Is this Classed as Abstract....

Well, I do hope so as this is going to be an entry in the next competition of the Camera Club as a concept of Abstract.

I have had to drive home tonight as I have been called to the Hospital for more tests, an ECG and Echo-cardiogram, its just for precautions and I don't think there are any problems, but they need to make sure. Good thing I could come at the drop of a hat as there was a cancellation and they got me in really quick.

Will comment later tonight as I know I have been quite lacking over the past few weeks.

How to do the Smoke shot.

HERE'S HOW YOU DO IT

You need:-

Camera,
Off camera Flash and lead,
Small tripod.
Black Background.
Something that gives of smoke, I used a candle, because I didn?t have an Incense stick.

Taking the Shot

1 Set up candle against a Black Background
2 Set up Camera about three foot away from the candle.
3 Focus on the tip of the candle (manually) and set the f-stop high as you can go.
4 Place the flash the other side facing upwards towards where the smoke is going to drift.
5 Connect the lead to flash and camera.
6 Try a few shots, with the lights on.
7 Light the candle, turn the light off blow the candle off and fire a few shots.
8 Repeat 7 a few times so you get a vary of shots.

Processing the Shot.

1 Pull the image into Photoshop.
2 Crop the shot down to the size you want.
3 Add a duplicate layer and adjust the levels so the background darkens and removes any trace of the Black background and highlights the smoke.
4 Add another duplicate layer and sharpen in filters.
5 When everything looks OK.
6 Add a layer and select Gradient Tool
7 From the drop down box select the colours you want.
8 Select the Linear Gradient.
9 On the layer draw the mouse diagonal from the middle to the top.
10 This will put all the full colour on the layer.
11 In the Layers Panel there is a drop down box where it says Normal.
12 Make it drop down and select Overlay.
13 This will make the smoke coloured.
14 Experiment with the colours and where you draw the mouse.
15 Flatten the image and save.