{"id":112801,"date":"2019-04-26T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-26T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=112801"},"modified":"2021-09-16T12:11:13","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T17:11:13","slug":"using-fog-haze-video-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/using-fog-haze-video-production\/","title":{"rendered":"Add Atmospheric Texture to Your Production with Haze or Fog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Take a look at how you can use haze or fog to increase the production value of your next shot by adding texture and ambience.<\/h2>\n

If you do a quick search on cinematography blogs, you\u2019ll find that one of the most common questions is How do I create the texture of blinds on a wall?<\/em> There are two parts to the equation: a hard light source and atmosphere. Typically, this atmosphere is a haze or a fog, which allows you to see the light’s path of your frame. <\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, I remember learning this exact lesson in science class. When you shine a laser pointer from one end of the classroom to the next, without any texture in the air, all you see is the dot on the wall. Spray some hairspray, then shine the laser again \u2014 you’ll see the full beam cutting through the air. Basically, the same practice applies to filmmaking when we introduce atmospheric texture. And creating the look of blinds on the wall is just the tip of the iceberg. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s take look at several ways to create this atmosphere. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Industry-Standard Option<\/h3>\n

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The <\/span>DF-50 Hazer<\/span><\/a> is the industry standard. You\u2019ll find it at every rental house, and it\u2019s a breeze to use. Typically, it creates an oil-based haze. This formula helps the haze hang in the air for longer, so you\u2019re not constantly re-hazing the scene. While it’s not the cheapest rental, it\u2019s consistent, and you\u2019ll find it on most professional sets.  <\/span><\/p>\n

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The Indie-Standard Option<\/h3>\n
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Image vie Vlue<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Halloween (or party fog machine) is a cheap and efficient option. In fact, you can purchase a fog machine for roughly the same price as the hazer rental. You can find them at most party stores, especially around Halloween. However, there are some drawbacks. The fog they create is water-based, so it doesn\u2019t hang in the air quite as long as the fog from an oil-based hazer. You\u2019ll find yourself re-fogging a room much more often. Also, you typically don\u2019t want the fog to look like fog<\/em> on-screen. You want to fan it around and give it time to settle to make it more uniform throughout the scene. This can slow you down a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The DIY Option<\/h3>\n
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Image via Cinecom<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

If you can’t get your hands on the DF-50, and you need more out of your inexpensive party machine, there are a few tricks you can pull<\/a> to improve the quality and dispersion of your fog. Or, if you’re handy enough, break out your tools and build a few inexpensive rigs that you can power will household equipment to get truly epic interior fog.<\/p>\n

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The Budget Option<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re on a budget (or working as a one-man band), <\/span>Atmosphere Aerosol<\/span><\/a> is a great alternative. The compact cans fit right into your camera bag, which is great to keep around for whenever you need fog in a pinch. <\/span><\/p>\n