Spending the day with legendary photographer Rick Ferro was an experience filled with creativity and innovation. As he prepared for his upcoming glamour portrait class at The Texas School, we put the Smoke Ninja Pro to the test. This compact yet powerful tool added cinematic depth to our shots, enhancing the mood and drama of each frame. If you’re looking to incorporate smoke into your glamour portraits, here are three expert tips to get the most out of the Smoke Ninja Pro and achieve breathtaking results.
What is the Smoke Ninja Pro?
The Smoke Ninja Pro is a revolutionary portable smoke machine designed for photographers and filmmakers. Unlike bulky fog machines, this handheld device delivers precise bursts of smoke, allowing for better control and creative versatility. Its small size makes it ideal for location shoots, and with customizable settings, you can achieve anything from subtle mist to thick, cinematic haze.
Three pro tips for capturing stunning glamour portraits with Smoke Ninja Pro
1. Use backlighting or side lighting for maximum drama
One of the best ways to enhance the effect of smoke in your portraits is by placing a strong backlight behind your subject. This technique illuminates the smoke, making it more visible and adding dimension to the scene. Try using a high-powered strobe or LED panel to create a glowing halo effect around your model, giving the image a cinematic quality.
Pro Tip: Adjust the intensity of the light to control how much detail the smoke reveals. A stronger backlight creates a more defined look, while a softer glow produces a dreamier effect.
2. Control the smoke flow for precision
Unlike traditional fog machines that flood the scene, the Smoke Ninja Pro allows you to direct the smoke exactly where you need it. Position the device slightly off to the side and use short bursts rather than a continuous flow for best results. This method ensures a natural dispersion and prevents overwhelming your composition with too much smoke.
Pro Tip: Use a fan or have an assistant wave a reflector to guide the smoke in the desired direction. This trick helps shape the effect and adds movement to your shot.
3. Layer the smoke for a three-dimensional look
Creating depth in your image is essential for professional-looking glamour portraits. Instead of keeping all the smoke in one plane, introduce layers by placing some smoke behind the model and some in the foreground. This technique adds dimension and a sense of atmosphere, making your subject pop against the background.
Pro tip: Experiment with different densities of smoke. A light haze can soften the image and give it a romantic feel, while thicker plumes can add mystery and intensity.
Bonus tip: Don’t rely on others; Learn to apply smoke yourself
The smoke effect is only as good as the person applying it. As a photographer, you need to master using the Smoke Ninja yourself instead of relying on an assistant. During this shoot, St. Augustine photographer and digital artist Pamela Parmenter collaborated on applying the smoke. Her expertise helped layer the fog for a balanced and cinematic effect.
Pro tip: Understanding how to control and shape smoke ensures you get the best results and gives you full creative control over your portraits.
Post-processing magic with Aperty AI
While the Smoke Ninja Pro created an incredible in-camera effect, the final image was processed using Aperty, Skylum’s groundbreaking AI portrait editing program. With its advanced AI-driven retouching, we refined skin tones, adjusted highlights, and enhanced the overall mood of the portrait—all with just a few clicks. The software seamlessly recognized the natural contours of the subject’s face, making retouching faster and more precise than ever. But that’s a tutorial for another day.
Taking your photography further
If you’re heading to The Texas School this March, make sure to look up Rick Ferro and ask him questions—he’s incredibly approachable and always willing to share his knowledge. His passion for teaching is unmatched, and if you’re serious about improving your portrait photography, this is a golden opportunity to learn from one of the best.
You can also sign up for the Rick & Rick Newsletter, featuring free tutorials from Rick Friedman and Rick Ferro—two industry legends sharing valuable insights, lighting techniques, and portrait secrets. It’s an invaluable resource for photographers at any level.
And if you’re interested in adding the Smoke Ninja Pro to your creative toolkit, check it out here: Smoke
Want to learn more? Be the first to know!
We’re also excited to announce a brand-new video course featuring Rick Ferro & Rick Friedman, co-produced with T&F Camera and distributed by Skylum. This course will be packed with in-depth tutorials, hands-on demonstrations, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
If you want to be notified as soon as the course is released, sign up for updates here.
Final thoughts
Photography is all about creativity, storytelling, and pushing boundaries. Whether you’re experimenting with smoke effects, refining your lighting techniques, or enhancing your images with cutting-edge AI software, every small adjustment makes a difference. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and most importantly—keep creating.
If you’re serious about growing as a photographer, take advantage of the resources around you, connect with mentors, and never stop exploring new techniques. See you at The Texas School!