What could I have done?

[hmca]

When taking this picture for the weekly challenge, I had hoped to capture the steam from the kettle.  After taking a number of pictures, I decided that HDR might be the way to go.
That didn't work either.  Would I have needed a dark background to capture it?  Any ideas?

[deany]

Hi,

Go to this site www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MffqeRZH0M Or you could do like I do at times and use smoke brush.
Dean

[hmca]

Thanks, Dean.
Looking at the corner of the kitchen where I took the photo, I suppose I could put some black felt or something up against the wall behind the kettle.
I don't have any lighting equipment but maybe I could convince my husband to hold a flashlight directed at the steam. Something to think about.
I appreciate your response.

[pontiac1940]

A dark background might work..well, probably would.

Consider darkening the room a bit (you will still need to light the kettle..you can figure that out) and place a small backlight behind the kettle....a weak, small LED flashlight possibly with a white Kleenix over the light.   

This is water vapor coming off a log and is backlighted...the sun warmed the log and melt water enough form "steam" .. the sun was in front of the camera ...was still a chilly day, thus the steam. 

[hmca]

Thanks, Clive....wouldn't have thought of darkening the room!

[pontiac1940]

Helen
You will still need enough light on the kettle. It might take a few attempts. Backlighting should help. Good luck. Looking forward to the results. 
Clive

[fotofrank]

Hi Helen, Use the smoke with a blend mode of screen mask and adjust the opacity.

[pontiac1940]

LED light behind shone (shined?) onto the steam with some frontlighting. 

[hmca]

Thanks, Frank. That wouldn't have worked for the weekly theme but will surely give this a try. I do like quick and easy!

[hmca]

Nice, Clive! Will post when I try it......but going to try Frank's quick and easy now. : )

[hmca]

Trying to make it look realistic....not sure if I achieved that or not.....

[pontiac1940]

Helen
The steam stands out well.  
Consider moving the toaster and kettle to the left as the wall plugs are a bit distracting and the backsplash wall is also a tad darker. 

Clive 

[Lillias]

May 7, 2020 2:46:09 GMT hmca said:

Trying to make it look realistic....not sure if I achieved that or not.....

I'd say you nailed it here...

[hmca]

May 7, 2020 4:36:35 GMT pontiac1940 said:

Consider moving the toaster and kettle to the left as the wall plugs are a bit distracting and the backsplash wall is also a tad darker. 

Stove was in the way and I could have taken more time trying to get it right. BUT didn't want to get the steam all over my wood cabinets either.

I am determined to get more done today than yesterday so spent some time (probably not enough as my husband was still patiently trying to adjust the flashlight and I was the one giving up) trying to take this picture.
If you look closely you might be able to detect the steam.....but I think I got better results with Frank's smoke.

I appreciate the suggestions.  If I try this again sometime I will keep them in mind.  

[pontiac1940]

So far, your digital steam seems better. 
Was not clear from your last photo: was the flashlight hidden behind the kettle pointing toward the steam and camera?