Spectral Smoke

Spectral Smoke

2025 Team First

Twin wick candle smoke rising while backlit by a color projector. Image captures moments after the flame on the wicks had been temporarily smothered by a lid and the smoke that is produced from the wicks.

Image taken in a dark, open room, close up looking at the candle with the projector up and behind beaming down. Shot with an 18-55mm variable zoom lens at 1/100″, F/5.0, ISO 800.

Post-processing in darktable. Image is cropped horizontally and has increased contrast.

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5 Comments. Leave new

  • Hannah Brothers
    Sep 24, 2025 13:13

    I love how your image has a central focus point, I think it really helps to catch the eye of the viewer.

    Reply
  • Emma Wilder
    Sep 24, 2025 12:37

    My comment from critique: I like the contrast brought out by the black background and the vivid colors. I think it would also be cool to have shown the wicks on the bottom to show how the smoke pattern changes as it rises.

    Reply
  • Andrew Mord
    Sep 24, 2025 12:35

    The light emitted by the projector hits the branches of smoke coming out of the center very well. Great focus and composition.

    Reply
  • Nathaniel Wheaton
    Sep 24, 2025 12:35

    I really like how the dark space really draws the eyes to the center of the image where the fine detail is.

    Reply
  • Alyxis Ellington
    Sep 24, 2025 12:34

    I really liked that you used multiple colors to light the smoke, it adds depth and contrast which makes the flow more visually interesting. The lighting set up was a great idea.

    Reply

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