Steel wool photography

[Derryck]

After watching a few Youtube videos a few friends and I thought we'd give this a try. Basically you stuff steel wool into the end of a whisk then light it. Molten sparks come out and with long exposures you can produce some interesting results.

All was going well up until the moment a large blob of molten steel skipped across the ground and into a very small opening of my camera bag. My bag started to glow and very quickly flames were coming out. I had to fight off my mates instincts which were to upend the bag and shake the steel out, when I still had three lenses inside.

All images were shot in the art district of Shanghai.

Derryck.

[Chris Calohan]

All of these are fun images but I especially like the last one. It is probably a language thing, but what do you mean by a "whisk?" I'd like to try some of this just for S's and giggles.

[Derryck]

This video will provide you with all the answers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJkBLMhXvcQ

[Justan]

The last one is on fire!

i mean that in the best possible way.

Great capture.

[NancyP]

cookware whisk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisk

[Chris Calohan]

Already been through the utensil drawer and found one. Will give it a whirl this evening, pun intended.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Already been through the utensil drawer and found one. Will give it a whirl this evening, pun intended.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy and leave the camera bag in another room.

[Derryck]

Also if you value your hair wear a hat.

For best results you always rely on Rhino Wool. Although it may not be available in your part of the world.

[JMPhoto]

awesome

just did this with sparklers a couple weeks back, love burning my clients 

[Derryck]

I was playing around in the studio on Friday night with my new RX100 and some steel wool. Here's a little film