This month, we spotlight Alex Eischeid, a photographer from Oklahoma known for her imaginative self-portraiture and unique style. Her work explores womanhood and individuality, inviting viewers into a whimsical realm of creativity. Alex shares valuable tips for using PMI's fog machine SmokeNINJA Pro and Smoke Bubbles to enhance portrait photography. Read on to learn more about her photography and innovative techniques.
What’s the idea behind this shoot?
As soon as I saw the smoke bubble nozzle, this idea popped into my head! A polka dot fever dream. I made sure that we had these repeating circles through the frame by putting my model in a polka dot top and a round beret hat. I also wanted to keep my color scheme very intentional with black and white being my primary color scheme but a pop of red in the middle of the frame with her hat and lips.
What techniques did you use to ensure the bubbles appeared how you wanted?
To make the bubbles pop, I shot this on a black Savage Seamless paper. We also utilized two SmokeNINJA Pros with the bubble nozzle to get as many bubbles in the foreground and background as possible. I was strategic with my lighting placement as well to make sure there was even lighting across the foreground, middle ground, and background.
What’s your go-to settings on the fog machine?
I really love the fog and dry ice settings! Fog is great for backlight with gels! You can really make gelled lights pop with that fog setting. I love incorporating fake cigarettes into my images, so if I want the smoke to stay in place, the dry ice setting and attachment are my go-to!
You take a lot of self-portraits. How do you handle being in front and behind the camera?
I do focus mainly on self-portraiture in my work. Conceptual self-portraiture is probably the most time-consuming genre, so time management is something that I've really had to work on over the years. Most of my work goes in before the actual shoot itself. I am the creative director, gaffer, makeup artist, costume designer, set builder, photographer, model, and editor. So being able to manage my time effectively is crucial.
What advice would you give to other creators looking to incorporate smoke bubbles into their work?
Get creative with the smoke bubbles!! Try new things, take risks, and think outside the box with what the smoke bubbles could represent. I have a few ideas brewing (pun intended) for the holiday season coming up and how I want to use the bubble nozzle! Get weird with your ideas.
About the Creator
Alex Eischeid is an award-winning conceptual photographer based in Oklahoma. Much of her work revolves around womanhood and what it means to be a female in today’s society. Going against the norm, her images are packed with quirkiness and wonder, and often times leave the viewer dissecting every single detail in her meticulously planned out concepts. An educator at heart, Alex has developed multiple online photography courses over the years with topics ranging from creative self-portraiture, posing, creative off-camera lighting, and conceptual photography. Through teaching, Alex is devoted to helping other artists develop their own personal and artistic voice.
