Shooting coloured flames

Hi,

I've had a look around the forum and can't seem to find any discussions (or pictures) of coloured flames.I am looking to get some shots similar to the smoke pictures I've seen on here.

I will be spraying ethanol with some dissolved metal salts over a flame and hopefully catching some pretty coloured flames.

Can anyone offer some advice if they have done this type of thing before/know how?

Specifically I am looking for how to get a very sharp image, with a black background. Also, ideas on interesting angles to use etc. would be appreciated.

TIA

I would say use a remote trigger, pre-focus on the flame.

Don't worry about the background, just use a black backdrop - you're much more likely to overexpose flame than to underexpose it. Don't be afraid to use a fast shutter speed, low ISO and small aperture. Your background will come out pitch black but you'll still get a decent exposure of the flame (as long as you don't overdo it, obviously). If timing is important, shoot continuous and start the sequence of shots a fraction of a second before you release the spray. Shoot, chimp, and adjust exposure accordingly.

Be careful dude, spraying ethanol over flame could win you a darwin award.

Obviously spray away from the camera .

shoot, chimp, repeat. got it

no really, thanks
gotta find a good black backdrop now and it's all set.