Smoke bombs are an increasingly popular trend in photography, and people just can’t get enough of the atmosphere it adds to photos. Using smoke bombs for photography is a hot trend on social media and has become very popular amongst wedding photographers too. Whether it’s for adding to the carnival vibes at a wedding or making your latest band photoshoot more dynamic and grungy, there’s a smoke bomb for you.
Which smoke bombs should you buy for your shoot?
Let’s not beat around the bush, you want to know which are best. Well, Enola Gay are number one, and you can buy their smoke bombs on Amazon. If you click and buy something, I make commission from your purchases with Amazon which I’m using to save old growth forests in the UK, I hope that’s ok with you.
For most, it adds to and levels up the production value with a perfect explosion of colours, creating a unique atmosphere even for a street photography session. Moreover, using a smoke bomb for photography sessions could be a new and exciting prop for your models.
But before you explore into the world of smoke bombs, you’ve got to know some useful tips, and since they’re pyrotechnic, there’s a need to know where and how to use them and the risks involved. This article contains useful information on everything you need to know about applying incredible smoke bombs photography to your sessions.
What Are Smoke Bombs?
When used in the context of photograph and film production, smoke bombs are a type of pyrotechnic similar to a flare. By design, they gradually and slowly release non-toxic coloured smoke for a short period, often between 10 to 180 seconds.
Smoke bombs are a hugely popular way for photographers to create a different atmosphere in their photographs. It does this while adding a splash of beautiful and brilliant colour to that wedding, gender reveal, street photograph or portrait.
Enola Gaye (a bit of a tasteless name if you ask me) is regarded as one of the top manufacturers of coloured smoke bombs that photographs use commercially and professionally. A range of grenades produce lots of smoke depending on the buyer’s needs.
What Do You Need For Smoke Bomb Photography?
You can also get products that emulate the effects of a flash-bang grenade which is cool for a street photography session. When used safely and properly, smoke bombs are the perfect way to add colour to your work. Here’s what you need to get when using smoke bombs for photography:
- At least one smoke bomb
- Gas mask if it will be near your face
- Lighting gear
- Matches or a lighter, especially if the bomb does not have a ring pull or wire
- Tripod
- Smartphone or camera
- A bucket or metal container
- Water
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
What To Look Out For When Buying a Smoke Bomb
If you’re looking to start using smoke bombs for photography, you’ll find many different types of smoke bombs on the market. While some come in grenade or stick form, others come in a can.
The Enola Gaye brand of soke bombs have a handy guide on their website that shows you what size of cloud to expect with each different bomb depending on the product code:
Smoke bombs vary depending on the brand you use, so you need to pay attention to some of these features below when buying a smoke bomb:
- Burn Time: All smoke bombs have different burn times, and some last longer than others, so you need to look out for burn time before buying one. For starters and newbies, look for smoke bombs that give a burn time of around a minute of active output per smoke bomb to allow for adjustments.
- Activation/Ignition: Figure out the type of activation you want your smoke bomb to come with. Smoke bombs require you to pull a wire, while some need a lighter, and smoke bombs with a wire pull is more straightforward but might be pricy.
- Density: A smoke bomb’s density could affect the opacity of your images, so you need to decide beforehand the sort of density you want. Thin coverage gives a more mist-like effect, while ones with fuller coverage give a more opaque effect.
- Presentation: The smoke bomb market is filled with different products, including smoke grenades, smoke tubes with double or single vents, smoke sticks, smoke clouds, and smoke clouds. It all relies on the type of smoke trail you want in your images.
Creative Techniques To Help Your Smoke Bombs Photography Shooting Session
If you’re shooting or using smoke bombs for photography for the first time, you must plan your shoot style, camera, and how they blend with your smoke bomb. These are some creative tips and techniques to help you get started:
#1. Plan
The first thing to note about using smoke bombs for photography is that it can get expensive, and quickly. If you don’t plan out your shots beforehand, you’ll run through them quickly, and may end up disappointed with the results. There is no substitute for experience, so take a few with you on your shoot as you will be learning as you go. I do thoroughly recommend however drawing out your shot on paper first, paying close attention to the colour clothing your model will be wearing and the colour of the smoke.
#2. Colour Choices Are Important
The colourful smoke from smoke bombs can help set the mood and add sophistication to your images. Try using dark hues to give a shady or gloomy effect and bright colours to lighten your shots. Ensure the smoke goes well with your subject’s wardrobe, as complementary hues can stop colours from clashing in the images.
#3. Thick or Thin Smoke Trails
Forming smoke trails is a useful tip if you’re trying to control the smoke. To do this, move the canister slower to allow you to leave more prominent and thicker smoke trails. The faster your subject moves, the thinner the smoke trails become.
#4. Experiment With Your Shutter Speed
Naturally, the smoke from the smoke bomb will move around as it flows out the canister, so a fast shutter speed is one way to freeze the motion. What’s more, you can increase the shutter speed to around 1/800 and 1/2500. Slow shutter speeds give a wispy and smoother look to the smoke.
#5. Make Use Of Props
Using props is another shooting technique that can make your image lit up when using smoke for photography. Put the smoke bomb in another object like a prop to conceal it. Umbrellas, birdcages, and lanterns to make it look like the smoke is puffing out of everyday objects. Of course, this is especially important since the smoke will last for a few seconds, and you need to prepare them before you light your smoke bomb.
#6. Only Light The Smoke Bombs After You Coordinate Poses
Smoke bombs don’t last as long as you might want and so there will only be some seconds for your model to move around the smoke. So to get the image, timing, and overall safety right, make sure to finalize lighting, composition, and poses before pulling the wire of your smoke bomb.
#7. Watch The Face
In pictures, they may look creative and cool but be careful not to take too many pictures with the smoke on your client’s face. Although it depends on the kind of concept you intend to capture, if it’s a paid work, you’d want your subject or client’s face to stay recognizable. And if you’re losing their face in most takes, ask them to move towards you and away from the cloud of colourful smoke, keeping them in the background.
Uses for smoke bombs
- Weddings
- Gender reveal parties
- Portraits
- Band Photoshoots
- Paintball
- Emergency service training
Safety Tips When Using Smoke Bombs for Photography and Video
While using smoke bombs for photography can be fun and exciting, remember that smoke bombs are still pyrotechnics, and there are still some risks and injuries involved with using them. However, you can enjoy using smoke bombs for photography safely with these safety precautions.
#1. Use The Right Kind Of Smoke Bombs
Always use the right kind of smoke bombs and the ones that come in canisters that you can hold by hand. More often than not, they are wire pull smoke bombs and are much easier to use than those requiring a lighter. Besides the wire pull canister, you get a better time window to control the smoke. Some smoke pellets are used to flush out pests or to test for a draught in a building. Make sure you’re using one designed for photoshoots.
#2. Look Out For Clear Weather Conditions
The first thing to note about using smoke bombs for photography is that the wind is a smoke bomb’s biggest undoing. While light breeze is alright and good for accentuating the smoke, a stronger breeze will blow it before it accumulates near your subject. And if it’s under wet weather conditions with heavy downpours and fast breezes, make sure to use a sheltered area or simply postpone the session.
#3. Scout For Location Beforehand
There are many hazards to using smoke bombs that require you to light them on fire, so you need to scout for hazard-free locations earlier. Avoid locations with lots of dry areas in the summer because fires can spread quickly. And it is best to come prepared with a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher.
#4. Stay Clear From Public Spaces
While some canisters are supposed to be safe for human use, the smoke might cause eye or throat irritation to some people. Use locations that are scarcely populated. Make it a point to remind people that they can always leave the smoke if it affects them.
#5. Follow Fire and Safety Rules
There is a probability that your area might have locations where smoke bombs are prohibited because of fire hazards. For this reason, it is important to check with your local fire department before using a smoke bomb for photography in a location. Besides, doing so will let you know if there are permits that you need to have before setting off a smoke bomb.
#6. Give Models, Assistants, and Clients Quick Safety Lessons Beforehand
Finally, always start your sessions by giving a quick summary of safety precautions to your models, assistants, or clients. Remind of the dangers of smoke bomb photography and how to point the smoke bomb away from people’s faces.
Sometimes the canisters can get a little too hot to hold, so it is important to tell them to set it down carefully once it feels too hot to carry. Smoke bombs sometimes clog or burst under pressure, especially if they don’t spew smoke after activating them. Put them on the ground and keep a safe distance till they burn out.
Conclusion
Smoke bomb photography is an exciting way to add a little pop of colour to your next photo shoot. Using smoke bombs for photography can elevate your images or expand your skills when you do it right.
If you need any ideas on transforming a regular photography session into a dream, a smoke bomb canister is a popular way. They’re great for wedding photos, gender reveals, engagement photos, landscape images, and street portraits. And with the safety tips in this article, you can stay safe while taking the best photos.
FAQs
Can you breath in the smoke from a smoke bomb or smoke grenade?
No.
No need to add detail, just don’t breath it in.
Do Smoke Bombs Ruin Clothes?
Quite possibly. Smoke bombs might stain your clothes, especially when you hold them too close to brightly coloured fabrics. The best way to avoid potential stains is to hold them away from yourself at 2 or 3 feet. And if it gets to stain your clothes, just wash it. But beware of letting smoke bombs stain the ground when left on the side.
Do Smoke Bombs Work In The Rain?
If too much water gets on a smoke effect, it could ruin it. Any rapid movement of water or wind in the air where you shoot will cause the smoke cloud to disappear quickly. But you can always use multiple clouds of smoke if you’re shooting at an area.
You can create a smoke bomb close to running water, such as a waterfall. Umbrellas can also help you make good of a rainy day, creating a cool effect.
Can You Hold A Smoke Bomb?
While some pictures have people holding smoke bombs, smoke bomb manufacturers recommend keeping them on the ground once you ignite or activate them. It isn’t safe to hold a smoke bomb unless you have experience with them. Whatever you do, know that smoke bombs build up heat and should be held away from the body and face.
What do smoke bomb photographers use?
The most popular brand of smoke bomb for photographers is the Enola Gay brand
Are photography smoke bombs legal?
Yes, but not in all places. You’ll need to be in an open area, with no other civilians nearby that you could harm or injure by them inhaling the smoke. You must also make sure that you are not near an airport, hospital or military facility. Basically anywhere that would be put on high alert if they saw a lot of smoke. Seek permission from the land owner before setting one off.
Are Smoke Bombs Noisy?
Smoke bombs are typically quiet, but you can hear a noise similar to a sparkler if you listen close. The reaction inside the canister of the smoke effect creates the coloured cloud. But overall, you don’t have to worry about protecting your ears while using smoke bombs for photography.
I hope you found this article useful and informative, to buy smoke bombs for your shoot, head to Amazon for the best prices: