Q: Alright these seem cool, but what the heck do I do with them?

A: If you're seeking inspiration you should check out our Tumblr post with tonso reader suggestions. There's also a super duper photog we found, Amar Ramesh, that's done some amazing things with smoke.

Q: No really, is this stuff going to turn my tongue green?

A: The drops are quite corrosive. Please, DO NOT PUT THEM IN YOUR MOUTH/ON YOUR SKIN/ON YOUR DOG. DO NOT PUT THEM IN TIN FOIL. DO NOT PASS GO etc. etc. But don't sweat it, there are plenty of materials you can use to hold your smokey substance's reaction that aren't your skin. In our experience, we've found that glass works best.

Q: What's exactly going on here?

A: SCIENCE!!!!! It's a chemical reaction between two, uh, chemicals. Here's what the back of the bottle says: "This product consists of two components, which have to be put close to one another (no need to mix or superimpose them) to trigger off a thread of vapor which will last some minutes.

Q: How much smoke will I get with one kit? How long does it last?

A: If you use just a few squirts/droplets you'll average anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes of new smoke being produced (on the lesser side if you're dealing with a breeze). Check out our video above for a sped up version of the chemical reaction.

Q: How about using these things outdoors?

A: For best results, you'll want to shoot on a calm, windless day and use an undistracting dark background to add contrast and make the smoke stand out. For some handy step by step instructions check out our tutorial.

• Make it Quick: If you've got your camera in manual, stick to faster shutter speeds to really capture the pretty shapes in the smoke. Just like trying to photograph a puppy, you'll find smoke has a hard time keeping still during a shoot.
• Flip out! Smoke typically travels up, but with a simple 180° rotation, you can have a photo of smoke pouring from a bottle, or your hands, or a shoe. Just like these great shots by the talented flickr-ite Whisperwolf.
• Keep it Simple: Photos of plain ol' smoke can be works of art themselves, and can look strangely similar to flames. If you use strong directional light and a dark background you can get some pretty enchanting plumes. Check out what our pal Nuzz did: Oh Wow!
• Wind Resistance: These drops work best in a wind-free environment, so you can gently fan the smoke to move in the direction of your choosing. Shut windows and doors while you're shooting. But for the love of megapixels, open them up every so often so you don't inhale too much fakey smoke.
• Be Safe: These drops are a wee bit corrosive. Remember that they're meant for the pro's not the kiddos. Keep them away from your skin, eyes, mouth ... you know, things you want to keep in good condition.