OK. This was a weekend of experimentation. I have always been interested in smoke photography. But, I have never had the patience to attempt it. Well, that changed this weekend. I used a basic setup. Black foam core background, a light source to give me something to focus on and an alien bee 800 watt strobe set a its lowest power setting (1/32). I then lit a few incense sticks and began shooting. I was using a Canon 24-105mm /4 lens on a T2i with the ISO at 100 and the f-stop at around f10. I learned quickly that the magic happens in post. My first attempt was merely a collage of color (created by creating multiple layers in Photoshop and changing the hue).

Here is my first attempt:

After I saw how it was done and realized that extreme manipulation is expected when doing this type of photography, I decided to use my imagination. My second attempt is a bit more elaborate.

Here is my second attempt:

Overall I like my initial results. Each image has its own charm.

The most important thing to come from this foray into smoke photography is that I gained another weapon. I will definitely use smoke photography to augment other times of photography I am interested in. I will also use it to expand my creativity and broaden my imagination. If you haven't tried it, I recommend it.

I thought this was a interesting image. I did quite a bit of color processing to give it a hard yet detailed look. This was shot with my 12-24mm Tokina lens at F4, ISO 200.   

I think this is the most important information I have learned about my rights as a photographer EVER.
I thank Mr. Speier ,as well as B&H, for providing this amazing insight. I hope you learn as much as I have. 

This is my first time shooting "night time" photography. So I have a vast amount of room for growth. However, I thought that I would share my first fruits. These pictures were taken on Broad street in Philadelphia with a 12-24 mm Tokina Lens at F11, ISO 100 , shutter a 10 seconds.

Cruising

A favorite pastime of mine is cruising. It is relaxing, peaceful and an opportunity to commune with my creator. It also presents a opportunity to shoot a few pictures. I wish I could tell you the camera settings; but, it was vacation and things like conscious thought are not allowed on vacation.

Here are a couple more shots. One from Philadelphia  near 30th street station (shot with a 28mm sigma prime). 

The other shot at King's Wharf, Bermuda with my 12mm to 24 mm Tokina lens.  

Spring is in full effect. The fountains are being turned on. The birds and bees are being "birds and bees".Time to break out the 28mm to 200mm and shoot at f9.