flaming shot

[tasmo2]

Im not sure if this has been done here already.. but if so my apologies! LOL!



What you will need:
off camera flash
red paper
white paper
piece of glass or glass table
camera
70% rubbing alcohol

My set up:
My camera is set in Manual Mode, shutter 1/40, apt 1.8 using a 50mm prime. Off camera flash set @ 1/32, with red paper over it aimed at a white background. on camera flash off but since it still has *some* light output to set the off camera flash, I covered it as well as to not get any flash reflection. The shot glass is on its a stool about 1 ft off the ground, glass covered for reflection, flash on the floor pointed at the background (which is a white sheet of paper). I filled the shot glass with 70% rubbing alcohol and set the fire. Then just start shooting!!
You can also play with the apt to your own taste... the larger apt shows the reflections, but a smaller one has more contrast.. Here is one @ f3.2.. played with the levels a bit in pp for the darker contrasty look.


**WARNING** you should always have water and and empty glass cup ready incase you get an unwanted surprise! To put my fire out, I had to cover the shot glass with a glass cup to deprive it of oxygen. AND.. don't make the mistake I did and try to clean up too soon... the shot glass stays hot longer than you might think.. LOL!

[CBabcock]

I love this. I would like to try it, but I'm confused about the red paper and white background setup. Did you point the flash at the red paper to reflect off the white background? Can you post a picture of the setup?

[tasmo2]

yes, to gave it an over all red glow. I didn't take a pic, but here is a diagram!


background is a white sheet of paper. I don't have gels, so I covered mine with a damp sheet of construction paper and secured it with a rubber band. The flash is aimed at the background. The black rectangle is a table, with the shot glass on it.

Hope that clears it up! Feel free to ask anymore questions! I look forward to seeing your results!

[CBabcock]

Ahh, using the paper as a gel. OK got it. Thanks so much. That's a really cool shot!

[tasmo2]

Thanks! :0)