Classic Shape

[Dean_Gretsch]

Ok, so last night I made my first attempt at flame photography. Much help needed please!

 

[smoke665]

It's been awhile since I did the smoke shots, but as I recall, I used reflected back lighting. Not sure how that would work with the flame.

 

[Jeff1548 48]

Out of my photographic ability but it looks OK to me............

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

It's been awhile since I did the smoke shots, but as I recall, I used reflected back lighting. Not sure how that would work with the flame.

That might actually work. I was trying to bring the smoke's highlights out, but eliminate the background that tries to bleed through in post. Actually, what I really need is a large black background. Thanks!

Out of my photographic ability but it looks OK to me............

Nothing is beyond our abilities, Jeff. We just have to take that first step.

 

[smoke665]

might actually work. I was trying to bring the smoke's highlights out, but eliminate the background that tries to bleed through in post. Actually, what I really need is a large black background. Thanks!

For something this size a large black foam core board will work. Set up two small narrow white reflectors (I'd shoot for sometthing like a 4x12) and cut down from there depending on the height of your shot. Stand them upright on each side behind the flame, just outside the frame, and far enough from the background to eliminate spill. Angle the reflectors toward the flames about 45 degrees. Set up your lights on both sides shooting straight across at each reflector. Snoots work well to contain the light. The light will be reflected into the smoke but should be at enough angle to eliminate flare. If not set flags between the reflectors and the smoke.

 

[K9Kirk]

I know, it's cliché but it's true, sometimes we are our own worst critics. I think it looks good but then again I'm looking at it with the same eyes that most people have in here, 'not professional eyes'. If you feel it can be improved I suggest to just take a bunch more and bracket to find the optimum settings that please you the best. GL and have fun with it!

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

might actually work. I was trying to bring the smoke's highlights out, but eliminate the background that tries to bleed through in post. Actually, what I really need is a large black background. Thanks!

For something this size a large black foam core board will work. Set up two small narrow white reflectors (I'd shoot for sometthing like a 4x12) and cut down from there depending on the height of your shot. Stand them upright on each side behind the flame, just outside the frame, and far enough from the background to eliminate spill. Angle the reflectors toward the flames about 45 degrees. Set up your lights on both sides shooting straight across at each reflector. Snoots work well to contain the light. The light will be reflected into the smoke but should be at enough angle to eliminate flare. If not set flags between the reflectors and the smoke.

Thanks. Sounds like a project to make on a rainy day.

I know, it's cliché but it's true, sometimes we are our own worst critics. I think it looks good but then again I'm looking at it with the same eyes that most people have in here, 'not professional eyes'. If you feel it can be improved I suggest to just take a bunch more and bracket to find the optimum settings that please you the best. GL and have fun with it!

Thanks Kirk. I always have room for improvement, lol.

 

[K9Kirk]

might actually work. I was trying to bring the smoke's highlights out, but eliminate the background that tries to bleed through in post. Actually, what I really need is a large black background. Thanks!

For something this size a large black foam core board will work. Set up two small narrow white reflectors (I'd shoot for sometthing like a 4x12) and cut down from there depending on the height of your shot. Stand them upright on each side behind the flame, just outside the frame, and far enough from the background to eliminate spill. Angle the reflectors toward the flames about 45 degrees. Set up your lights on both sides shooting straight across at each reflector. Snoots work well to contain the light. The light will be reflected into the smoke but should be at enough angle to eliminate flare. If not set flags between the reflectors and the smoke.

Thanks. Sounds like a project to make on a rainy day.

I know, it's cliché but it's true, sometimes we are our own worst critics. I think it looks good but then again I'm looking at it with the same eyes that most people have in here, 'not professional eyes'. If you feel it can be improved I suggest to just take a bunch more and bracket to find the optimum settings that please you the best. GL and have fun with it!

Thanks Kirk. I always have room for improvement, lol.

As do we all.