Photography Tips: The Wind-Blowing Effect?


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littlemuse

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Mar 6, 2008
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Hey peeps, first time posting here, please go easy on me if I missed out on some unspoken protocol around here :]

So recently I've been thinking of doing a photo shoot that revolves around a humongous tree, a model with long long hair and a lot of wind. I've tried doing searches high and low on photography forums and on Google, on what are the methods of generating "fake wind". Because the photo shoot will be done outdoors, it's impossible to make use of those wind machines since that would either require a huge portable power supply [can't afford] or an indoor power supply [location constraints].

I ended up searching for "portable fans", and came up with this. Seems super unreliable though, doesn't state wind speed at all, so I don't even know if it'll be enough speed for the shoot ):

Soooooooo, I'd like to pose this question to all you photographers [and models?] out there: Just how do you manage to capture the effect of wind blowing without having to rely on the forces of nature?
 

I would think the alternative is to use a fan and pull the power using extension cord...

This would've worked if only my closest power plug wasn't a kilometer away ):
 

you looking for a wind machine to blow a big tree?

than you should be looking for this...
wind-machine.jpg


can be found in cine industry.
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptible_power_supply
dunno if it helps.

there are small ones on sale in simlim, used to power up PCs when there's a power failure.
Oooh, I could go look out for those. Not sure if the voltage will match, but thanks a lot! :D


you ooking for a wind machine to blow a big tree?

than you should be looking for this...[image of a huge-ass fan]

can be found in cine industry.
Hahahaha! No, no, I'm looking for something to make it seem like there's a strong gust of air blowing at my model :] Sorry for not making that clear, lol. Fans like that cost thousands and thousands though, so... way out of budget, even for rental ): On the other hand I'm not sure if a run-of-the-mill home fan will have enough power... :\
 

invest in a portable generator. yr problem is solved.
 

what you need is a portable generator with the bowens wind machine.

check it out at bowens website.

i've discussed this topic before.

alternatively, you can go to jalan besar around that area and buy a portable leaves blower.:)
 

There are some here who have shot models outdoor with a wind machine during one fo the paid shoots, maybe you can check with them?
 

those used by our bangeli worker?

alternatively, rent such unit from cine supply cos.

what you need is a portable generator with the bowens wind machine.

check it out at bowens website.

i've discussed this topic before.

alternatively, you can go to jalan besar around that area and buy a portable leaves blower.:)
 

Leaf blower sounds interesting! I've seen those in action and they look powerful! Dun know if the 'air' coming out of it is clean though.

What about adapters for using a car batt or power pack of some sort. Location photographers frequently use portable powerpacks for their lights, so it won't be inconceivable to use one for a wind machine.

Did you check out Jeanie's suggestion?

You could also try contacting Dan (Trucatus) of Cinegear. http://www.cinegear.biz/equipment.html I don't see portable wind machines listed, but Dan's the man to get you in touch with other resources.

If you're shooting a very tight crop, you could even use a stiff, very light piece of board as a 'lever' and that would move quite a bit of air but very laceh and not spontaneous.
 

My suggestion would be a portable generator, there are quite a few shops in little india that sell them. A car battery wouldnt last very long and is very heavy and cumbersome, not to mention dangerous wiring it up.
 

My suggestion would be a portable generator, there are quite a few shops in little india that sell them. A car battery wouldnt last very long and is very heavy and cumbersome, not to mention dangerous wiring it up.

a portable generator is much heavier than a car batt.

and requires kerosene IIRC.

i went to scout for one and i definitely am not able to carry it myself.

not to mention that it's LOUD when it's in use.
 

Depending on the wattage, you might use an invert unit connected to your car's 12V socket.

An inverter unit convert your car's 12V DC to 230V AC good for our household.
 

yes, if you using a car battery, you need an inverter too.

but if get a generator, you also can power studio flash at location.

don't forget to bring alone a trolley, this is the location photographers best friend.
 

Haha, great! Thanks a lot for all the tips guys! So I have the options of using either a wind machine, a leaf blower, or a good 'ol piece of sturdy cardboard.
Power options are a car battery with an inverter or a portable power generator.

I'll keep these in mind as I hunt for my wind-generator, thanks! :]
 

Cardboard too heavy. Use the plastic corrugated boards, or stiffened/ribbed (like box cover) styrofoam.
 

a portable generator is much heavier than a car batt.

and requires kerosene IIRC.

i went to scout for one and i definitely am not able to carry it myself.

not to mention that it's LOUD when it's in use.

The small ones arnt that loud, noisy or heavy, not sure which ones you've looked at. :dunno:

And yeh, they require fuel, but its essentially just a far faster recharging battery.
 

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