Photographing smoke

[giulio1993]

Hello!
I'd like to ask which should be the essential equipement (about 120$ budget maximum) to photograph smoke.
I don't understand lightling at all so... do i need a sleave flash, a strobe, a tungsten unit?

Is something like this enough 1102-1 JTL Versalight J-110A, 110 Watt Second Monolight Strobe

What about the background?

I attch my first bad attempt (55mm, ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/320 sec)


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[Lodd]

You don't understand light? for 120USD you could get quite a few books on understanding light

The only light you'll need is an external flash. And something to trigger it wirelessly with. like a radio trigger.

 

[KmH]

Click here to discover a ton of info on how to photograph smoke.

 

[D-B-J]

-An off camera flash, triggered either wirelessly or through a connector, doesnt matter.
-Blinders on either side of the flash so it does not spill onto the BLACK background or into the lens, causing flare. (Black backgrounds are essential in smoke photography)

-A camera, with a 50mm lens (seems to be the popular focal length from what ive read).

-Time, and editing programs.


Also, search youtube for smoke photography. Some great tutorials there.
Regards,
Jake

 

[canonnite]

Wishing | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

all I used for this was a flash triggered behind the candle with the head pointing up a bit, and my kit lens for my d3000

 

[lyonsroar]

You don't necessarily need a flash, just a VERY bright constant light source. I got useable shots with that setup...

Smoke 8 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Smoke 1 (1st attempt) | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Rasta | Flickr - Photo Sharing!