1st attempt @ smoke (C&C Please)

[7/24]

Here are a few at my first attempt at smoke. Please C&C along with any suggestions for next time.

1
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4382390670_ac0f839974_b.jpg

2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4381630807_00b7fcda34.jpg

3
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4382389810_5d72817723.jpg


Thanks

 

[Clawed]

Do you mind if I ask what your settings were? In the first image there is a bit of noise evident, and that's common for smoke pics. I would suggest starting with an ISO of 100 if possible, and make sure to expose them properly. Use a snooted flash to control the intensity and direction of the flash if you can.

 

[Jacki]

I kind of like #1. They are kind of noisy, but great for your first try! :thumbsup:

 

[7/24]

Clawed... The ISO was 1600. I knew there would be a fair amount of noise. I do not have strobes yet, so I'm using hot lights at the moment (a 300w for this shot). Since this was my first attempt, I now know to go bigger next time. Any other comments or suggestions? Thank you.

 

[Clawed]

Actually, not too bad for 1600 ISO. I like the first, but how did you control the flow of smoke? I would suggest using a spoon over the smoke to see what kind of interesting patterns you can get. It's all about trial and error here since smoke can be so unpredictable.

 

[Clawed]

Also, you may try adding other elements to your smoke shots to make them really stand out. For example, I took this during my first smoke shoot, after taking way too many shots that all began to look the same after a while:

And, hey, if you are a smoker, why not try to get in the frame yourself for what could turn out to be a great self-portrait?