TaDa smoke with strobe

[chauncey]

Got some black drapes to cover the windows and fired up the strobe alone...Dah, couldn't see squat.
Turning on my clamp lights helped that. It's been awhile since I've used the viewfinder.

Settings used on strobe...started with 2nd power level which is supposed to be fastest but required f/8.
Wanted more DOF so I cranked it up to 5th power level which allowed f/32 (my maximum) at ISO 100.
Getting the strobe up close helped a lot...haven't tried a snoot.
Using 3 clamp lights aimed at the smoke, opposite the strobe, helped with pre-focusing as AF failed.

This is virtually SOOC. I do wish there was a way to get a preview of the strobe light effects.



Are these images worth the investment...don't know what else to use it for.

[Brownbear]

Just to say that I think this is a gorgeous image! (vibrant colours, clarity, highlights) The smoke resembles a beautiful woman with long flowing hair dressed in an elegant gown. (I'd crop off of the back end to see her leaning into the frame) If you can create the rest of the cast you'd have an entire series to showcase at a local gallery.

[Mike Buckley]

There are an infinite number of variations on this theme. If you find making them enjoyable, it was worth your expense. If not, you'll need to find some other way to justify the expense.

When using just one source of smoke, consider making a photo in a vertical orientation.

[Manfred M]

I tend to prefocus these shots and shoot fairly wide like you did. I put the camera on a tripod and and after focusing, disconnect autofocus and leave everything else in place. Each shot will be in focus that way.

I've used single and multiple sources for smoke. I tend to wave my arm to get it to swirl and make patterns and then colour and assemble them in post.

As for other things to do with your studio flash; still life, portraits, etc. You now have a large, fast and powerful light source that can give you a nice soft light. Play with it to see what you can do with it.

[chauncey]

resembles a beautiful woman with long flowing hair dressed in an elegant gown

That, I did not see...but, I've usually been the statue.

[Shadowman]

Nice lighting and structure.

[IzzieK]

Nice effort, William...as with smoke and water, it is easy to get carried away...