I thought the relentless onslaught of Tyranid repaint posts were starting to lose their appeal so I thought I’d get my trusty smoke machine out and take capture a mood with some atmospheric photography.
This picture above is really murky and foggy. it’s hard to make out what is going on but I like it’s desaturated, grim feel.
This blue picture above is my favourite. It’s really wide so you can see the Venomthropes. The Swarmlord is almost in a spotlight with the fog swirling around him. The outline of the Hierophant is perfect to me. It’s a background object, I don’t want it to take focus away from the Swarmlord.
In this shot above, I tried to show more of the Hierophant to see if I preferred it. It’s not bad but I think it’s taking over the picture.
On Facebook (add me as a friend) this picture above was the favourite of many, with everyone echoing the same thoughts. They liked this one the most because it was the clearest and easiest to see everything. I can take clear photos on white backgrounds but I’m trying to capture something a bit special here.
This was an early set up test. I don’t like it. It was around two hours of playing with composition and lighting that I finally started to nail some of the shots (as seen above). I actually ditched the Imperial Knight and made the Hierophant less of a feature. I also ditched the rippers.
My inspiration for these pictures comes directly from Warhammer: Visions. If it took me 2 hours to get a couple of good photos it’s amazing how they pack photo after photo after photo into their 228 page publication.
Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments.
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When you say 'smoke machine' you mean a 20 pack or marlboro's yeh? 😀
This is sooo cool! hah alove it!
Great work. As I said on the Facebook page I like both the the second and third one presented on the group for different reasons. Good shots they almost look like artwork rather than models, nicely done.
Great work. As I said on the Facebook page I like both the the second and third one presented on the group for different reasons. Good shots they almost look like artwork rather than models, nicely done.
Awesome pics really atmospheric! Can we possibly see your smoke machine setup? Also does it make everything smell?
Smoke machines don't really have a smell really. The closest that could be considered smell would almost be that of chalk powder. That's only after heavy usage. The machines generally use a liquid that gets heated up and emitted through an aperture. I would assume that for photography purposes it would depend on the look you're going for and how long your photo shoot will be. Here in the States they run for around $50 and $12 for a gallon of juice. They're great for Halloween and maybe for some other occasions, so your mileage may differ on a purchase like this.
Smoke machines don't really have a smell really. The closest that could be considered smell would almost be that of chalk powder. That's only after heavy usage. The machines generally use a liquid that gets heated up and emitted through an aperture. I would assume that for photography purposes it would depend on the look you're going for and how long your photo shoot will be. Here in the States they run for around $50 and $12 for a gallon of juice. They're great for Halloween and maybe for some other occasions, so your mileage may differ on a purchase like this.
All those pictures rock. I even like the setup ones so we can see the process. Very cool.
I would agree with you Garfy – I like the blue one most. They are generally all pretty damn good…my only comment – well, rather a wish – would be to have some more Ultramarines on the scene 🙂
BTW – I guess the UMs are the Tyranic Wars models?
Anyway, great job!!!
If you find the time and patience, please, do more of such pictures. It gives the minis much more "life" 🙂
Dude that is awesome! If you're familiar with any 3d software, you could composite in a mad background or something. I'd love to do that.
I could do that with photoshop. I'd actually take a series of photos of different layers (foreground, middle, background, separate image of smoke to overlay) then I could composite all the layers together and control the background independently. It's how FW do their pictures (was speaking to them at Warhammer Fest). However, I kinda like the appeal of trying to compose a shot in camera.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.