In the realm of fashion and beauty photography, innovative tools can significantly enhance the artistry behind each image. Lindsay Adler, a renowned photographer, recently explored the possibilities offered by PMI's SmokeNINJA PRO—a handheld fog machine that has the potential to transform creative processes.
Discover New Inspirations
Always looking for fresh sources of inspiration, Lindsay recalls discovering the SmokeGENIE, a portable handheld fog machine, a couple of years ago. The magical results from that device were striking; some images even gave the illusion of hair on fire. Since then, the photographer has used it for various projects, from special effects to Halloween shoots. Recently, Lindsay's delves into the SmokeNINJA and SmokeNINJA PRO, and she couldn’t wait to dive into their innovative features.
Why the SmokeNINJA PRO Stands Out
The handheld fog machine quickly became a staple in Lindsay’s toolkit for several compelling reasons:
- Portability: Handheld and battery-operated, it’s perfect for on-location shoots.
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Versatility: Unlike traditional smoke machines that limit effects, the Smoke Ninja offers multiple capabilities:
- Fog: Thick smoke that fills the air.
- Haze: Fine particles that enhance volumetric lighting for a dreamy atmosphere.
- Steam: Ideal for effects like a steaming cup of coffee.
- Dry Ice (Liquid Smoke): A unique feature that makes smoke cling to surfaces, adding an ethereal quality.
- Safety: The smoke is safe for skin and eyes, and the device remains cool to the touch, ensuring the comfort of subjects.
Set the Scene
When preparing for a shoot, Lindsay emphasizes two main creative elements: lighting and color palette. For one particular demonstration, she opted for backlighting to highlight the dry ice effect while complementing the blues and teals in her makeup and outfit.
Lighting Setup
- Backlights : Two rim lights with 4ft strip softboxes and teal gels created a stunning silhouette against the smoke.
- Main Light : Positioned to the right, a Westcot optical spot was used to produce focused pockets of light on the subject's face.
- Fill Light : A medium umbrella with a cyan gel filled in shadows, adding depth and warmth.
- Background Light : A final strobe with a gradient of teal and green added dimension to the backdrop.
The Fog Machine’s Effects
Experimentation with the SmokeNINJA PRO led Lindsay to utilize two nozzles: the dry ice nozzle and the bubble nozzle.
Dry Ice Nozzle
The dry ice nozzle produced a stunning effect where smoke clung to the skin, creating an ethereal quality. With the help of her assistant, Lindsay captured mesmerizing images that showcased the unique allure of the smoke.
Bubble Nozzle
Next, she ventured into uncharted territory by introducing bubbles filled with smoke with the Bubble Kit. This not only created a visually striking effect but added a dynamic element when the bubbles burst, releasing concentrated smoke around the subject.
The SmokeNINJA PRO can open up a world of creative possibilities in fashion and beauty photography. With its unique capabilities and safety features, it empowers photographers to create eye-catching images that stand out in a crowded field. For those looking to elevate their photography game, Lindsay highly recommends giving the fog machine a try.
