Cave

www.silentgphotography.com

 

I don't usually post on a Saturday night.... but this was so fun Last week I said I hit a wall... then watched one quick tutorial on how to shoot with steel wool. SO MANY ideas floating around where these would be really cool.

 

My buddy and work colleague, Jim Weise (pictured--you should check out his work: 500px.com/wiseguyvisuals) and I took turns spinning some steel down at the beach right after sunset this evening.

 

The light in this image is definitely warm....but without the steel wool we were shooting into the dark around infinity, hoping for the best. All the light in the foreground is from the burning steel wool. The only reason stars are visible is because this was shot at f4 for 30 seconds.

 

Have interest in trying shots like this? Here are a few tips:

 

1.) DO NOT ATTEMPT THESE IN SPOTS WHERE YOU COULD START A FIRE (obviously).

 

2.) Steel wool from 0 to 0000 grade is nice to use.

 

3.) I made a rig that includes a kitchen whisk at the end of a cable. Fluff the steel wool a bit so it burns better and can produce the most sparks. Put the steel wool inside the whisk.

 

4.) Use either a lighter or a battery to get the steel wool to spark.

 

5.) Get creative with how you spin the rig.

 

6.) I can't tell you what settings to use--this was f4, 30 seconds, ISO 100 and it's in no way perfect. Any interest in seeing these done in a flawless way (and why I tried this in the first place)? Check out David Keochkerian's work--He will blow your mind: www.flickr.com/photos/keochkeriandavid/)

 

Please click here for best viewing: 500px.com/photo/4516793

 

Thanks for looking!

Done