How To Make The Most Out Of Your Shutter Bombs
Published Last updated
Last updated
Jake from Shutter Bombs here. Whether your order has landed or you're still waiting on it, here are the field-tested tips I give every photographer to make the most out of their colored smoke bombs. These are Enola Gaye-made grenades, and a few small habits separate a frustrating shoot from a portfolio-maker.
Take photos and video when you use them - I love seeing the product in action, and sharing your shots in a review is the fastest way to score a discount code for your next batch.
Igniting your smoke bomb
Activation is the step new users overthink. There are two ignition styles across the lineup, and both take about 5-8 lbs of pull force.
Wire-pull (EG25, WP40, WP40-D, Twin Vent II, gender reveal): Grip the can firmly by its base, then pull the wire ring firmly to the side - never straight up. A decisive sideways yank seats the igniter cleanly; pulling upward is the most common cause of a slow or failed start. Once it lights, hold the can by the base (the body gets hot during the burn) or set it down on non-flammable ground with the vent pointed away from people.
Top-pull (TP40 only): Pull the cap straight up in one smooth motion. The top-pull design is built for fast, one-handed redeploys between takes.
If a can doesn't light
Don't re-pull and don't open it. Set the misfire on a non-flammable surface, wait at least 60 seconds, then leave it alone. To dispose of a dud, submerge it in water for 48 hours. Faulty cans are covered by our 100% Product Guarantee - email hello@shutterbombs.com with a photo or video.
For the full step-by-step on ignition and compliance, see the ATF compliance and ignition guide.
Video resources
Quick overview
In-depth overview for creators (camera settings, model and subject tips, and more)
Field tips for better smoke photos
Read the wind before you pull
The last thing you want is your subject popping a can only to have the cloud blow straight back into their face. Figure out which way the wind is moving and position both the model and yourself accordingly. Early mornings, or spots with good wind protection, are ideal for smoke work. As the photographer, controlling that geometry is your job.
Slow movements make the smoke look dense
If the model waves the can around fast, the smoke thins out and looks weak. Tell them to move in slow motion. Slow, deliberate movement lets the smoke linger and stack up, reading far denser on camera. There's real art to it - rushing the motion is the number-one thing that flattens a shot.
Get familiar with popping smoke
I always tell photographers to grab a few more cans than they think they need. Smoke is tricky to handle and trickier to shoot, so it helps to have a couple of spares to practice the side-pull, watch how the cloud drifts in your conditions, and get comfortable before the real shoot starts. I usually recommend the photographer be the one who pops the can and hands it off to the subject - it keeps activation consistent and safe.
Use multiple cans for richer color
Most people can hold two cans in one hand (ideally two different colors) with the vents pointing in opposite directions. Holding a different color in each hand works just as well and is a reliable way to capture standout content. If you're not sure which colors to pair, our smoke bomb color guide walks through what reads best on camera.
The subject doesn't always need to hold the can
Sometimes placing the can in front of, behind, or to the side of the subject looks better than having them hold it. Off-hand placement lets the smoke linger in the air around the model for a more dramatic, atmospheric effect.
Want to be featured?
If you'd like your photos or video featured on our Instagram and website, email them to hello@shutterbombs.com. Include your Instagram handle or a link to your IG, website, or Facebook page so we can credit you properly. You can also follow us on Instagram - we post tips and tricks regularly.
Choosing the right can for your shoot
Burn time and output vary by model, so match the can to how long you need to work the scene. Every model comes in the same 9 colors: black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.
Quick picks
Sustained portrait clouds: WP40 (~90s). Buy-in-depth value: WP40-D (~60s). Fast one-handed redeploys: TP40 (~60s, top-pull). Instant wide "hero shot" cloud: Twin Vent II (~25s, dual-vent). Best per-can value for practice or accents: EG25 (~25s).
| Model | Burn time | Ignition | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EG25 | ~25s | Wire-pull | Practice, quick accents, best per-can value |
| WP40 | ~90s | Wire-pull | The workhorse - longest sustained cloud, 30-50 frames |
| WP40-D | ~60s | Wire-pull | Lowest per-can price in the 40mm family |
| TP40 | ~60s | Top-pull | Fast one-handed redeploys between takes |
| Twin Vent II | ~25s | Wire-pull | Densest, widest instant cloud (vents from both ends) |
Need a side-by-side on dimensions and specs? See the smoke bomb size chart or the full EG25 vs WP40 vs TP40 vs Twin Vent II comparison guide.
Smoke grenade safety
Enola Gaye grenades use a non-toxic, cool-burn formula - they emit smoke only, with no open flame and no explosion. They aren't fireworks. That said, the can does get hot during and after the burn, so a few habits keep every session controlled.
- Use them outdoors (or in a large, ventilated space with venue approval).
- Hold the can by its base, or place/toss it on non-flammable ground with the vent pointed away from people.
- Keep it away from dry grass, wooden decks, clothing, and anything flammable.
- Adults only should handle activation; you must be 18+ to purchase and use.
- These are pyrotechnics and can occasionally misfire - if one doesn't light, set it down, wait 60+ seconds, and never re-pull or open it.
Check the rules first
Most states allow these with no license, but local rules vary and national parks generally prohibit smoke devices. Confirm before you shoot via our safety and legal guide, the state-by-state legality guide, and the state legality and shipping page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smoke grenade is best for photography?
The WP40 Wire Pull is the top choice and the most popular format we sell. Its ~90-second burn gives you a full, sustained cloud, and the dense, richly colored smoke reads beautifully on camera in both natural and artificial light. If you want a wide cloud from the first second, the Twin Vent II dumps its entire charge in ~25 seconds from both ends for an instant, expansive effect. For tight-budget shoots, practice, or quick accent moments, the EG25 is a compact ~25-second can at the best per-can value. All come in 9 colors: black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.
How long do smoke bombs last?
Burn time depends on the model. The WP40 delivers about 90 seconds of continuous output - the workhorse for most photo and video sessions. The WP40-D and TP40 both run about 60 seconds; the TP40 uses a top-pull cap (pull straight up) for fast one-handed redeploys. The Twin Vent II vents from both ends and burns its whole charge in about 25 seconds for a dense, instant wide cloud, while the compact EG25 runs about 25 seconds - ideal for accent shots or tighter spaces. For sustained coverage across multiple frames or video sequences, reach for the 90-second WP40.
Are smoke bombs safe for photography?
Yes. Enola Gaye grenades are non-toxic, CE Approved, ATF Compliant, and use a cool-burn formula that produces smoke with no open flame and no explosion - they aren't fireworks. The can does get hot during and after the burn, so hold it by the base or set it on non-flammable ground with the vent pointed away from people. Use them outdoors (or in a large, ventilated venue with approval), keep them clear of dry grass and anything flammable, and pull the wire ring firmly to the side - never straight up. At normal shooting distances your subject and clothing are not at risk. Smoke rinses out of most fabrics and off skin with soap and water.
What's the best way to practice before a paid session?
The EG25 is the ideal practice can - compact, the best per-can value, and a ~25-second burn that keeps costs low while giving you real activation reps. Practice in the actual locations and lighting you plan to shoot, because smoke behaves differently in open fields versus tight urban corridors, and wind direction dictates where the cloud travels. Rehearse the side-pull (firmly to the side, never up), lock your composition and place the subject before you pull, and run a few poses and angles inside the burn window so you learn how fast the smoke disperses. Build a bank of 15-20 strong test images across different scenarios before you start booking commercial smoke sessions.
How do I get the most out of each can during a shoot?
Preparation is everything. With the WP40 giving you ~90 seconds and the EG25 only ~25, any second spent adjusting composition mid-burn is usable smoke wasted. Lock your composition, place your subject, confirm your camera settings, and switch to burst mode before you pull. Activate, hold the can by the base or set it down with the vent aimed away, then work your pre-planned shot list in sequence. Account for wind so the cloud flows toward your frame, not away from it. On a longer WP40 session, plan two or three distinct compositions to cycle through during the 90-second window instead of staying put.
Can I use smoke bombs for video as well as photos?
Absolutely. For video, the WP40 is the go-to: its ~90-second burn gives you continuous coverage for establishing shots, close-ups, and movement within a single activation. The Twin Vent II dumps its whole charge in ~25 seconds from both ends, filling frame instantly - a real advantage when you need impact in the first few seconds. Shoot at 60fps if your camera supports it; slow-motion smoke at half or quarter speed looks cinematic and performs well on social. High-contrast colors like red, purple, and blue read especially well against neutral or natural backgrounds. Apply the same safety habits on every activation: hold by the base, outdoors, vent aimed away from people.
How should I store my smoke bombs?
Stored cool and dry, Enola Gaye grenades have a shelf life of 10+ years, so a simple storage system protects a real investment. Keep your inventory out of direct sunlight and away from temperature extremes. A plastic bin or tackle-style organizer with compartments labeled by color lets you grab the exact can you need on shoot day without digging through a mixed pile. Track your count after each session and reorder before you run low, since these ship hazmat ground only (no air or express) and need extra transit time. Store away from flammable materials and out of reach of anyone under 18. For the full breakdown, see our smoke bomb storage and shelf-life guide.
Pro insight
Loyalty pays off literally: join the Shutter Bombs rewards program and you can earn free smoke for signing up and for referring a friend - both of you get rewarded. Pair that with our current discount codes and promotions before you reorder.
Ready to get started
Pick the can that matches your shoot and stock a few spares for practice. Everything ships hazmat ground from our Nevada warehouse to the contiguous US (excluding Massachusetts).
Shop the WP40 Wire Pull Shop the EG25 10-Pack
Browse the full range in colored smoke bombs, or check out the smoke bombs for photography collection. Part of our photography guide hub.