Fog Machine question

[Photomart]

Originally Posted by BenE

OK Marty.

The fog seems to fill the entire room quickly and does not stay behind the subject, as in the photograph you posted.

I remember something about a "chiller" that will help keep the fog low and in one place. Anyone know about that?

As it is, the fog blasts out, but by the time I can get off one shot, it is like a haze all over the room.

Thanks.

I use that small fog machine that they sell at Walmart or Party City ... and yes, if you push the button, you'll get a ton of fog everywhere ... and it's harder to contain than a hurd of cats. What I did was allow it to "puff" ... in other words, quickly push the button for a second, then allow the residual fog to come out slowly.

I haven't used a dry ice chiller since I worked in the theater department in high school, but the principle is simple ... connect a hose or pipe to the output of the fog maching (be careful because it's very hot) ... run it through a box filled with dry ice, then connect a hose to the other side of the dry ice box. This will keep the fog low to the floor, but for my image, I needed the fog behind the models, so if I used this technique, I would have placed the fog machine on a platform above my set.

Have fun

[BenE]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. I have tried several methods... even the short burst that Marty mentioned, but nothing works.

I will either need a chiller or perhaps I can use it outdoors. I have an area that is semi-enclosed, which might be suitable. I realize the fog is hotter than the inside air and therefore rises, so maybe if the outside air is as hot or hotter than the fog, I will be able to use it.

I have several "sets" I use..... a 1939 Chevy, an old Coca Cola box, a small waterfall, so that might be where I can use it. I can visualize the fog and the waterfall and old hevy especially.

Thanks again.

[Olli]

Use a chiller to keep the fog near the floor. I built one just like this site. Works great. http://www.gotfog.com/fog_machine_chiller.html

Here is an example. I have another in my portfolio which illustrates better, but I cannot post it in this forum.

Re: Fog Machine question 

[bsphoto]

When I use my cheap wal-mart fog machine, I angle the output into the background and let it "catch" some of the fog. For fog that gets in front of the model I have an assistant with a piece of foam core or a reflector to use as a giant fan to blow the smoke back from the model. One big sweep usually does it. I don't have any examples here.