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Smoke Bombs for Photography and Videography: Are they Safe?


it is very popular to see all over Instagram and Facebook multiple photos of awesome shoots being taken using smoke bombs: 



See some pretty cool examples here: https://myportraithub.com/smoke-bomb-photography/

Want to buy them on Amazon?



but beware and really think about the consequences before you decide to do a shoot with them.

Caution Number one: 

They get very hot and could potential burn your client see this real review below on Amazon from a client that had a bad experience.




There is also record of people having asthma attacks due to the fumes and the toxicity



Here us another article about the hazards of using them  https://www.thoughtco.com/smoke-bomb-safety-3976043

Caution Number two:

if you want to save your clients from getting burned or having toxic fumes for them to breathe in, just be aware that some brands are terrible for the environment:

Make sure that you’re using corn starch or biodegradable if you’re going to go that route:


Caution Number three: 

there is a lot of stipulations for people using smoke bombs in public places.


Therefore you will have to find private property that would allow you to burn something and have a very large space as if not to catch fire to any dry objects See how they are made here:


Caution Number four 

Do you have to have special liability and waivers just for smoke bombs? 


Because they are burning chemicals, they could stain the eyes, they could cause asthma attacks, they could burn clothing and they are extremely hot - do you have to have a special waiver for your clients to use them?


One photographer was able to get cool touch smoke grenades but they are very hard to find especially on Amazon where they are discontinued https://petapixel.com/2018/02/09/smoke-bomb-photos-learned-shooting-models-junkyard/

Caution Number five

They are very expensive ranging from $20-$50 for a 30 to 90 second effect- is it worth charging your clients an extra 10200 $ plus signing a waiver knowing that you only get 30 to 90 seconds for photos? 

Really want to use smoke bombs or grenades even with the risks? 

Here’s an article about how one photographer uses them for their wedding:


Would you still use them? 







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She lives, breathes and does media and marketing pretty much 24-7 for over 14 local business through social media management, website design, photo, video or media coverage or graphic design. She is a homeschool mom of three, cat lover, sushi eater and poke fan! She started her business in 2011 with nothing but a $400 camera from Amazon, now she is has been published in over 60 different blogs and websites for her media work and rank top Wedding Photographers in Virginia 

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