Backwards Footage of Steel Wool Spinning is a Treat for the Eyes

Spinning some burning steel wool around on the end of a rope is popular as a way to create dazzling long exposure photographs. It can also be used for dazzling video as well.

Photographer Richie Johnston created the video above by capturing a woman spinning steel wool in a forest and then reversing the footage. It’s titled “Ignition Sequences.”

sparks

sparks2

If you ever try your hand at this type of project, be mindful of the safety of you, your subjects, your environment, and your gear. “All necessary safety precautions where taken to prevent the risk of a fire,” Johnston writes.

It’s also a good idea to protect your lens from the sparks (perhaps with a filter), otherwise pieces of molten steel could hit and get stuck to your front glass element.

Discussion