Photo Shoot with Fire....best way to keep street on fire?

Question

ok i am doing a photo shoot of a friend of mine in a red dress on a motorcycle...and i am thinking i need fire.....what is the best way to keep the fire in a circle ...keep it long and controlled on the road.

Answer 1

I second the fuel gel suggestion, with an additional idea. Most fuel gels burn with a bluish flame. I assume you want a nice orange flame for the photo. You could try using some of those crystals you use for cleaning out a chimney flue. They burn in all sorts of interesting colors. Just sprinkle them on the fuel gel.

Before you do any of this, think about safety. The camera's perspective will compress the subjects in your photo, so the fire doesn't need to be really close to the bike/rider. You're only shooting the photo from one position at a time, so a complete circle of fire isn't really necessary. A half-circle or a little more will look the same on camera and give the subject an escape route to the rear if things get out of hand. Don't do this with all the 10 year-old boys in the neighborhood watching; they don't need any help coming up with bad ideas. Finally, keep a Class B fire extinguisher handy. You don't want to try putting out fuel gel with a garden hose, trust me.

By the way, the most common brand name for fuel gel is Sterno. You can find cans of it at most sporting goods stores, in the camping section.

Answer 2

If we ignore the fact that setting a public street on fire is illegal, you should not use any liquids that will spread, most solids will show in your pics, I would try a fuel gel of whatever type is most readily available in your area. Also DO NOT light it up on asphalt. It is possible to ignite the asphalt. This causes an expensive repair bill and possibly jail. Stick to the cement. And test your fuel gel in a small quantity and area before you try it in a larger area and amount. Some gels will smoke more than others and obscure your pictures if you use too much.

Answer 3

Use computer generated imagery because there is no way you are getting a permit for this. .