As a professional full-time fire performer I highly advise to check out these tips before trying this! 1. Wear natural fiber clothing only(preferably a 100% cotton hoodie + pants + gloves would be ideal for protection). Anything synthetic(polyester, spandex, etc..) will melt to your skin. You want your clothing to burn in case of an incident so you can put it out if you happen to catch fire. 2. DO NOT do this in an area that can potentially catch on fire. Steel wool in particular burns very hot & will EASILY catch a wooden structure, dead leaves, etc... In Florida we've had several incidents from mishaps with steel wool. One of which burned down a historic landmark from the 1920s. 3. Bring an assistant who's job is specifically to watch for anything catching on fire. This person should have a towel in hand & preferably a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of emergency! 4. DO NOT attach the wisk to a Lanyard. Lanyards are often synthetic & can melt which will send your flaming steel wool flying potentially causing a fire or injury. Use a chain dog leash, or a fabric rated for high temperature use(Technora, Kevlar rope, etc.) That is all, Love your videos Pete! Keep it up.
Cirque Bishop comment should def be at the top. I wonder what local laws might say about spinning burning steel wool on public lands also? The effect looks really cool, but be smart everybody
One thing you didn't mention that I think is extremely important: After you're done, do not just leave. If you have any smoldering/embers forming it can take an hour for the fire to start spreading with full force. Stay a while to make sure you don't see or smell any smoke. Also a good practise for doing any hot work is to just spray water on everything, especially if you're indoors in some abandoned warehouse etc. Dust is extremely flammable, and air ducts are full of it in abandoned buildings.
Great tips, thanks for sharing! I just spun fire fans for the first time a few days ago and my instructor gave us a lot of the same advice. Als, I live in FL and I had no idea a landmark was burned down, that's crazy & so sad! Be careful everyone!
I got to say my son got his short film selected he didn't got 1st but he came under top 5 all his happened because of u coz u helped him . Ur short film tutorials about a role and b role helped him so much plus holding a cam without shaking it was aswm coz he is doing it for the first time . As a father I want to thank u in helping my son .
And one more wish hope am not disturbing u the day I bought him a DSLR I wasn't that happy coz I didn't know anything about it but my son he use to watch ur videos for many months before buying it . And there's been a problem I know it's not a good thing to say but still as a father am telling u coz ur also a father . Thing is that his friends r very rich and they own epensive cam like 5d ish and me am not a rich as them but his friends they make fun of him saying that ur canon 1200d with kit lens is worthless he gets upset very fast and tells me to buy a idk it's called the 77d but I can't afford that much coz my job which I am working isn't that good i can't properly run the family . So I told him son I can't and from that onwards he is too quite. Doesn't talks but I always wanted him to buy the best which it suits for him But what can I do am helpless 😐 I feel like am not helping my son to achieve his dreams.so sorry to share this to u .hope u won't be disappointed 🙁😢😇
Hey Peter, i'm really thankful for the knowledge you spread around in your channel, you made photography and making videos not only a source of pleasure but also a passion and a way of life. Keep going man.
There have been several locations damaged or destroyed by people using this or similar techniques. The Point Reyes boat in California, and the historic Monroe Station in Florida are a couple that pop into mind. Don't be one of those people starting a forest fire, burning down iconic locations, or damaging someone's property in the pursuit of likes on instagram. I even saw a guy light himself on fire by accident while doing steel wool photography, luckily he dropped to the ground and put it out pretty quick and didn't hurt himself too badly, but it can be dangerous. Be smart about where you do this. On top of that, at least to me, this technique fits best aesthetically in industrial/urban/man made environments dominated by asphalt/concrete/metal/glass which all happen to be much less likely to catch on fire as well. However, no matter where you do it, it wouldn't hurt to have a fire extinguisher on hand. At the end of the day, experiment and be creative, but do it in a way where you consider more than just the shot you want to get, and pay heed to the location itself and its surroundings, and those people who might come after you. tl;dr - don't be a dick.
Mike Hitchner Yep, well said. I've shot the Point Reyes Boat a few times before and was very sad when i went back and it had been burned down by someone doing a steel wool shot. It's a cool technique but just be smart when doing it.
Pete your are the best! I have had my camera for 1 year now and decided to take photography more serious and I owe this hobby to you. I know you probably won’t read this (as many people prolly send you things like this) I just wanted to say thank you so much for inspiring me to grow and have fun with Photography.
I try new things all the time and it is just so much fun. Being in a genre where I'm kinda lost is always so exciting because I love learning new styles and just getting well rounded is gunna help any photographer in the business 🤙
Rigging this to the bottom of a drone like a Phantom 4, and then just hitting the YAW as fast as it can go, would probably be awesome. You would have it up in the air, but you would also get the red and green lights at the bottom of the Phantom to create lines because of the long exposure. Gonna give this a try, thanks fellas!
I used to shoot steel wool a bunch! Good tip I found along the way is if you ever lose or forget your lighter, you can ignite the steel wool by touching it with the connect-y bits of a 9v battery.
Thanks Guys! I am looking forward to leveling up my photography and videography skillz this year, after decades of just doing it for fun and exploration. I appreciate all the tricks and tips you share!
Be sure to set fire to whatever field or forest you are standing in, or whatever wooden landmark or historic building or boat you are standing on so that no one else can get a similar bangin' 'gram.
Great vid as always! I came across steel wool photography awhile back by through the music video for Sleeping At Last - Saturn. You should totally check it out, both the song and visuals are amazing!
I think i owe you a thank you . I had never heard of Sleeping At last before this. Your comment just made me check them out and i must say wow.. they are good
Philip Reber i was just asking myself the same question .. some people block the lightning from hitting the walls by putting a peace of blank on the edges of the softbox
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN STAKE OUT YOUR PERSONAL CLAIM IN OUR FIVE MILLION DOLLAR GOLDMINE $5,000,000 is the amount our happy members have been paid to date just for selling their photos to top companies. And now it’s YOUR TURN to claim YOUR piece of the action - cf8a38z4udn9x9jgvl6mlnjc9m.hop.clickbank.net
I've been doing these shots for a while now and I love that you posted a video on it. Only suggestion I would make is that when you spin the steel wool move your hand as little as possible so that in the photo the steel wool looks like a solid glowing ring and not this circular web of light. (Unless thats what your going for) either way thankyou.
Didn't know you were both from Ontario! Ottawa is my home and i happened to see Mommy & the Parliement in the little video montage, i'm always happy to see fellow Canadians shining! xx
Thanks Peter! I've been wanting to do this but I never quite figured out how to keep the steel wool in place. Now I know. Can't wait to try it out. Already thinking of ideal places to use as a backdrop. :D
Steel wool photography was actually some of the first professional done photos that I've done and it's definitely one of my favorite things to photograph
Love the way you slurp your coffee, makes me laugh, because when i do this at home I get the look. I tell them everyone this is the way I drink my coffee, it's hard to not slurp. They just need to get over it. Thanks Peter. Lol.
From what I understand, the steel wool isn't actually 'burning', it's rapidly oxidizing (rusting). It's the combination of heat (when you hold a flame to the wool), and the small steel fibers that make up the wool that allow for this reaction to occur. Spinning the wool round increases airflow over the fibers, which enables faster oxidation (and then there's the centrifugal force that separates little pieces of 'burning' wool and flings them outward, making it "rain fire". Obviously I've left a lot of detail out, but that's the basics behind how it all works!
Who's going out tonight to try this lol *raises hand*!
Peter McKinnon
me...
bt I don't have dslr..
can't get long expgr with smartphone 😢
Peter McKinnon Both hands up!
Been doing it for awhile... and it's totally awesome!
Peter McKinnon I'm super excited to try this! Thanks Pete & Chris!
Instagram: ShaneStemberg
I'm definitely doing this. Maybe I'll throw in a led orb!...
As a professional full-time fire performer I highly advise to check out these tips before trying this!
1. Wear natural fiber clothing only(preferably a 100% cotton hoodie + pants + gloves would be ideal for protection). Anything synthetic(polyester, spandex, etc..) will melt to your skin. You want your clothing to burn in case of an incident so you can put it out if you happen to catch fire.
2. DO NOT do this in an area that can potentially catch on fire. Steel wool in particular burns very hot & will EASILY catch a wooden structure, dead leaves, etc... In Florida we've had several incidents from mishaps with steel wool. One of which burned down a historic landmark from the 1920s.
3. Bring an assistant who's job is specifically to watch for anything catching on fire. This person should have a towel in hand & preferably a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of emergency!
4. DO NOT attach the wisk to a Lanyard. Lanyards are often synthetic & can melt which will send your flaming steel wool flying potentially causing a fire or injury. Use a chain dog leash, or a fabric rated for high temperature use(Technora, Kevlar rope, etc.)
That is all,
Love your videos Pete!
Keep it up.
Cirque Bishop thanks man great advice
This needs to be pinned!
Cirque Bishop comment should def be at the top. I wonder what local laws might say about spinning burning steel wool on public lands also?
The effect looks really cool, but be smart everybody
One thing you didn't mention that I think is extremely important:
After you're done, do not just leave. If you have any smoldering/embers forming it can take an hour for the fire to start spreading with full force. Stay a while to make sure you don't see or smell any smoke. Also a good practise for doing any hot work is to just spray water on everything, especially if you're indoors in some abandoned warehouse etc. Dust is extremely flammable, and air ducts are full of it in abandoned buildings.
Great tips, thanks for sharing! I just spun fire fans for the first time a few days ago and my instructor gave us a lot of the same advice. Als, I live in FL and I had no idea a landmark was burned down, that's crazy & so sad! Be careful everyone!
That hat tease at the end was so good!
Thanks for the feature Pete! Good thing we didn't light any fields on fire :P
ME TOO!!!
Yeah dude me too!
Chris Hau Thanks Chris for this tutorial keep it up💕
Chris Hau thank for the tips ✌️
hehehe
I got to say my son got his short film selected he didn't got 1st but he came under top 5 all his happened because of u coz u helped him . Ur short film tutorials about a role and b role helped him so much plus holding a cam without shaking it was aswm coz he is doing it for the first time .
As a father I want to thank u in helping my son .
WOW! I love that! Thank you for sharing! Congratulations!! And it is my absolute pleasure.
Can u do me a favor can u give him a congrats in insta rahulsaji 3790
He always wanted to meet u
😍😇
We are from Kerala from a place called Kochi come visit Kerala coz it's such a beautiful place as it's known as gods own country 😃
And one more wish hope am not disturbing u the day I bought him a DSLR I wasn't that happy coz I didn't know anything about it but my son he use to watch ur videos for many months before buying it .
And there's been a problem I know it's not a good thing to say but still as a father am telling u coz ur also a father . Thing is that his friends r very rich and they own epensive cam like 5d ish and me am not a rich as them but his friends they make fun of him saying that ur canon 1200d with kit lens is worthless he gets upset very fast and tells me to buy a idk it's called the 77d but I can't afford that much coz my job which I am working isn't that good i can't properly run the family . So I told him son I can't and from that onwards he is too quite. Doesn't talks but I always wanted him to buy the best which it suits for him
But what can I do am helpless 😐
I feel like am not helping my son to achieve his dreams.so sorry to share this to u .hope u won't be disappointed 🙁😢😇
You have a video for everything and i've always wanted to know how this was done. Thank you!!
Welcome!
Peter McKinnon see your still replying to your viewers,even though you reached 1 million subs
Maximine he's the best!
That Brown Guy My instagram-danyal productionz
Appreciate the honesty about your creative process, effectiveness and value. Encouraging and real.
Peter man!! Thank you so much for everything.. You are the reason I am super pumped all the time shooting pictures and videos and pictures. BOOOM.
These are so sick! I've never even heard of this before but always wondered how to get these shots!
Hey Peter, i'm really thankful for the knowledge you spread around in your channel, you made photography and making videos not only a source of pleasure but also a passion and a way of life. Keep going man.
There have been several locations damaged or destroyed by people using this or similar techniques. The Point Reyes boat in California, and the historic Monroe Station in Florida are a couple that pop into mind. Don't be one of those people starting a forest fire, burning down iconic locations, or damaging someone's property in the pursuit of likes on instagram. I even saw a guy light himself on fire by accident while doing steel wool photography, luckily he dropped to the ground and put it out pretty quick and didn't hurt himself too badly, but it can be dangerous. Be smart about where you do this. On top of that, at least to me, this technique fits best aesthetically in industrial/urban/man made environments dominated by asphalt/concrete/metal/glass which all happen to be much less likely to catch on fire as well. However, no matter where you do it, it wouldn't hurt to have a fire extinguisher on hand. At the end of the day, experiment and be creative, but do it in a way where you consider more than just the shot you want to get, and pay heed to the location itself and its surroundings, and those people who might come after you. tl;dr - don't be a dick.
Seriously... It's a little ridiculous
Mike Hitchner Yep, well said. I've shot the Point Reyes Boat a few times before and was very sad when i went back and it had been burned down by someone doing a steel wool shot. It's a cool technique but just be smart when doing it.
Pete your are the best! I have had my camera for 1 year now and decided to take photography more serious and I owe this hobby to you. I know you probably won’t read this (as many people prolly send you things like this) I just wanted to say thank you so much for inspiring me to grow and have fun with Photography.
You're really a cool guy. Your friends and family are bless!
I try new things all the time and it is just so much fun. Being in a genre where I'm kinda lost is always so exciting because I love learning new styles and just getting well rounded is gunna help any photographer in the business 🤙
Rigging this to the bottom of a drone like a Phantom 4, and then just hitting the YAW as fast as it can go, would probably be awesome. You would have it up in the air, but you would also get the red and green lights at the bottom of the Phantom to create lines because of the long exposure. Gonna give this a try, thanks fellas!
Will Dominguez I'd love to see the results!
Will Dominguez maybe put black tape over the lights
Your comment was 9 months ago. Did you ever try this out? If so, how did it turn out?
I used to shoot steel wool a bunch! Good tip I found along the way is if you ever lose or forget your lighter, you can ignite the steel wool by touching it with the connect-y bits of a 9v battery.
Favorite TH-camr 🙏 congrats on 1 million, well deserved!!! I started my Vlogs because of you and just hit 3600 subscribers 🔥 follow your dreams!!
Your card shuffling is so good love this 😍😍😘😘
Man I have always wanted to learn how to do this! Thanks Peter!!!
Thanks Guys! I am looking forward to leveling up my photography and videography skillz this year, after decades of just doing it for fun and exploration. I appreciate all the tricks and tips you share!
Anyone else immediately stop what they are doing to watch the new Peter McKinnon video when they get the notification? Haha
Totally ;)
Same here
Yep!
Always
Hell yes
I've watched so many of your videos and I still can't get over how sick your intro is!
Just dont try this in any place that has a DRY SEASON!! Craziness happening in Portland ❤️🙏 BTW.. KILLER VIDEO PETER!! 🔥🔥
petapixel.com/2016/02/23/iconic-shipwrecks-fire-likely-caused-light-painting-photographer/
My instagram-danyal productionz
Getting ready to try this ASAP! Everybody get your water buckets ready just in case 😅. You always make me want to be better! 🙌🏼
Super cool!!
man you inspire me so much...., every time i see your editing, you work., it just blows my mind.., thanks dude.........
Loved the video! 😊
ONE MILLION! Peter I love your work!!! You always help me when I want to try something new, and I'm so inspired by your content!! Thank you!
DECK-Sterity. I see what you did there.
Hahaha nice.
i just tried this last night absolutely awesome results using the sparks to rain down on an umbrella. looks like fire rain
Great video Peter!!
It also diversifies your photography and makes you better
Be sure to set fire to whatever field or forest you are standing in, or whatever wooden landmark or historic building or boat you are standing on so that no one else can get a similar bangin' 'gram.
OOOOOoooo new hat.... can't wait to hear more :)
Awesome tutorial as usual :) Thanks Chris and Peter
Great vid as always! I came across steel wool photography awhile back by through the music video for Sleeping At Last - Saturn. You should totally check it out, both the song and visuals are amazing!
I think i owe you a thank you . I had never heard of Sleeping At last before this. Your comment just made me check them out and i must say wow.. they are good
Sumit Kumar 😁 You're welcome. I'm really glad you liked it!!
Grain Of Rice OMG. Same! That timelapse music is incredible - I just can't stress on this enough!
Grain Of Rice Their covers are insane too like wow.
Clement Eng YES you know what's up!!! 😆😆😆
Been here since 50k...never missed a video since then...awesome work Pete..And congrats for million👊
Hey Pete, do you add some vignetting to your tutorials in post or is that just the way the lighting is in your office?
I add a bit too focus in on the subject :)
Peter McKinnon that's a great idea. Just wanted to make sure I knew what I was looking at! You rock man! 👍
Philip Reber i was just asking myself the same question .. some people block the lightning from hitting the walls by putting a peace of blank on the edges of the softbox
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN STAKE OUT YOUR PERSONAL CLAIM IN OUR FIVE MILLION DOLLAR GOLDMINE
$5,000,000 is the amount our happy members have been paid to date just for selling their photos to top companies. And now it’s YOUR TURN to claim YOUR piece of the action -
cf8a38z4udn9x9jgvl6mlnjc9m.hop.clickbank.net
I have been wondering that very same thing
I am so so so glad I found you and your channel!! Why couldn't my teachers in school make learning this much fun!
The bell went off. I know it's good
Boom! Welcome back ;)
Can't wait to try this! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Never clicked so fast in my life
Thanks for always inspiring ❤
You can light fine steel wool with a 9v battery too. Might be easier to control that way.
Beautiful... I did some steel wool photos by a pool about two years ago and they were awesome. Nice to see these, i need to do them again!!!
Phertography
This is awesome! Never even knew about this type of photography. Thank you Chris and Pete!
video starts at 3:17
DSLR guy no video starts at 00:00
watching your videos and having a huge mug of coffee is the best thing
"furtographer"
great ....good to see both of you again......and visit that lake again ....it was really fun to watch that surfing video
2 view and 50 likes...
Always learning new skills from You Peter
Oh YEAH ! I did some before and I do LOVE using steel wool to create impresive pictures!
Definitely the best part is the coffee scene!
I've been doing these shots for a while now and I love that you posted a video on it. Only suggestion I would make is that when you spin the steel wool move your hand as little as possible so that in the photo the steel wool looks like a solid glowing ring and not this circular web of light. (Unless thats what your going for) either way thankyou.
Great! I alredy knew how these photos are taken but I have to mention that this have been a very good explication! All my congrats to you both!
Been doing these for a while super fun!!! Glad you finally got to try it out
Didn't know you were both from Ontario! Ottawa is my home and i happened to see Mommy & the Parliement in the little video montage, i'm always happy to see fellow Canadians shining! xx
Thanks Peter! I've been wanting to do this but I never quite figured out how to keep the steel wool in place. Now I know. Can't wait to try it out. Already thinking of ideal places to use as a backdrop. :D
YAY ANOTHER UPLOAD!!! WE ❤❤❤ YOU PETER!
I like you, and I like you having guest stars in your video! Keep up the good work.
U never fail to amaze with your Awesome tips and tricks let them keep coming... 😀
I love your videos!! Keep them coming and congratulations on 1 million + subscribers.
he has only 3000 subscribers? he deserves more. like right now!!! come on guys go give Chris some love! AMAZING Footage!!!
i love chris's personality
Steel wool photography was actually some of the first professional done photos that I've done and it's definitely one of my favorite things to photograph
You are great Peter, you should be at 2million already!!!
Outstanding as always Pete! Thank you
I look forward to watching you everyday!
I would say..🔥🔥
Your Videos Have That *Quality* man..
_RESPECT_
Chris had me cracking up! Great job, guys! Hope your hand heals well, Pete!
Thanks Chris & Peter for those nice photos tips and tricks! Cheers from Brasil! 🇧🇷
Your videos are just awesome ❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍
That's what a Quality Content creator is all about. everything, even the collab (:
Can't believe you have never done this before. So much fun, have the scars to prove it
Can't magic happen and we just get 3 videos in an hour THEY ARE ALL SO AWESOME
Great video! Gave it a go! Loads of fun! Thanks guys!
This is seriously cool - gonna give this a try. Thanks!
So, generous of you! You, even reply to the comments. That's kind.
👌👌👌👌 amazing will try this out soon 😁😁😁😁 great job pete 👍
nice video as always😊😊😊
What a fun watching you!!!!
That energy again👏 God Bless you!
Always Been amazed by these kind of photos...
You guys have me so pumped on doing this right now.:)
You are killin it with useful tips man, keep it up!
Can NOT wait to do this!! thank you SOOOOOOO much for this video
Dave Handelman It's so much fun and amazing
Love the way you slurp your coffee, makes me laugh, because when i do this at home I get the look. I tell them everyone this is the way I drink my coffee, it's hard to not slurp. They just need to get over it. Thanks Peter. Lol.
Learning more each day! Thanks again!
literally for the past few days I've been binge watching your videos
Super Stoked to talk and do this one myself! Thanks for the great idea guys!
Very informative! Thank you for the tutorial! Going to try it out!
From what I understand, the steel wool isn't actually 'burning', it's rapidly oxidizing (rusting). It's the combination of heat (when you hold a flame to the wool), and the small steel fibers that make up the wool that allow for this reaction to occur. Spinning the wool round increases airflow over the fibers, which enables faster oxidation (and then there's the centrifugal force that separates little pieces of 'burning' wool and flings them outward, making it "rain fire".
Obviously I've left a lot of detail out, but that's the basics behind how it all works!
Thanks pet for all the good stuff that I learned from you...
Great video Peter! I love watching you!
Your videos always soooo impressive! Thanks for so many motivative videos!
FINALLY VIDEOS IN 4K YES PETER THIS IS WHAT WE NEED
Today some snow fell and I tried it. It came out awesome :D, i didnt expect to get such good result at first attempt. Keep on doing the good work :)
Great Peter! Congrats! Keep inspiring people ;) Saludos desde Perú!
So happy you did this! I've been wanting to learn and you always have the best ways of explaining! Thanks so much and keep up the work!