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Smoke: Surreal photography?

color filters

Taking pictures of smoke may seem easy, but as with any type of photography, without a proper methodology, it will be a lot of trial and error, and even a lot of frustration.

Positioning the flash correctly will require a bit of practice but once this is done, you will be able to take picture after picture, focusing only on the "graphic" aspect of the smoke.

The longest part of the work lies in the post-processing. Start by sorting your pictures, keep only those that inspire you. Before applying filters and/or effects to your images, prepare them by making the background as black as possible and by removing dust spots. You will then be free to unleash your creativity. The results will greatly depend upon the latter, whatever the software you use.

Have the tips in this section helped you? Send me one of your photos, I will publish it on this page.

My experience

Some say you can use a spotlight of at least 500 watts if you do not have a flash that can be deported: just forget it, the light source is not sufficient and the results will be more than unsatisfactory. Others advise you to invest in a flash called "cobra" for the features offered, which include wireless functionality. If for you a flash is only an accessory that you do not use very often, then don't do so.

The use of an old flash is possible (mine is from the 70's). If your camera has, like mine, a flash synchronization plug, you can connect it with a flexible cable. The investment is small and the result just as effective. Otherwise you will need to acquire a specific cable to make the connection between the claws.

A cigarette can do the trick, for my part I use incense sticks.
A tripod.
A camera.
A lens (35 to 70 mm).
A flash connected to the camera.
A piece of black fabric (or other material).
A remote control will be a plus but is not essential.

You are working in a studio so the format used is not important: full format, APS-C, etc.

Do not hurry, take your time to prepare your work scene, do photo tests. As far as I am concerned, I use the camera in portrait format.

The black fabric is used as a background. Avoid any light on it, it has to remain as dark as possible.

Direct the flash to the smoke only. I place mine as close as possible to the incense, slightly below the incandescent end. Do some testing by placing it on the top, on the side, etc.

Turn off the noise reduction filters on your camera using the menus.

Settings:
Minimum ISO for finer resolution, but theory does not marry very well with practice. ISO 200 is a good value, go up a bit if your camera offers good noise management.
Minimum shutter speed: 1/100 to freeze the subject.
Aperture: from f/8 to f/11.

The slightest draft will make the smoke dance, whether you leave a door ajar or wave a feather. But beware, whatever the method used, be delicate or you will have nothing but a cloud of smoke.

Think of the time needed to recharge the flash. So, again, do not hurry.

During the post-processing you can switch your photos to "negative". This offers a "double option" for each photo. For the other aspects, there are many software programs and I cannot describe the options for them all. Everyone has to find the settings that suit him.

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Negative + double mirror effect + low key + frame

Negative + color filter + diffusion effect