Smoke on location
It’s amazing how adding a little bit of smoke can completely alter the look of a portrait shoot and a few months back I made a little video showing how I use a smoke machine in my studio.
But with the long summer days and warm weather I love to get out of my home photo studio and into the great outdoors. Of course shooting portraits in the woods makes using an electric smoke machine a real challenge but I found an alternative that’s even better.
The smoke in the photo above comes from a small smoke bomb. Also called smoke grenades, it’s basically a firework without the explosion. I used smoke bombs from Enola Gaye which is a UK company that sells their non-toxic smoke granades around the world. You can get them online but if you head along to your nearest paint ball or airsoft park you should be able to pick them up fairly inexpensively and in smaller quantities.
If you’re going to use smoke bombs in your photography, do so responsibly. I cover most of the important stuff in the video above but read the instructions on the smoke bombs before use. If nothing else follow the final bit of advice written on the side of every Enola Gaye smoke bomb… Don’t be a dick with this product.
Awesome video Gavin. I really enjoy your ideas and easy going videos. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Lars
I absolutely love your work !!! If I wasn’t on limited income and so far a way… I would take your classes ! This is one of my favorites !!! Another favorite is the ‘card player’ !!! Awesome imagination and talent !!! You also have the best teaching style ! Thanks for sharing !!!
Thanks Gavin. I find your videos extremely inspiring. I’m constantly amazed at your creativity and some of the shots you manage to get from fairly mundane situations. I’ve not delved into photoshop much to date. I’ve convinced myself that Lightroom is all I need for my photos, but you are making a very strong case that fairly simple PS work can really make something from an otherwise ordinary photo. I’m pumped to try different things.
We love your inspiration Gavin, let’s see what we get out of this shoot.