I have a bit of a challenge on my plate and perhaps someone here can give me some suggestions as to how to improve on the results.
A local manufacturer wants me to shoot torch flames to show the QA people on the manufacturing floor what to look for in a good flame (prints at each station for them to use as reference). I did a couple of quick test shots with my K10D, to determine what kind of composition the client wants.
The shot below is representative of what they're looking for. FYI - the reason why the stem of the torch is lit is because I used a flashlight to focus. It looked so much better than with just the blue flame, that I left the flashlight on for this shot.
Here's my challenge: They want to be able to see the detail in the flame core - the twist of the flame caused by the thingamabob inside that causes the flame to get turned and focused. That means forget ultra high ISO and slow shutter. I tried a combination of both, but couldn't get it quite there. The pic above is at ISO 100 and 1/2 second exposure. Even at ISO 100 you can still see grain.
I also have to worry about not getting too close to the torch, I can't run the torch for more than a couple of minutes at a time (per the company's instructions), and I have to shoot outside due to the propane fuel burning and CO2, which means at this point I have to shoot and freeze!
Anyone ever shoot this before? Blue/purple light isn't very bright, so what are my options here?
Just had a thought - would a polarizer filter help here?