cigar & cigarette smoke

[Digbydo 2]

For some low key portraits I purchased some prop cigarettes and cigars and once I find an ashtray, I'd like to create a shot with  some realistic smoke coming off of them I'd also like to get smoke coming out of the subjects mouth (& or nose) either in a single stream or billowing fumes.  I've had a look at the existing Smoke Brushes but when I place them on the image they just do not look right. Can any one do this? ~ even it it takes a while to do and get it looking like thermal thing then I'm up for learning ~ here's hoping a few of you guy's know what to do ~ Much'O thanks

[v_kyr]

See for example:

• Smoke effect (video)
• Smoke brushes (for above video)
• Smoke brushes (other brushes)
• Create a Smoke brush (video)
• Affinity Store brushes  and Spotlight
• General Google search

You have to try out in order to get the results you are after!

[Digbydo 2]

thanks for all that info bwob I really do appreciate it.  I also found that whatever method you use to get the origional smoke on your image it is always worth having a go with the Smudge Brush Tool.  Not the whole thing just in certain areas to make the smile effect look like its fading away.

[hjbhk]

I've tried getting realistic smoke effects in photography before, and using digital brushes never quite did it for me either. What worked best was using vape devices instead of incense sticks. Vapes produce a smoother, more controllable cloud, and you can adjust how thick or thin it looks depending on the shot. Plus, you don't have to worry about waiting for the smoke to drift just right. 
 

[Digbydo 2]

Thanks for that hjbhk ~ I hadn't thought about that but since you mention it it's pretty obvious now all I gotta do is find me a vape smoker.  Thanks again.👍