Using long-exposure settings to photograph moving lights can create some really dramatic effects. Handheld light-trail shots are usually created using battery-powered torches. Switch to steel wool and you’ll get much more dazzling effects. Set the wool on fire, spin it, and use a slow shutter speed to capture the circle and sparks. The steel wool burns like a sparkler, but with more intensity and with more powerful spark projectiles, so you need to dress appropriately, and do it alone in wet or damp conditions.
Photo tips for long-exposure light shows:
- Dress in a coat, hat, gloves, scarf and goggles
- Attach a ball of Grade 0 steel wool to the end of a fire-proof cable, such as a steel dog chain
- Set up your camera on a tripod, manually focus on the point where you’ll stand, and set a long exposure of 10-30 seconds. Use the camera’s self-timer so that you have time to get in position and light the steel wool
- Set the wool on the ground and light it, then spin it around at arm’s length throughout the exposure. To create a ball of light, rather than a circle, slowly turn around as you spin the cable.
Below are some other fantastic examples of light-trail drawings using the techniques described above, and various others.
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