with photos from time to time and they give me a subscription, haha.
seastorm
15-10-2009, 4:44pm
Brilliant, just brilliant!! :th3:
old dog
15-10-2009, 4:51pm
thanks Adam for the series and the setup shot too. Must have a go at this.
Dizzy Photographics
15-10-2009, 5:33pm
Really interesting...love the 'pelvis' shot...some really pretty colour there :)
mongo
15-10-2009, 5:39pm
Fascinating and interesting stuff. Great to see it and how its done.

However, smoking is bad for your health and Mongo only smokes when he is on fire.
rogklee
15-10-2009, 5:40pm
cool as!

Can I ask why you used the snoot?
CherylB
15-10-2009, 6:42pm
Great shots there Adam! I really like the one you've called Pelvis. Did you notice it's giving birth to Darth Vader by any chance? :D

The only time I've ever tried to do this the smoke was less than impressive. I might have to have another go I think!
BLWNHR
15-10-2009, 11:18pm
Can I ask why you used the snoot?

To stop light spill on the background and lens flare. :)
helmutk
15-10-2009, 11:41pm
Great results cool smoke images thanks for sharing!!!
Harves
15-10-2009, 11:58pm
Some great smoke patterns there, good to see the disused exercise bike comes in handy as well.
maccaroneski
19-10-2009, 7:39pm
I had a crack at this and am checking back to see what I did wrong... I couldn't get the background dark enough and was getting somem lens flare.... thanks to Rogklee to ask "Why the snoot?" and even more thanks to BLWHNR for the answer!