Using a fog machine for a night photo session


Fog can transform a night photo session, adding depth, mood, and a sense of mystery. Predicting a foggy night is a challenge, but using a fog machine allows for creative control to experiment with! For this photoshoot, I used two continuous soft box lights placed in front of the subject (one light at 8 o'clock and one at 4 o'clock) to softly illuminate and shape the scene, while one off-camera flash positioned behind the subject created backlit glowy drama through the fog. We had no other sources of light. The lights combined were key to catch the fog from my fog machine perfectly since we were taking these images in the dark.

Atmospheric photo showing a woman emerging through white smoke effects in a dark forest setting holding flowers
Two women pose with lanterns in a dark forest setting as smoke creates an eerie atmosphere.
Ethereal scene with white smoke surrounding a woman in a flowing white dress against a dark forest backdrop with a wolf mask.

Photos by Woodmansee Photo

How to use a fog machine for a night photo session


To get the look just right, we used the fog machine in long, steady bursts rather than quick puffs. I also had an assistant (my friend’s husband; huge shoutout!) moving the fog machine by hand and using a leaf blower to push and shape the fog through the scene. This kept the fog dynamic and prevented it from settling too heavily in one spot. With every movement, the fog shifted, creating something new in each shot.

A woman in a white dress stand in a misty forest at night with a glowing lantern in hand.
A dreamy outdoor photoshoot with fog effects creating an ethereal atmosphere in a wooded setting.
A mysterious woman in a wolf mask emerges through atmospheric fog and leaves in a moody outdoor scene.

Photos by Woodmansee Photo

Why you should use a fog machine in your next photo session!


The result was a session full of visual interest and honestly, it was just fun to play with! The fog softened the light, added depth to the background, and brought an element of mystery that elevated the entire shoot. Night sessions like this are a perfect reminder that a little creativity and most definitely some teamwork can turn a simple setup into something truly magical.

A woman drifting through tree branches with book in hand through a foggy garden.
A mysterious woman emerges through atmospheric fog and autumn leaves in a dramatic outdoor scene.
A woman in a red sits outdoors reading a book surrounded by atmospheric fog and greenery.

Photos by Woodmansee Photo