The thought of photographing steam is sometimes much easier than actually accomplishing it. The environment has to be just right. After several attempts I was able to capture a slight show of steam only to then learn that to photograph steam you really need cooler temperatures. It was 100 degrees the day I set out to accomplish my mission. To prevent you from working backwards like I did, attempting, being less than successful, and then going on-line to research, I am going to tell you what you’ll need to be successful the very first time you attempt to photograph steam.
What you need to photograph steam:
Steam – of course.
Light – back lighting, or side lighting.
Temperature – cooler temperatures are better.
Background – dark background.
Air movement control – the slightest shift in air can result in the steam moving in a different direction or taking a different shape. Sometimes this is beneficial. Sometimes an aggravation depending on what you are trying to accomplish.
A few websites/blogs I found helpful:
Food Photography Blog -http://www.foodportfolio.com/blog/food_photography/steam.html
Photo.net – http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00NWhD
Photoink – http://photoink.org/how-to-photograph-steam
A few of my attempts, better images to come when cooler weather arrives. Live and learn. You have to start somewhere, right?
Afternoon tea with a cinnamon butterscotch scone.
Less steam than the first image. There was an air conditioning vent near the placement of the first subject.
Again, less steam, but I like the image.
awwww! look at you go! 🙂 and I’m glad you found those steam resources! what a fun thing to know how to do.