Smoke and mirrors

[RecurrentNerve]

Actually there were no mirrors, unless you count the one in the camera.


Basic shot


Gradient Mapped


Reverse Gradient Map

I first set up in a dark room; my bathroom happens to have no windows which is great for this kind of shot. I set up the camera as follows:

1/250
f/7
ISO 200
42mm

Continuous firing, manual focus, VR off, on a tripod.

I took one normal candle, a box of normal matches, and one of those bright LED torches. I lit the candle, turned off the light, turned on my torch, blew out the candle, shone the torch through the smoke and shot away.

Main issue with this is focussing, as you don't know which way the smoke will go - I think this shot turned out ok. It's not pin sharp, but then again neither is smoke. I focussed on the candle flame manually in live view (I only recently found you can zoom the live view screen on Nikons, so useful).

I found the only way to get sufficient light to expose the smoke was to shine the torch almost directly at the camera through the smoke.

Once I got the shot into Photoshop, I enhanced the levels, then used a couple of Linear Dodge layers to brighten the smoke itself.

For the coloured versions, I used a Gradient Map adjustment layer, with a gradient from black, through bright red, to white. The third shot is the same with the gradient reversed and the black replaced with a deep red.

SAFETY NOTICE: If you're going to try this technique please be sensible with regards to fire safety. Ensure the area is clear of any flammable material before lighting the candle. Have an appropriate form of fire suppressant on hand in case of accident. I accept no responsibility for any harm or damage caused using this method.

[derekspacelewis]

Good shots! To be honest I like the first basic one the most, the gray with the little bits of color really make for a good picture.

[jpel3500]

I think I like them all, but I will say, the last one looked liked blood dripped into water. Don't know if I have a sick mind, but, that is what I "saw". But like alot of pics, Keep it! Never know what you might need it for. Grin.

JDPelfrey

[endukjenner]

Very interesting, I like the result - and the detailed "how to". Thanx!

[valeriemae]

Great place to be in taking this shot stable and no air movement except of course when you blow the candle, i am just wondering on what kind of flashlight did you use to take this shot? Does the light scatter or did you add any more add ons to the flashlight? Thanks!

[indykaleu]

Originally Posted by jpel3500

I think I like them all, but I will say, the last one looked liked blood dripped into water. Don't know if I have a sick mind, but, that is what I "saw". But like alot of pics, Keep it! Never know what you might need it for. Grin.

JDPelfrey

I must have a "sick" mind as well, because that was my first thought when I saw the picture.

Great pictures and thanks for the tutorial.

[Darkninja462]

I will certainly be giving this method a go later this week, great work 5*

Ninja

[indykaleu]

Originally Posted by jpel3500

I think I like them all, but I will say, the last one looked liked blood dripped into water. Don't know if I have a sick mind, but, that is what I "saw". But like alot of pics, Keep it! Never know what you might need it for. Grin.

JDPelfrey

I must have a "sick" mind as well, because that was my first thought when I saw the picture.

Great pictures and thanks for the tutorial.

[RecurrentNerve]

Hmmm, there certainly is a worrying amount of you associating this with blood. Too much Twilight I think! Of course you can make it any colour you like in Ps.

Great place to be in taking this shot stable and no air movement except of course when you blow the candle, i am just wondering on what kind of flashlight did you use to take this shot? Does the light scatter or did you add any more add ons to the flashlight? Thanks!

I used one of these, because it's the only torch (flashlight) I have in the house. It's pretty bright and has a fairly focused beam I guess. I didn't modify it in any way. Worth experimenting with various light sources.