How to Photograph Fire

Video by Robert Grant, Article by SASHA GiTiN

It is almost impossible not to be memorized by fire.  Once, during a camping trip while sitting on log and looking at a bonfire, my father told me that fire is just one of those things that the human eye never gets tired of watching.  And that is true. I believe that the reason behind it is that our spirit is fascinated by constant change.  Flames are relentlessly shifting forming exceptional patterns.  Such metamorphic movements of organically shaped flames captivate our attention and allow us to observe it timelessly. Perhaps the worst punishment our spirit can experience is the isolation from change.  Having fire as a subject or as an element within your image can establish emotional communication with the viewer not only conceptually on the subconscious level but aesthetically as well. 

Try this tutorial and create your own unique photograph.

in image above Master Hue was adjusted to "-92" in Photoshop for purple kicks

Breakdown:

Fire: (Moving subject) – control movement with shutter speed.

Faster Shutter speed of 320 and above will produce sharper flames and greater detail.

Slower Shutter speeds such as 30/sec and below will produce soft and dreamy effect. (neutral density filter over the lens might be needed for proper exposure)

Note: shutter speeds will vary depending on environment and type of flames so experiment with various settings.

P.S. please handle fire with care, do not burn your house down, but if you end up burning it anyways make sure to take a great shot of it. And please share your image with us.

Have fun!

Related Lessons:  How to photograph Water in Motion  |  How to Photograph River