How To Make Smoke Photography



Posted: Saturday, July 25, 2009

by James Johnson
http://www.risingstardom.com

How to make smoke photography: An often-overlooked photographic technique is called "smoke photography". The technique is rather simple, but combined with other techniques can lead to a very artistic touch.

Camera, lighting, and personal style are the largest factors influencing the outcome of the smoke photography. Depending on camera capabilities, light settings must be altered to produce the proper or desired outcome.

First what you will need to create is a "lightbox". This is quite simply an empty shoebox with any number of CFL lights attached to it. Around 90-140 watts of lighting will provide ample lighting for the smoke effects, so that a flash is not needed. Place this lightbox at an angle of 90 degrees to the camera. Next you will need a dark background for your photo. You may have seen pictures with light backgrounds; this is done digitally after the photograph is taken. It is important to make sure that none of the light from the lightbox falls onto to the background, otherwise the smoke effects will be washed out. A piece of poster board or a piece of fabric will suffice. And then the most important tool for your smoke photography is the smoke itself. Generally the best source of smoke is a stick of incense, as the stream is steady, uninterrupted, and doesn't quickly extinguish (like a match would). Some types of incense produce thicker smoke; you can experiment with various brands to reach your desired effect. Always remember to use a dish or a base underneath your incense, as it will produce embers and ashes that can damage carpeting or potentially be hazardous. You are all ready to go, just adjust your camera's settings at take as many pictures as you like. Create photographs like this.

Note: For artistic effect, you may want to manipulate the incense smoke. The best smoke photography contains very unusual patterns of smoke, and not a smooth, steady, uninterrupted stream. For smoke manipulation you might try introducing turbulence by whisking the smoke with a fork or spoon, or by placing a wire mesh over the top of the incense. Experiment and see!

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Teresa Ortiz
 2 years 298 days ago.
188 fans.
Hi James, welcome to searchwarp! Thank you for sharing the details on how to create this effect. Your knowledge in photography is appreciated and helpful to many. Keep sharing. Blessings to you! Teresa
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