Well this was actually a pretty simple set up in all honesty
Heres some of the Exif data to get you started
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D60
Shutter Speed: 1/25 second
Aperture: F/5.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 400
As you can see the ISO had to be cranked up to atleast 400 in order to make sure that I could get a decent enough shutter speed. At this point I was using a tripod in order to make sure my shots were sharp but I even took some handheld that came out nice so either way can work. That or you can turn it up even higher or just shoot in artificial or brighter daylight as it obviously works.
Anyways on to the set up. The other day I found a tutorial on how to photography smoke using incense sticks. I found this to be quite a boring tutorial as smoke by itself isnt all that much of a creative spark. But I don't know how this idea came to me but shoes + Smoke = Fun shot.
At any rate what I did was find myself 2 incense sticks
This is the type of incense stick I was using. You can cut the end to suit your length as I was using ones that were a little too long to fit in my trainers. I used a bit of tissue to proper both of them up but not so much that they became visible in the shots. I also used some cling film on the bottom of the shoe so I don't have any left over ashes in my trainers...
Then lighting them up and slowly let them start to burn. When the smoke sets and starts coming at a steady pace thats when you want to start taking the shots. I would really recommend manual focusing and setting up before hand (this is where the tripod really comes in handy) and then get on with the set up. Auto focus also works well but Manual is best for full control.
So to Recap.
-Incense sticks in trainers propped up with tissues cut to appropriate length ready for light
-Camera Set up before hand and focused before lighting so for quick easy access to start shooting.
-Appropriate location for lighting but with a suitable background so that the smoke really stands out. Preferred dark backdrop.
Finally the final image was taken in RAW and this was just adjusted and changed until I got this nice dark effect where the smoke really stands out
I hope you enjoyed this little bizarre tutorial and I'd love to see some of the shots that you end up with
Thank you for baring with me