Something different from the weekend

[rpstewart]

Tried out something a little different at the weekend. I quite like them, what do you guys think?

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

Very arty and nicely shot, I like

 

[Nazbit]

The first one is a bit empty for my liking but the rest are good.

Nice effect

 

[Johnny|lucidcomposure]

Thats really freaky. I was just about to set up to make smoke trails myself tonight!!!

 

[brocksta]

Have you tried inverting them? you get some cool effects

Overall i like them though, think ill have to give this a try myself

 

[Johnny|lucidcomposure]

Blah I cant get anywhere near as good as those. Getting better results now but I really need a stationary burning object like a insense candle coz my hands are in use with my flash

My humble attempt. I was never gonna get the disired effect I want since the only way I could make smoke was to strike a match and quickly move it into position while holding my release trigger. So the movement give me a very fiece effect but im looking forward to trying again with some scented candles. Plus my room will wiff nice then

 

[rpstewart]

The setup's nothing fancy really, a nightlight candle and a black bedsheet for the background. Camera was on the tripod and the flash just hotshoe mounted as usual. The trick I found was to snuff the candle rather than blowing it out, that way the wick stays smouldering and you get more smoke. Make sure you have two candles then you can keep relighting without wasting matches.

The shots themselves were taken in high speed burst mode with a remote release using manual mode, f/5.6 @ 1/100 or f/8 @ 1/100. I'm going to give them another go though and up the shutter speed a bit, there's quite a bit of motion blur on some of the duffers.

 

[Johnny|lucidcomposure]

I had a setup very alike. Cept my flash was off sync'd pointing upward at the smoke to give it forground illumination so I was able to keep the black sheet (bed cover) completely black.

I love that motion blur to yours. There is something almost romantic about them.

 

[woodsy2k]

Like that mate, a good idea indeed. Its always the simple ideas that work is it not

Funny how when in need of some inspiration, its the simple and easy ideas that pass me by.

 

[SilverPenguin]

Really nice simple idea. I like these a lot

 

[iGiDK]

Some excellent results there #1 is especially good in my opinion it has a beautiful smooth texture

I've seen a lot of shots like this where the smoke trail has been presented in a vibrant colour on either a plain white or black background - however I think yours really work well and the blurred shapes in the background really adds to a sense of a moody atmosphere

#3 looks to have the remains of another thin smoke trail in the bottom left which is rather distracting in this shot though IMO

 

[alexisonfire]

Very well shot, but i prefer them in a white/black negative. Imo the black is too harsh on the eyes.

 

[Johnny|lucidcomposure]

Well they are always photographed on a black background and then inverted. Since to capture them right you need forground light that would be lost on a white background.

 

[MookJong]

Can I ask how did you get the focus so sharp for these?

 

[Johnny|lucidcomposure]

Can I ask how did you get the focus so sharp for these?

He focused on the wick of a candle and then I assume he moved is camera higher than the flame now in full manual focus

 

[rpstewart]

I focussed on the wick of the candle then moved the candle higher than the flame and set the lens to manual focus.

They're actually not that sharp full size but the reduction for posting improves the apparent sharpness.

 

[Mint_Sauce]

Nice, I like number 2. You've given me inspiration to give my flash gun a work out.