Behind-The-Scenes | Southern Charred

"Ol' Smokey Bastard"

I came up with this concept while reading the press release for Southern Charred back in November. I've wanted to photograph smoke for some time now and this was a perfect opportunity. I knew this would be a composite shot and I would need the following:

• Surface shot
• Left & right edge shot
• Label and cork shot
• Smoke shots

Table Setup:

The shooting table was made up of a couple of sawhorses and some weathered boards. I lined the sawhorses with black Cinefoil...a flue of sorts to contain the smoke. 

I taped a couple of incense sticks to a small mic stand and placed it between the sawhorses.

I taped underneath the boards except for a small gap which allowed the smoke to rise through the crack.

Lighting Setup:

A studio strobe with 20 degree grid was placed behind the table and low to the surface in an effort to reveal some texture. Note: overhead light in these setup shots was not used in the final image, just there to show you the setup.

Result of the surface light.

I used a 10" x 36" stripbox for edge lighting.

Result of the right edge.

I moved the stripbox to the left.

Result of the left edge.

To light the label and cork I used an overhead light with 10 degree grid.

Result of overhead lighting.

To capture the smoke I placed a strobe with 10 degree grid inline with the bottle. I lit the incense and waited for the smoke to rise through the crack. I triggered the camera with a wired remote and captured an insane amount of images. From time to time I would fan the smoke to manipulate the pattern.

I selected these four shots to include in the final image.

I assembled these individual shots in Photoshop by using layers, masks and blending modes. I used Google Nik Collection plugin to dodge and burn, add contrast and bring out some of the texture in the surface.

Voila...the final image.