TOP TIPS ON HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH STEAM AND SMOKE

Top Tips for Capturing Smoke and Steam

Capturing smoke and steam
Both smoke and steam are white, so will disappear on a white background. Use a background that will allow the steam/smoke to show up. Dark backgrounds obviously work well, but it doesn’t have to be dark… gentle or bright colours will also work – anything that allows some contrast with the white smoke swirl.

LIGHT

Light from the side or ¾ behind, so the light hits the smoke from the side, and separates it from the background. This can be artificial light or a window.

SHUTTER SPEED
Use a shutter speed that will freeze the action to some extent. I use around 1/160 or 1/200 with studio flash – some of the smoke will still be blurred, but some of the more distinct trails and wisps will be frozen in time. A slow shutter speed may leave you with a foggy blur.

SMOKE TOOLS

I use incense sticks to create the smoke – these give off a lot of smoke, and burn for a long time and while they may drop ash over your scene, they are unlikely to burn your house down, if carefully looked after! Keep a mug of water near by to drop them into. One danger is they give up too much smoke, and the scene looks unreal. Takea number of shots, and move the incense sticks around to see different smokey effects.

BEWARE
Be careful of draughts in the room. A window, or even you moving towards the scene, will create draughts and can blow the steam sideways! Move cautiously, and let the smoke swirl naturally.

Join in Instagram Challenge:

Delighted to be co-hosting with –
NEW CREATIVE CHALLENGE
#BVSSMOKE / JOIN IN & ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A £100 OR £25 VOUCHER

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE THEME – SMOKE & STEAM 
Smoke and steam are beautiful to shoot, bringing an etherial magic to your scene and reminding us that even when everything else is still the air is dancing all around us.
We thought this would be a brilliant Autumn challenge as it suits this time of year so well – rich colours, darker nights, cosy food (or spooky treats!) all tie in so well and will help you embrace smoke or steam in your videos and photography.
We hope you will join us and don’t forget, everyone who enters has a chance of winning the £100 prize or runner up £25 prize.
#BVSSMOKE / HOW TO ENTER
1. Follow the hosts and judges on Instagram – @blackvelvetstyling @cathlowephoto
2. Have fun bringing smoke or steam in to your videos and photography
3. Post on Instagram between 17th – 31st October 2023 using the hashtag #BVSSMOKE and tagging @blackvelvetstyling

Full terms, styling tips and more inspiration on our blog – follow the link in our stories!
We can’t wait to see what you create 💨

cathlowe

Experienced photographer with many years photographing people and families, as well as shooting and styling food.