Coloured smoke photoshoot tips

Plan with your photographer

• Tell your photographer you're using smoke, so they can plan the shots and settings.
• Decide who's holding the smoke and who's in the photo.
• Agree a signal for "pull now". Most grenades last around a minute, so every second counts.
• Have a second grenade ready in case you want another go.

Work with the wind

Wind is the biggest factor. A light breeze is ideal: it carries the smoke across the frame instead of straight up. Stand so the smoke drifts behind or across you, not into your face. On a very windy day, get closer together and shoot quickly. On a still day, have someone gently waft the smoke into place.

Light and background

• Shoot with the sun behind or to the side of the smoke. Backlight makes colour glow.
• A darker background, like trees or a hedge, makes bright colours stand out.
• Golden hour, just before sunset, gives the softest light.
• Avoid harsh midday sun if you can.

Choosing colours

Match your wedding colours, your team colours or your theme. Two colours at once, one from each side of the frame, looks amazing. For gender reveals, pink and blue are the classics. Our shop shows every colour we stock.

Stay safe while you shoot

• Ask the venue or landowner first.
• Keep smoke away from dry grass, buildings and roads.
• Hold grenades at arm's length, away from dresses, veils and hair.
• Keep it outdoors.
• Let used grenades cool before binning them.

More in our guide: Is coloured smoke legal in Northern Ireland?

Want us to do it for you?

We can bring coloured smoke to your wedding or event and handle it on the day, alongside effects like dancing on the clouds and cold sparklers. Tell us your date and we'll check availability.