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Steel Wool on Train Tracks

Creative Project

The New Haven Bridge

After having recently revisited this classic location, I had to return again, not long after, to put some modern twists on my photographs. The first idea that came to mind was using Steel Wool, like I have in the past. I also wanted to capture some aerial images/video, and to give my infrared camera a shot at it. Armed with all the necessary tools and my good friend Josh, armed with my trusty steel wool; we set out for dusk.

I am quite happy with the results! One of my favorite shots was, surprisingly, not of Steel Wool. Instead, the shot that I most loved was one where I captured the train passing by while we were still setting up the steel wool. I was able to capture the blur of the train's end, causing the right half of the train to be transparent while producing a dark patch of blue sky where it had passed.

All of these Steel Wool shots are actually a combination of at least 3 exposures: (1) A longer exposure of the scene to preserve more light, (2) The exposure of the steel wool itself, and (3) A Texture image overlayed in post production, for that final effect I was going for.

I hope you enjoy some of these images as much as I enjoyed taking them! Comment below a location that YOU think would be great for the style that Steel Wool produces, or if you have any questions about how to take these kinds of images yourself.

Steel wool on train tracks

Steel wool on train tracks

Taken while setting up the steel wool as a train passed by (my favorite)

Taken while setting up the steel wool as a train passed by (my favorite)

Steel wool under the bridge

Steel wool under the bridge

Steel wool on train tracks

Steel wool on train tracks

Edited from a light and dark variation while the train passed by

Edited from a light and dark variation while the train passed by

Aerial of the New Haven bridge

Aerial of the New Haven bridge

Steel wool on train tracks

Steel wool on train tracks

Infrared shot of New Haven bridge

Infrared shot of New Haven bridge

Aerial of the New Haven bridge

Aerial of the New Haven bridge

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.