Smoke Grenades
Hey there! I can't get enough of smoke grenades - they're just so cool! Wedding photography with smoke grenades is seriously the best. They add such a fun burst of color to your photos and can really make them stand out. And let's not forget how much fun they are to use! I get tons of questions about smoke grenades (or smoke bombs, as some call them) and how to use them, so I put together this page to give you all the info you need. Hope it helps!
Looking to have Smoke Grenades at your wedding?
Just a quick tip before you purchase your Smoke Grenades – it's always a good idea to check with your venue first to see if they're allowed. Some places may not permit them since they fall under the category of pyrotechnics. If fireworks aren't allowed, chances are Smoke Grenades won't be either... so it's best to double check!
Safety first...
Just a friendly reminder that it's important for you (not the photographer) to make sure all necessary safety precautions are taken before using smoke grenades. It's best for responsible adults to handle them, and it's a good idea to have a metal bucket on hand to safely dispose of used grenades. Also, please be aware that these grenades can stay hot for a while after use, so it's a good idea to have some water on hand to fully extinguish them. And remember, these should only be used outdoors (avoiding dry areas). Safety first!
Do smoke grenades stain?
There is a risk of them staining dresses (and other fabrics) and they do get very hot. When you set off the smoke grenade, there are a few sparks which can also burn if you aren’t careful. Always pull the ring at arms length. If you are 2-3 feet away and just standing in the smoke cloud, it should not stain your clothing, although there is always a risk.
Smoke grenades will start to heat up after a while. To avoid the heat, it’s recommended to hold the bottom third of the smoke grenade. Consider the wind direction, so when placing on the ground, the smoke stays behind you.
Tell your Photographer in advance!
Important Considerations
I’m not wanting to be a killjoy (I do love smoke grenades) but there are some risks and a few key points that you must be aware of, and comfortable with, before you decide to use them on your wedding day.
- Smoke grenades burn with an internal flame so can be dangerous if pointed at people or clothing. For this reason, they lend best to couple shots and with small groups of people (e.g. your wedding party; bridesmaids/ushers etc.). Using them with bigger groups is possible, but only with careful planning as the more people involved the bigger the safety concern.
- The colour can stain clothing. You need to be prepared for the slim possibility of some of the colour getting onto your dress (or other peoples’ outfits). Of course, this risk can be minimised by holding them in the right direction and away from your bodies. So as long as everyone sensible this doesn’t need to be one to panic about. But I’d hate for a stain to happen and you not have realised it was a possibility.
- On a similar vein, you should also know that photographers are not generally insured to take any liability for smoke bomb related activities (I know I’m not). So, if anyone or anything were to be hurt or damaged during the shoot, I (or they if you are using another photographer) would not be able to accept any liability.
Aright folks, listen up! the bottom line is, it's always a good idea to buy a reliable brand of smoke grenades. It's best to plan ahead and use them before everyone gets too tipsy, so you can have a blast while still keeping everyone safe. Trust me, by doing this, you'll capture some amazing and unforgettable wedding photos that will definitely steal the show. So go ahead, get your hands on those smoke grenades and let the fun begin!
Where can I buy smoke grenades?
I highly recommend the EG Enola Gaye Wire Pull Smoke Grenades. One of the best things about them is that they burn cool, not hot. Plus, they're made with non-toxic smoke and have a fully biodegradable body. How great is that?
The best place to buy them from is Enola Gaye. Look for the 'Enola Gaye Wire Pull Smoke Grenade WP40'.
