Who goes there?

How many SciFi movies have you seen where they've used this cheap effect - Predator, and Beast Master spring to mind. I've always wanted to try my hand at this - but a word of warning, although the chemicals are non-toxic they will stain (they maybe a little corrosive, like vinegar or something mild). The setup is pretty straight forward, and the result has had minimal LightRoom treatment. My tip to shooting in low light, is to auto-focus whilst the lights are on, and then switch to manual focus for the rest of the shoot. (Just remember to switch back to auto when you're done, or you will be scratching your head next time you get the camera out).

Brain cells

After the recent trouble with inky water challenge, I was going all out to capture some smoke.

When they say you need a lot of light - they are not kidding, this is lit with 1500W of halogen, and a bounce card one foot to the left. In case you haven't spotted it, this photo was shot upside down - as smoke rises. The shot glass is suspended from above, dangling by a simple bit of string and gaffer.

Black drop cloth, and a microphone stand to hold the stinky incense stick, and you're away (well about 50 photos later). Then it's just a little LightRoom to flip and color grade.

In case you're wondering, the "IQ Zero" shot glass is my dig at Alcohol and Tobacco.

Inspired by http://gizmodo.com/5662030/82-striking-photos-of-smoke