When it comes to smoke bomb photography, one of the top contenders in terms of safety and duration is the Enola Gaye WP40 Smoke Grenade. This smoke bomb offers a high level of safety and longevity, making it the perfect choice for photographers. Designed as a wire pull smoke bomb, it is available in various colors and boasts an impressive approximate duration of 90 seconds. Priced at $11 per grenade, it provides photographers with ample time to capture stunning photos.
Exclusive Discount: SLRL Discount Code – 10% Off Don’t miss out on this special offer! Use code SLREG10 to enjoy a 10% discount on any Enola Gaye products. These smoke bombs have been extensively tested and proven to be the best option for photography, ensuring you can achieve the perfect shots with just the right amount of smoke.
Tip #1: Prioritize Safety
It’s crucial to understand that smoke bombs are essentially fire-producing devices that emit sparks and heat. Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution and prioritize safety when using them. Avoid using smoke bombs near flammable objects or in dry outdoor areas, as they can pose a fire hazard. It is not recommended to use smoke bombs indoors or in public spaces. While Enola Gaye suggests wearing face and eye protection, it’s worth noting that many photos online do not show this precaution being taken.
How to Use a Smoke Bomb Before diving into the exciting world of smoke bomb photography, it’s essential to learn the step-by-step process of using a smoke bomb. The video above provides a visual demonstration of how to ignite a smoke bomb correctly. Keep in mind that the center column of the smoke bomb retains the most heat and can potentially cause minor burns once the smoke bomb has been fully expended.
Tip #2: Prepare Your Shot in Advance
While Enola Gaye smoke bombs are advertised to last 90 seconds, our testing revealed that they typically last between 70-80 seconds. To make the most of your smoke bomb photography, ensure that you have your lighting, composition, and poses set up before igniting the smoke bomb. This way, you can capture the desired shot without wasting precious seconds.
Tip #3: Be Prepared for Messiness
Smoke bomb photography is known for its dynamic visuals, but it can get messy. The smoke is accompanied by powder, which has the potential to stain light-colored clothing, especially if there is wind or the smoke bomb is angled back towards the body. It’s advisable to have a change of clothes on hand in case of any accidental staining.
Tip #4: Pulling the Ring
When igniting the smoke bomb, hold it away from your body and grip it towards the bottom 1/3 of the column. Keep in mind that there may be initial sparks, so maintaining a safe distance is important. Achieving successful and safe smoke bomb photography requires proper timing and patience.
Tip #5: Account for Delay
After pulling the cable, there will be a delay of 5-10 seconds before the smoke becomes usable and fills the frame. It’s recommended to have an assistant help with pulling the cable, especially when using multiple smoke bombs for simultaneous shots.
Bonus Tip: Instruct Subjects to Move Freely Once the smoke bomb is lit, advise your subjects to move around and adjust the position of the smoke bomb. This will help prevent smoke from blowing into their eyes or face, which can cause discomfort and tearing. Adding movement and action to your shots contributes to the captivating nature of smoke bomb photography.
Give the Enola Gaye WP40 smoke bomb a try and share your results! Use code SLREG10 for a 10% discount. If you’re interested in seeing more from these shoots and learning about lighting techniques, sign up to be the first to know when our highly anticipated Lighting 300 Series is released!
