Fire in the FallsAs part of my 52 project in 2016 I decided to try some steel wool fire photography. The set up is easy enough and the equipment needed is pretty straightforward. But first, if you are thinking about trying this technique, think first about the location. Burning steel wool gives off lots of sparks and WILL cause fires in dry areas. Find a beach, cave, dry riverbed or similar location to do this.
You'll need some steel wool, available at hardware stores in the paint section. A steel whisk (the sort that looks like a pear shaped basket) and a length of soft steel wire or rope to swing it around on. You'll also need a lighter or matches for obvious reasons. Long sleeves, a hat, gloves and safety goggles because this stuff literally spits fire. You might also want to take a fire extinguisher along, though it is far better to go to a location that doesn't burn. |
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The technique is very straightforward, set up the camera on a tripod with a remote trigger (or willing helper). Stuff one 'ball' of steel wool into the basket of the whisk so the basket holds it in place entirely. Attach the rope or soft wire cable to the whisk and make a couple of practice swings. Once you are sure you have clearance all around, ignite the steel wool (it lights easily with a standard cigarette lighter) and start swinging. Once swinging press the remote shutter release (or have the willing helper do it)
Camera settings will depend on light availability at your chosen location but 15 to 20 seconds with an ISO of 200 and an aperture around f/4 will be a reasonable place to start, from then on it's just experimentation.
The gallery above was my first ever attempt at this technique so as you can see a novice can make reasonable results. Next time I think I'll try to frame a better landscape before spinning, but all in all this was a successful first attempt.
Camera settings will depend on light availability at your chosen location but 15 to 20 seconds with an ISO of 200 and an aperture around f/4 will be a reasonable place to start, from then on it's just experimentation.
The gallery above was my first ever attempt at this technique so as you can see a novice can make reasonable results. Next time I think I'll try to frame a better landscape before spinning, but all in all this was a successful first attempt.