Smoke Bomb Photography

Do you ever wish that you could master smoke bomb photography and be able to create fantastic smoke bomb pictures just like those you see on the Internet? With the rising popularity of smoke bomb photography, many wedding photographers have started incorporating smoke bombs into their images because of its beautiful effects.

The vibrant smoke added to the photos surely creates a blast, whether you are taking landscape or portrait shots. It results in amusing effects, eye-catching background, and enhanced ambiance. For instance, smoke trails help emphasize movements during the shoot.

Choosing the Right Smoke Bomb

When selecting a smoke bomb for your shoots, the first thing you need to consider is safety. Also known by the names smoke grenades, colored smoke bomb sticks, or smoke cans, the kind of smoke bomb used for photography must not be too hot to handle to avoid any burns. There are smoke bombs that are not meant to be held and must be set on the ground. Holding them is dangerous; that's when you can get some help from MIOPS Smart+ camera trigger.

Moreover, it is not advisable to purchase smoke bombs that simultaneously fire out at both ends. Although they give out much more smoke, they do not last as long as the ordinary smoke bombs making them a more expensive option.

 

Photo is taken by Jaroslav Noska using MIOPS.

Tips on Using Smoke Bombs for Your Photos

To get the best from your smoke bomb effects, make sure you know how to the prop creatively, yet safely. Take a look at these tips, and see if they can be applied to your photography style:

1. Safety first.

The most basic rule when using this kind of prop in taking pictures is identifying the potential risks involved in using smoke bombs. For instance, the most dangerous type of smoke bomb is the one that needs to be lit on fire. If used nearby trees and dry grass, it can cause a fire. This type is best used on a paved surface, and far from anything that could catch fire.

In addition, you need to be aware of the irritation that the smoke may cause to the eyes or throat. People around need to be made aware of its possible effects before usage.

Due to the risks involved, it is best not to use smoke bombs if you are photographing children or animals. It is also ideal to have people assist you with your smoke bomb photography.

2. Plan your shots.

Planning your smoke bomb pictures ahead of time is necessary since you have a limited time to shoot while the smoke bomb is on. You will have to have to work quickly and cannot afford to make many mistakes; otherwise, you will be wasting money. The smoke only lasts for a limited time, and sometimes you have to wait for the smoke to accumulate to create a dramatic smoky effect.

To avoid wasting time and money, see to it that you already have a final result in mind before the actual shooting. Plan out the process of each scene so it can be executed smoothly once you are in the field. Moreover, it is best if you practice the shots first without smoke bombs, so they can be perfected the moment you add the smoke.

3. Shoot in good weather.

It is best if you shoot on a day with good, calm weather. A gentle breeze is fine since it may help highlight the smoke with slow currents. However, stronger winds will make it hard for you to control the smoke in the scene, and worse, it can blow your colorful smoke away.

Shooting on a bright sunny day can help you achieve a well-lit scene, which can accentuate the color of your smoke. If the weather is not ideal, it is okay to cancel and reschedule the shoot while explaining to your client how the weather can affect the quality of the photos.

4. Create a minimalist effect by using a black background.

To produce a modern and minimalist smoke bomb photo, use a background that will highlight your smoke grenade. A black background will do this job, as it will not make the colors of your smoke bomb blend into it. A black background will also be easier for you to edit in Photoshop if you need to adjust the size of your frame.

5. Use a smoke cloud for the background.

Creating a smoke cloud behind your model can result in an interesting background. The effect would be a dramatic smoke-filled backdrop with an enigmatic feel, especially if the smoke covers most of the original background.

To achieve this effect, instruct your model to pop some smoke behind him/her for several seconds. Then, before the smoke vanishes, s/he quickly makes the pose or movement that you want him/her to do. This is one good example of why every scene should be planned ahead.

6. Enclose the smoke bomb in an object.

Another creative technique that maximizes smoke bomb is by using a prop in which you can put it. It could be a lantern, basket, birdcage, or anything that the model can hold. Colored smoke coming out from it is surely a mystical hit!

This technique is used by many photographers to make their pictures more interesting. The vibrantly-colored smoke that spreads out from the ordinary object can create magical effects in your photos.

7. Choose a camera with fast shutter speed.

Increased shutter speed will allow you to capture the puffs and other details of the smoke. Therefore, it is best if the shutter speed of your camera is within 1/800 and 1/2500. You will also need to adjust the aperture and ISO as well to get a proper exposure.

8. Use a high-speed camera trigger.

One helpful device that can help you capture beautiful details is the MIOPS Smart+ Camera Trigger. With its sensitive sensor, capturing fast-moving objects like quick-changing smoke features can be done more accurately.

This high-speed photography device features advanced trigger modes, such as laser, lightning, and sound, which you can choose from to capture your smoldering smoke.

Create a World of Fun

Overall, the smoke bomb has that artistic effect that gives life to any photo. The colorful mist that envelopes the scene creates a vibrant atmosphere that adds life to the picture. Whether you are shooting a wedding, for a local magazine, or adding to your portfolio, always incorporate a touch of fun to your images.

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