

A highly detailed realistic steam effect designed for compositing in Photoshop using Screen or Linear Dodge blending mode. The steam rises gently upward in soft, natural wisps, forming elegant flowing strands with subtle curls and variation. The steam is clearly visible but still light and airy, with a slightly brighter core and soft feathered edges. The base of the steam is a bit denser and gradually fades out as it rises. The shapes are clean and readable, not chaotic, with 3–5 distinct steam trails that overlap slightly to create depth. The overall structure is vertically oriented and well-balanced for placement above a dish. The steam is rendered in soft white to light gray tones on a pure black background, with smooth gradients and no harsh edges. The contrast is tuned so the steam remains visible after applying Screen blending, but does not look heavy or smoky. Lighting is neutral-warm, suitable for food presentation. No objects, no food, no plate — only steam on black background. Style: realistic, high-quality, soft volumetric look, clean and controlled, suitable for static promo composition.
gray background, non-black background, thick smoke, fire, burning effect, fog covering entire image, dirty texture, noise, grain, blurry shapes, hard edges, cartoon style, overly dramatic smoke, chaotic flow