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Steel Wool

Creative Project

Light Painting

One of the projects I have been experimenting with over the last several months is light painting with steel wool. If you never heard of this before - it is not only surprisingly easy to set up, but also extremely satisfying. The process involves placing a small bundle of fine grade steel wool into a metal whisk then attaching a chain or rope to the whisk. Once your camera is set up for a long exposure, you light the steel wool and then spin the whisk around to release sparks in all directions. Let your creativity set loose from there as there are endless ways to create unique photos with this process!
 
I have experimented dozens of times at different locations all over Indiana, from Bridges to Caves. Below is a small collection of my favorites so far.  I expect I will keep experimenting even more in the future, and I encourage you to try it out yourself! Just be safe and avoid areas with dry flammable plant life or materials (such as a dry grass field or abandoned structures). Be smart and have fun!

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About the Author

Nicholas Klein

Founder and visual artist, specializing in all aspects of a businesses presence from imagery and video to graphics and web. A graduate of IPFW with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, Concentration Photography as well as an Associates Degree in Business. His personal photography works are focused on landscape, travel, and aerial photography.