Colour is alive
By Ben Warren
18 June 2007
Hello,
Here is a creative experiment you can try right now! I was inspired to try this after experimenting with smoke from burning incense and a flashlight. Not exactly pleased with the results, I started to ponder an inexpensive way to better capture this smoky effect. I know this technique may not be my own (as everything has been done under the sun) but I am very pleased with the results.
The Tools
1) A clear container, like a wine glass or a fish bowl. Something small is optimal since you will be changing the water allot.
2) A large container for your reserve water.
3) A white piece of paper. The reason white works best is because it gives the best contrast and later in post processing it is easy to extract the white from the color to layer your best shots or add background layers.
4) Some food dye. Comes in a 4 pack at any grocery store or just look in the pantry and you may find some.
5) A patient assistant. Makes things not so messy and keeps your hands dry for the camera.
6) A flat surface, simple as a table or chair. The chair works very well in the case that you don't have an assistant you can use the back rest to hold the piece of paper in place.
The process
1. Find a well lit space to work in. Daylight works great, plus you can get some fresh air.
2. Set the table or chair in place and have your assistant be ready with the background paper, or simply place it on the backrest of the chair. Remember to avoid shadows casting into the background by keeping the sun to the right or left of your subject.
3. Fill the container with water to the brim and place it on the chair or table. Fill your reserve container at this time.
4. Now set your camera to sequence (so you don't miss the action) and set to manual mode with a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. A low iso so their is no noise and F8-11 should work great. Don't let the light meter fool you. It will try to tell you to under expose because the bright white background, doing so will give you very dark color. You want bright vibrant colorful swirls and you want the background to be bright white. Over expose the background for best results.
5. If you are shooting digital, take a few test shots to be sure you got it right.
6. Now ask you're assistant to hold the paper in place, and then start dripping the dye. Begin with a single drop, finally, start shooting! Have fun with multiple color combinations.
7. Dump the water out, then add more from the reserves and do it again.
There you have it, a quick and easy way to get that smoky effect without dealing with the instabilities of smoke. Plus you get amazing color. I hope this "how to" inspires you to try something new!
by, Ben Warren
More How To Stories
