Handheld smoke machines have changed the way you can create dramatic, cinematic portraits. They give you the ability to add depth, texture, and atmosphere to your images with ease. It’s a powerful tool to elevate the storytelling in your portraits.
Coming to you from Jay P Morgan with The Slanted Lens, this engaging video highlights the SmokeNINJA Pro’s versatility. You can create three distinct types of smoke: heavy smoke for strong visual impact, dry ice effects that stay low to the ground, or gentle steam that subtly enhances the scene. Each of these options offers unique opportunities to make your portraits stand out. For example, using heavy smoke behind your subject can add depth and interest, while soft haze gives the background a subtle, cinematic quality. The ability to switch between these settings with the push of a button makes this device a convenient option for working on set.
One of the standout features discussed in the video is lighting smoke effectively. Using a backlight is crucial—it illuminates the smoke and creates striking layers in your images. The video shows a side-by-side comparison of front-lit and backlit smoke, making it clear how much more defined and dynamic the latter approach can be. Pairing smoke with a darker background further enhances its visibility, while incorporating additional lights can create compelling flares and highlights. Techniques like these can completely transform an ordinary shoot into something atmospheric and visually captivating.
The video also touches on the safety and usability of the SmokeNINJA Pro. Unlike earlier tools that were cumbersome or even dangerous, this device is compact, safe, and easy to handle. Its quick charging time and ability to produce continuous smoke for up to three minutes make it reliable for extended shoots. Whether you’re creating atmospheric haze in a large room or crafting precise effects for a product shot, the device handles both with ease.
If you’re looking to take your portraits to the next level, this video offers practical insights and tips to get you started. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Morgan.
