Best lighting for capturing smoke?

4 replies [Last post]
EPL
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Joined: Jan 4 2005

Im having a person sitting and their smoking. What lighting placement will give the smoke a really white, full look? (behind/in front...)

Peter Stedman
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Joined: Oct 30 2000

Quite clearly a light from behind and a dark background will give the result wished for. The type of light that is generally refered to as a 'hair light'. But dare I suggest, that you make a few tests for yourself to get the result you want. Just a tip, try getting your sitter to slightly blow through the cigarette so that it produces more smoke. Again, just make a few simple tests.
Pete

EPL
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Joined: Jan 4 2005

Thanks for the suggestion, what I want to capture most is the effect of the smoke coming out of the persons mouth. Should the light shine ONTO the dark background, or shine towards the back of the persons head?

DAVE M
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Joined: May 17 1999

Backlight the smoke.

Cougar
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Joined: Jan 4 2003

I had to light some smoke for a safety film a few years back. I shot it against a black velvet backdrop and found that lighting the smoke from the side produced best results.
Alan