Howto Steel Wool Photography

Canon 5D Mark II
f/5.6 | 24.0mm | 34s | ISO 200

Steel Wool Photography is really another form of Light Painting. Instead of using LED's or a Flashlight, you use Steel Wool that has been lit on fire.

Here is what you need:

Steel Wool

There are different types of Steel Wool, but you don't want anything coarser than a #0. Different sizes will get different effects (burning times / # of sparks / etc.) but only get 0000, 000, 00, or 0. (~4$ for a bag)

Steel Cable / Wire

This is what is used to swing the steel wool around. Try to get something with a clasp on the bottom, so that it's easier to swing it around and you don't get blisters from the wire rubbing on your skin. (~$8-10, depends)

Whisk

This is what the steel wool is stuffed in. It acts like a cage and houses it pretty well. The cheap kinds work really well. Just make sure its metal. (~50¢-$1)

9V Battery

The Steel Wool is lit on fire with the 9V. Some people use lighter fluid and / or a lighter, but the battery is MUCH safer and easier to use. Have a couple. (depends)

Camera and Tripod

Kinda obvious, make sure your camera can take long exposure (10s+). The tripod is used to keep your camera steady. (depends)

A Buddy

This is helpful, but you can do it solo. If so, use a timed exposure (that's long enough) or use a intervalometer (best choice). (hopefully free)

Safety:

Don't do this inside. Just don't. Don't do it where stuff might catch on fire. Flat areas work the best. (however you can be risky and do it near trees after it rained). Wear good protective clothing (long-sleeved jacket, hat, safety glasses if you want. also make sure they aren't nice clothing, because they might burn though)
Use a UV lens filter if you can, and try to keep your camera covered.
When the Steel Wool finished burning, be careful since it's hot. Also put it somewhere safe like a bucket of water.

Camera Settings:

Aperature: Play around and find the right fit. In the end it will depend on how much DOF you want and your ambient lighting conditions.
Exposure: Depends, but should be anywhere from 15s to 30s.
ISO: Keep it around 100-200, anything more will create noise.
Focus: Manual; Before you shoot, stand where you approx. will be, and use a bright light to pull focus (on AF, then switch to Manual). If your standing far away then go straight to infinity.

When to Shoot:

Anytime after sunset. You really don't want much sunlight at all.
A really good time to shoot is at the Blue Hour. You can get some really cool results.

Profit?