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Photography techniques
Photography : Steel wool spinning
Perhaps you’ve seen those photos with sparks flying from a central point out across a landscape and wondered as I once did about how it was done?
The technique is called steel wool spinning and it involves a long exposure capture of steel wool that’s been ignited and spun so it flings sparks.
Getting what you need
The most important thing you will need to make this happen is a willing helper (someone who doesn’t mind getting showered with sparks). You’ll need them to do the spinning while you operate the camera. It could be done using a tripod and a remote but it will be a whole lot easier with help.
You’ll also need:
- Steel wool (000 or 0000 grade works well)
- A whisk (I’ll explain in a minute)
- A short cord to attach for spinning
- Lighter or 9v battery
The whisk helps make it easier to do the spinning without burning through the cord. You can stuff the wool into the whisk which acts like a cage to hold it in. Then attach your cord to the whisk. This way the burning steel wool won’t burn through the cord and go…
