f5 | 10 seconds | iso 800 | Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM @ 17mm
Here’s another shot from the light painting night of fun, and yes, you read the title right…steel wool! You have a whisk (you know, the steel kind you find in your kitchen), attach a chain/rope to it then put in some steel wool (into the whisk). Ignite the wool and start swinging away! Caution…make sure to do this with plenty of space and of course, nothing around you that could ignite from the falling sparks! Clinton (the brave soul spinning the whisk) was standing in water. I’ve got a few other images to share from the night, sorry I couldn’t post anything yesterday but I was having computer issues (which…turned out to be user error)! 🙂
…Enjoy!
© Copyright 2013 David Williams
This work by David Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License.
David Williams Photography 
I like all of this series, but I think I like this one the best – with the arc of flaming landing at the viewer’s feet. I have been wanting to try this sometime, having seen videos of it. But I like the effects better as stills, now that I see these.
I was with a group so couldn’t compose how I would have liked to (not that the image came out wrong…)! I have some thoughts floating around in my head about composition which I hope to try out sooner than later! 🙂 Of course I’ll post when that day comes.
Being in a group explains one thing for me – I was surprised, and impressed, that you managed to keep your son out of these shots. Guys of his age don’t always do groups of parents age too well. But, next time….
This one is my favourite. It makes me feel apart of the action. It feels closer.
I know what you mean Charlie. I loved it when the sparks flew near me (after the initial fear of them hitting my glass)! 🙂
I feel like there should be a small “attempt at your own risk” disclaimer involved, as I wouldn’t advise just anyone to go swinging a homemade flaming contraption made of household items 😛
Though in all seriousness, this is very cool! How did you ignite the steel wool? Does it just burst into flames if you hold a lighter to it or do you have to put some sort of flammable liquid on it?
I ask this because I totally want to try this without burning a house down
GOOGLED IT. I’M TRYING THIS AT HOME. SO COOOOOL
🙂 I read the posts, too bad I didn’t respond soon enough. Still, good job on improvising!
Sorry I missed this, it’s been a rather long and crazy weekend! A lighter (however, you can also use a 9v battery). Fine steel wool seems to ignite the best (medium will work). 🙂
Haha!! Everyone already used the words I was going to use. Awesome and amazing! Looks like it was fun!
Hey there..yea, it was such a FUN night!! Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Pingback: Steel Wool Part II | David Williams Photography
This is amazing!!!
Why thank you, I had a total blast doing it and have some new ideas floating around in my head now… 😉
Whoa! That is awesome!
As Cait would say “I know, right?!”
It’s really fun stuff I tell ya. 🙂
Amazing effect. Just glad it wasn’t an electrical source for Clinton’s sake.
Ha, yea…actually, he was being pretty safe!
This is awesome, David and thanks for the setup info. So doing this.
Hey Brandon, hope all is well with you!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting (I’ve missed them)! 🙂 Oh, and by the way, fine steel wool (vs. medium and coarse) works best.