Steel Wool Photography: Video How To
The guys at Photo Extremist have put together this cool video that shows you how to create stunning fiery images using nothing more than steel wool, an egg whisk and a cable.
Also check out the Trick Photography eBook mentioned in this video that is packed with all kinds of special effects photography. It covers Long exposure effects, light painting, HDR photography, gives some fun photoshop projects plus a heap more.
Note: Please do take note of the warnings in this video about safety! While the images are great they’re not worth getting burned for or starting a bush fire!
39 Responses to “Steel Wool Photography: Video How To” - Add Yours
July 21st, 2011 at 1:16 am
Yeah, these are a lot of fun:
http://jeffejensen.blogspot.com/2011/07/painting-with-light.html
July 21st, 2011 at 1:35 am
Hi
OK, I have now found a project for the weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Best regards, Erik
July 21st, 2011 at 2:00 am
Sparklers can be used as well, but you will not get quite the extent of trails.
http://2zars.com/photoblog/2010/07/july-4th/
July 21st, 2011 at 2:10 am
This is awesome! Can’t wait to try it out.
July 21st, 2011 at 2:13 am
That was awesome. Should be able to get some really great effects using this method.
July 21st, 2011 at 2:16 am
I’m always game for doing something stupid in the name of art and creativity. I think I will save this for those long dark winter nights, less people and cars about and if I accidentally set fire to my hat I will at least stay warm!
July 21st, 2011 at 2:52 am
Great idea for a day (or 2) of my Project 365. Thanks!!
my page
July 21st, 2011 at 3:14 am
Out West, we have been through a horrendous fire season and not just the ones most of you have heard about in the news.
This is not a cool trick, in my judgement, because the risks are so high.
Anything thing that has so many caveats in the video, usually has the disclaimer, “Do not try this at home.”
It’d probably be safe in the middle of a plowed field or one that is covered in a foot of snow, but you’re still faced with the possibility of setting yourself on fire and believe me, that’s not cool.
July 21st, 2011 at 6:19 am
Super cool. Congatulations on this video and also on the book!
July 21st, 2011 at 8:08 am
The dude in the video seriously needs a haircut and a good shave.
Oh – and is it me or does he come across as repeating mundane details far too often??
July 21st, 2011 at 9:24 am
Got to try this one!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lendog64/
July 21st, 2011 at 9:42 am
This stuff goes perfect with urbexing!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lalossiah/5628236227/in/photostream
July 21st, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Just shows you photography is limitless love this want to try it but not sure if I have the balls lol woner if it would work putting it hanging from a rotary clothes line and moving the clothes line instead at least you could stand back from the sparks???
July 21st, 2011 at 1:17 pm
I’ve taken some similar shots in an old industrial area. I really like this atmosphere of old heavy industry facilities like boilers, chimneys, etc. in the background of the steel wool firework.
http://www.shutter-lag.com/2011/07/steel-wool-fireworks/
July 21st, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Hey Darren, thanks for the promo!
- Evan
July 21st, 2011 at 5:44 pm
interesting…. wanna try but fear for the garden shed burning down..
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:23 am
Outstanding, I have to try this, do you have a hard copy of that book, I would like to buy one. Email me please.
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:38 am
I think this looks SUPER cool, but my favorite part of the video is the suggestion that you should wear long sleeves on your legs as well! But this is AWESOME!
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:40 am
Cool, Will try it someday.
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 am
@ Robbie Lopez – why not leave out the nasty personal comments and respond to the idea rather?
July 22nd, 2011 at 3:24 am
Excellent video I will be trying this soon.
July 22nd, 2011 at 3:42 am
In this shot I did it with two…
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:02 am
Like several people who’ve commented, I’m probably too scared to try this even though I think it would produce some very cool results. Would camera settings be much the same for a snow-covered field at night? Also wondering if this technique would work on a very overcast, heavily fogged-in day?
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:14 am
Terrific idea! However, since I live in a region of extreme fire danger, where thousands of acres are burning, I shall save this until winter when there is lots of snow cover.
I also agree with Robbie Lopez. The slovenly look of the presenter is repelling! I kept asking myself why he didn’t get a haircut, a shave and wear a decent looking shirt, when he most likely wanted viewers to pay attention to what he was saying. The weird faces the guy makes are also off-putting.
But, hey! Sloppy and weird are “in” these days.
Still, I shall check out the book and other videos.
Thanks for the info.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:58 am
Great weekend project, can’t wait to try it!
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:15 am
Very cool idea!!! Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for the idea.
And, I agree that he is in need of a clean up, but it’s really not that big of a deal. Seems like a cool guy.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:17 am
Love the E-book too!!
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:52 am
Maybe for extra safety dampen all the ground around your chosen area with a hose first?
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Sparklers work better for writing names etc, the wool works better for patterns
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Really people – this guy is sharing his photography tricks with you all and all you care about is how he looks. That is really shallow and pathetic. Perhaps some of you are better of trying this with cotton wool anyway.
Anyway – thanks photoExtremist for sharing your technique, this is something I will definately ‘give a whirl’
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:55 am
Using steel wool is an old campers trick for STARTING fires, so yes safety is paramount. Steel burns HOT, and STAYS hot for a long time. It can kindle a fire long after you think it’s “gone out.” So play safe, and make some great images.
July 23rd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Awesome!… headed to the beach to give this a run!…
MEL — you could get some awesome results on snow! and I reckon fogged in would be cool, too… try it! Post back here…
Sime // dPS Customer Service
July 23rd, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Will most be likely to try this but will wait until conditions get better ! A bit dry these days .
Thanks !!
July 25th, 2011 at 10:12 am
Hi Darren,
I’m a subscriber to your weekly emails which depending on how much time I get each week I enjoy reading bits and pieces from. I’ve really enjoyed your video of doing the fire with the steel wool.. Interesting technique.
You’ve put together a great video, very comprehensive and informative…. I must try it out for fun some time.
Cheers
Dianne
July 26th, 2011 at 1:19 am
Great tip. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to finding some places to make some spark shots.
July 26th, 2011 at 6:36 am
Hi
Tried this yesterday – here are the results!
http://kerstenbeckphotoart.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/the-ring-of-fire/
July 26th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I think this would be great if you were standing in water and got the reflections of the steel wool. worth trying thankyou.
July 27th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
awesome n interesting idea
July 28th, 2011 at 12:50 am
Personally, I find the tutorial rather interesting and can appreciate the points regarding “caution.” One can never be too cautious when playing with fire. Thanks for the tips and the instruction. Easy to understand.
Lastly, I don’t think that one’s looks make or break a deal. It didn’t for Albert Einstein.
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