BABY'S FIRST PHOTO DEMO

The compression monster beat up these photos.  I'd suggest viewing them on my Smugmug or Flickr.  (Found in LINKS section)

So, lately I have been really getting interested in studio photography.  I really like the concept of being able to control every component of the picture.  Though I have just begun to dabble in art, I have come to really appreciate the amount of work and meticulousness involved in creating even just a simple product shot.

A while back, I came across an article explaining the method behind taking pictures of smoke in a studio environment.  I was intrigued, and after one failed attempt over winter break, I decided to revisit the challenge tonight.  I was very happy with the results!

(Interesting God note:  Over my last few photo sessions,  I have been learning to recognize the necessity of God's presence in order for any progress to be made.  Not just in the photography itself, but my attitude toward a passion such as this.  More thoughts on this to come in a later post.)

Anyway, here is a quick synopsis of the process:

First off, this is a super ghettofied version of a studio setup but it works for someone on a budget, though ease of use and flexibility are not exactly the names of the game.

I ended up rearranging some items in this photo.  See notes below.

1.  Baking Pans - used as reflectors.  (Note: pointed away from the backdrop)

2.  Black Backdrop

3.  White Diffuser - ended up being used as a white bounce in the same position.

4.  Canon EX II Speedlite w/ 10ft sync cord and partial snoot.  Ended up moving it in front of the diffuser and pointed it directly at subject with snoot still blocking spill onto background.

5.  Camera hooked up to computer for instant/accurate feedback.

6.  Candle.  (I'd suggest using incense for a more constant, cleaner stream of smoke.)

7.  Canon Digital XTi w/ 100mm Canon Macro EF.  Hoya UV Filter (safety precaution.) All on tripod.

8.  Towel - To prevent elements from sliding around.

Few Tips:
Shoot in a pitch black (or nearly black) room.  Use hand or other object to set correct focusing distance.  Switch to manual focus.  Use a remote release.  Have patience. 

P.S. - These smoke pics look pretty sweet with the colors inverted.
(CTRL+ALT+Command+8 for you Mac users.)