Everyone is already quite tired of standard everyday photographs, and everyone is looking for an interesting idea for a new photo shoot, so that they can take beautiful pictures and surprise their friends with them. And we suggest considering colored smoke for photos. With its help, you can bring to life a large number of different ideas, ranging from thematic photo sessions dedicated to a specific event, and ending with simply unique and original photos. And in this article we will look at different options for using colored smoke during photo shoots.
Photo sessions with smoke in nature
This is one of the best and most unusual options for a photo shoot in nature. At the same time, there is also a lot of scope for imagination and selection of the subject of the photographs.
Family photo session with smoke
The right location will serve as an excellent backdrop for a photo shoot. These can be forests, sea, lake, meadows and fields. And you will be in front of this with your family or lover in a beautiful colored smoke.
Such pictures will have an unforgettable atmosphere and will help you capture the best memories.
Autumn photo shoot with an umbrella
By attaching a bomb with colored smoke to the handle of an umbrella, you can get simply unique shots. Bright colored smoke will come out from under the umbrella, scattering around you, or even covering the model.
This way you can get bright pictures that will add unique contrast to your photo album and are guaranteed to arouse the admiration of your friends and subscribers.
Winter photos with smoke
Using smoke for photos in winter will be the best solution. Especially if we are talking about a snowy winter. This solution will help create a stunning effect and contrast on a white background.
This way the pictures look magical and unique, so everyone should do a similar photo shoot.
Camera
Most cameras will be suitable for this type of shooting. The ability to use manual controls and manual focus will make your shooting easier and more flexible. You will also need an external flash, which will need to be used off-camera. And it can be controlled both wired and wireless. The best lens is one that will allow you to focus on a subject 70-100cm away. The pictures shown here were taken with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens mounted on a Canon 50D camera. For an inexpensive lens it is very sharp.
A pack of 40 incense sticks is enough for a lifetime of smoke photography.
Street photo shoots using colored smoke
Conducting photo shoots in urban style is a separate direction of photography. Take bright photos against the backdrop of unfinished buildings, abandoned buildings, city roads and streetlights. It will be especially impressive to take a few photos against a wall covered in graffiti. But even here there are a large number of variations on how exactly to conduct a photo shoot:
Standard street photo
These are exactly the shots we mentioned earlier. Take smoke bombs, go out onto the city streets, and take atmospheric pictures in your favorite style.
Photo of a car with colored smoke
Another original solution is to use a smoke torch for car photos. Imagine smoke coming from under the wheels, around the car and you, and maybe from the vehicle itself. These are incredibly atmospheric photos that even a not very experienced photographer can take beautifully. The main thing is not to forget to take into account the direction of the wind, which can actually be said for all other photo shoot options.
Photos with masks
Taking photos wearing masks in colored smoke has become quite a popular option lately. At the same time, if in the basic version we are talking about choosing a color and a mask in which you will come out of the smoke, today craftsmen take photos in gas masks, put on masks from which colored smoke comes out, and also come up with a lot of different options for photos.
The main thing is to remember about safety and your health, but otherwise you can come up with anything.
Setting the scene and composing the shot
The diagram above shows the basic setup. Place the camera on a tripod at a distance of 70-150 cm from the place where you attach the incense stick. Glue it to the stand, or attach it to an incense stick holder. Compose the frame so that the stick itself either does not fall into the frame and is lower, or is at the very bottom of the frame.
The background should be 70-100 cm behind the incense stick.
Place the flash on a stand or stand so that it is to the side of the camera and pointing perpendicular to the shooting axis. Some photographers also place a reflector on the opposite side to bounce some light on the opposite side of the flash. You can experiment and see if you like it. The photos here use only one flash. As mentioned above, it is important to keep light out of the background and into the camera lens. The snoot is the simplest means of achieving this.
Smoke patterns are constantly changing and no two are alike.
Magical and creepy photo shoots
For those who are lovers of something very non-standard, if the option is to create magical pictures, or vice versa, creepy ones - gothic ones.
Fairytale photo shoot
If you love a fairy-tale atmosphere, then you can easily play up its plot using colored smoke. Especially when it comes to magical photo shoots.
But here it is worth considering all the nuances; you will need to choose suitable clothes, additional accessories and items.
Gothic photos with smoke
This idea is for lovers of a dark atmosphere. Using colored smoke, especially black, will add mystery to your photos, making them scary and unusual. In general, everything that creators of gothic images love so much.
Flash
You will need any external flash that you can mount off-camera. The flash built into the camera will not work for this. You should place the flash on the side of the smoking object so that it illuminates the column of smoke perpendicular to the shooting axis. We don't want a random beam of light hitting the background or the lens, so it's highly advisable to use a snoot light attachment, which makes the beam narrow and directs it directly at the column of smoke. You can make your own snoot from thick cardboard by simply rolling it into a tube in the form of a horn.
Sports photos at events
Initially, colored smoke was intended specifically for use at events by fans, by which they created clouds in the colors of their favorite team.
And why not go this typical route and use smoke bombs for their intended purpose, and at the same time take some spectacular pictures.
Camera and flash settings
In the darkened room where you are working, use a flashlight or other dim lighting so you can still see the incense stick and frame and focus. Focus on the tip of the stick, then turn off autofocus so the focus remains locked and recompose the shot with the stick at the very bottom of the frame.
Shoot in RAW format for more flexibility in post-processing.
Set your camera to M (manual) mode, ISO around 200, f/8, and shutter speed around 1/60th of a second to start.
Leave the flash off.
Take a photo before lighting the stick in a darkened room.
You should get a completely black frame, and this is what you need, remember we are not using the flash yet.
Now switch the flash to manual mode and set it to about half power. You should have already connected it to the camera with a cord, or perhaps installed a radio trigger so that it fires when the shutter is released.
Take a photo with the flash on and you'll only be able to see the tip of the incense stick. If so, then you can set it on fire.
This image is straight out of the camera. Notice the tip of the incense stick at the bottom right.
Photo sessions with colored smoke dedicated to important events and holidays
The next few suggestions will be photo shoots that take place during events that are important to you. And we have identified several of these.
Wedding photo shoot with colored smoke
A smoke torch can be an excellent attribute for a wedding photo shoot, both when photographing with guests and personal for the newlyweds. Of course, some consider the use of smoke bombs, especially in the hands of a model, to be bad manners, but in fact, with the right approach, you can get beautiful, stylish and unusual photographs.
Therefore, stock up on smoke bombs, select a professional photographer with experience in working on such photo sessions, and go ahead.
Find out the gender of the baby
This is one of the most unusual and interesting ways to find out the gender of your unborn child.
Many people today order cakes with colored layers, large balloons and much more. But we offer a more original and unusual way. Order colored smoke according to your baby's gender, and light a smoke bomb at the same time as your sweetheart to find out if it's a boy or a girl. And at this time, an experienced photographer will follow you and capture your emotions, which will be the brightest and most real.
Such photo sessions leave behind wonderful photographs, the emotions in which cannot be expressed in words.
Halloween photo shoot
A smoke torch will also be an excellent attribute for a photo shoot dedicated to Halloween. This is a holiday on the eve of All Saints' Day, on which, according to legend, all evil spirits fall to earth. And it is precisely in this style that colored smoke will help.
All you have to do is pick up smoke bombs and arrange your own fire show, creating unique pictures for a new album, social networks and just for yourself.
Let's start shooting
Light an incense stick and extinguish the flame, and a thin column of smoke will rise from the tip.
Take a photo and check it to make sure it's in focus.
Make sure your focus is accurate because you don't want to take a whole series only to find out later that the photos aren't sharp. If you need to adjust focus or perhaps stop down your aperture for greater depth of field, do so now.
Also check the exposure. If the smoke in the scene is too bright, reduce the flash power or lower the ISO. If the smoke is too dull, do the opposite. We need to get a clear textured smoke and nothing else.
If everything looks good, keep taking pictures. Occasionally wave your hand near the smoke column or gently blow on it to change the smoke pattern. We need some variety so you can choose the best shots later.
This is the same image as above, but it has been flipped horizontally and the smoke has been colored with a gradient.
The best ideas for you
We've brought you some of the best colored smoke photoshoot ideas. And if you also have your own options or photo sessions that have already been conducted, we will be glad to see them in the comments.
And for those who want to buy smoke and arrange an unforgettable atmospheric photo shoot, just go to our catalog, choose the option that suits you and place an order. Neva-Salut company managers will be happy to help you choose. Contact us!
General information
The most relevant time of year for using colored smoke is considered to be autumn, when the weather is cloudy and nature has shed its bright outfit, or early spring. In this case, colored smoke can fix everything and add bright colors to your photos or wedding videography. By choosing this special effect for your celebration, you can create a festive atmosphere, give a positive mood to your friends and family, and it will cause indescribable delight and admiration for your little guests.
The modern market offers a huge selection of colored smoke from various producing countries (China, Poland, Italy, Russia, Czech Republic), they all differ from each other in density, burning time and, of course, reviews. You can buy it in specialized stores and online.
How to take a mesmerizing photo?
The secret to the WOW effect of such a photo lies in the fact that the pyrotechnics are not visible in it. The absence of a smoke torch in the photo is the key to a fabulous impression from the photo shoot. The pyrotechnics are held at arm's length, so you get a lot of the same type of photographs that are of no interest to anyone. If you allow the colored smoke to flow freely, the photo shoot will be much more interesting.
What it is?
Colored smoke or smoke bombs are the first class of pyrotechnics used to create special effects. It is available in various colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, white, green, pink), so it is often used for unique photo and video shooting of newlyweds.
There are two options for packaging smoke bombs: with and without a holder. The newlyweds should hold the first type in their hands during the shooting process, the second should be installed close to the bride and groom so that the smoke spontaneously spreads along the ground (for a successful launch, you will need either a photographer with an assistant, or an assistant from among your friends). The wick is launched using a special cord built into the device.
Original ideas
Colored smoke allows you to realize the most unusual fantasies. In the hands of a creative artist, it gives a chance to sparkle any image in a new way. 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 saturated and will emphasize the dynamics of the plot.
- Gothic. The models in the photo will look mystical and bewitching.
Using our simple tips, you can create stunning exclusive photos!
Smoke in photography is used to create tonal perspective and an atmosphere of mystery; identifying rays of light as a background.
When we were given the task of photographing a dance group at night, in the light of headlights, we decided to try placing smoke between the cars and the girls. Since the photo shoot was free, we looked at budget-friendly ways to create smoke.
1.
Smoke generators or smoke machines.
The undoubted advantages of these devices include the ease of controlling the smoke generation process. You can make exactly as much smoke as needed.
1.1.
Stationary.
Prices starting at 3,000 rubles for Chinese products make these devices quite affordable.
To operate a smoke machine you need liquid, the cost of which is about 500 rubles per 5 liters. However, this device requires a 220V electrical network to operate. The shooting was supposed to be done on the embankment, where there is no electricity. Electricity generator
, costing 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 machines
that run on batteries, 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 can is 250 - 500 rubles. depending on the greed of the seller. Despite the fact that the can can be used in any conditions, this option was not suitable for us due to the small amount of smoke emitted; the wind on the embankment where the shooting was planned would immediately fan the smoke. However, the spray can can be used at home or in small studios.
After we were convinced that traditional methods of creating smoke, despite their ease of use and controllability, were not suitable for us primarily because of their high cost, we moved on to considering alternative solutions:
3. Smoke bombs.
The disadvantages of checkers include the uncontrollability of the process. He can't be stopped. The advantages are mobility and accessibility.
3.1. Homemade.
There are quite a lot of recipes on the Internet “how to make a saber at home and not burn the house down.” We refused them due to their unsafety for property and health.
3.2. Army smokes. RDG-2B, RDG-2Ch.
Excellent smoke, producing white (B) and black smoke (B). The price of such checkers is 200 - 250 rubles. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine from the appearance of the checkers when they were made and how they were stored. And since wet bombs can explode due to blockage of the smoke exit channel, and we would have to work with them in minimal proximity to people, we abandoned them too. In addition, such checkers produce too much smoke.
3.3.
Checkers used in movies.
White smoke bomb ShD-40B and natural smoke bomb NDS
. 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 smokes? The smoke from these bombs does not irritate the respiratory system or eyesight. There is information about the production date and expiration date.
It should be remembered that checkers produce a large amount of smoke in a relatively short time.
4.
Those who are good with their hands can try making
a homemade mobile smoke machine that runs on dry ice.
Dry ice can be purchased at a refrigeration plant or asked from ice cream makers selling from mobile points. The cost of ice is about 40 rubles per kg. The cost of building such a device is minimal. However, for it to work, ice must be placed in boiling water, which increases the time required to operate the machine.
5. And finally, some extreme advice for owners of unnecessary household appliances: “ A smoke machine can be completely replaced by an iron.”
, you just need to fill it with a water-glycerin mixture.
I diluted it 1:1. There was a LOT of smoke; one 50 gram bottle was enough for a 25 meter room with standard ceilings. “
We chose a paintball bomb with the name “Smoke Signal Torch Smoke Screen”
" You can buy it in stores specializing in paintball or airsoft equipment. We bought these checkers for 275 rubles.
This checker consists of two halves. Each burns for 30 seconds, the halves light up independently. In this way, minimal control of the intensity of smoke generation is possible.
Before use, the checker was taped to a stick. After being carried through the photographed scene, the checker remained behind the scenes. 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. Red and blue gels were installed on the flashes. Shot on Canon 500D
with
Tamron 17-50 f 2.8
. All photos from the night photo shoot can be seen below.
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 and attributes are used
. It’s worth taking a closer look at such a “trick” as wedding photos with colored smoke. This approach to photography is noteworthy for several reasons: it is creative, compact to use, adds dynamics and dimension to photographs, and inexpensive.
Mirrors, colors and abstractions, oh my!
So we got the smoke, now what about the mirrors? Yes, white smoke designs on a black background are interesting, but you can take it even further. I used Photoshop. Or for that matter, any photo editor that supports layers will work. (Keep in mind that Lightroom doesn't support layers, so while you can edit, color, and do other things with it, mirroring is beyond its capabilities).
Here are the main processing steps:
1. Open the main edited smoke image. Select the image layer and duplicate it by pressing CTRL-J .
2. Go to the menu item “Editing” / “Transform” / “Flip Horizontally”
3. Change the blending mode on the top layer to “Lighten” . You will now see a mirrored top layer layered on top of the bottom layer and some interesting patterns will be created.
If you are not comfortable with Photoshop, I recommend checking out this course >> How to process in Photoshop
Alien gas - a shot of smoke tinted green.
Purple Haze - Now take the image above, flip it so that it is negative (black becomes white and green becomes purple), then flip it both horizontally and vertically (basic knowledge of Photoshop required).
You can move the layers to overlap each other in different ways and change the design. In some cases, you need to increase the size of the canvas and place a mirrored image next to the original, or even place multiple layers with the image flipped both horizontally and vertically.
You have now entered the realm of abstract art, don't stop.
Maybe you want to add color?
Create another layer on top of the others and fill it with a gradient. Now use the blending mode Overlay (Overlay) or Soft Light (Soft Light) and watch how your smoke takes on the colors of the gradient.
If you want to hand color the smoke, create a blank layer on top. Switch the Blend Mode to Overlay and use the Brush Tool (and any color of your choice) to paint over the smoke, watching as the white smoke takes on that color while the black remains untouched.
Try placing the photo on the top layer and switching the blending mode on this layer to Overlay (Overlay) .
Like Rorschach's inkblots, what you see is very individual. I call it the Sorcerer
Something that struck me about these abstract smoke compositions is that they resemble Rorschach's inkblots. Everyone interprets them differently and may see different images, which in the end are just random patterns of drifting smoke. The titles in these pictures are what I interpret.
What do you see?
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