In this class I will be teaching you about the use dry ice for photographic purposes.

You will learn how to handle the substance safely and how to predict the behaviour of the dry ice vapour in a photographic situation.

You will watch me using dry ice for a model shoot in the studio as well as see many images that I have taken using this substance both indoors and outdoors.

What is Dry ice? ….Dry ice is simply frozen CO2 at a very low temperature.

Why use Dry ice? ….When it changes state from a solid to a gas it gives off CO2 and water vapour. This will happen as it warms. We can accelerate the process by warming it more quickly. Adding water at room temperature or above. Hot water gives the best results.

The advantage of using dry ice vapour over smoke or fog machines is that the dry ice vapour is heavier than air so it sinks downwards and is more controllable for our photography.

You should be able to procure some dry ice (either in granular or block form ) from a supplier in your area.

Storage of dry ice is fairly critical if you don’t want it to evaporate before you get a chance to use it (which is what happened to me the first time I bought some). A foam portable cooler is generally best but it is also a great idea to use the ice as quickly as you can so you don’t lose it through evaporation. I usually purchase about 5 kilos and try to schedule my shoot within a few hours of getting it.