circle in a square.long exposure.

I think I'd prefer this particular photo if you could find a way to hide the person, or edit them out.

I think it's really hard to take steel wool photos that stand out, because so many other people have used the steel wool technique in interesting ways. I've never personally tried this technique, but I've seen it a lot in recent years, so perhaps my advice is helpful, but perhaps it's not. Much like light streaks, clouds, and sunsets, I think the best advice I could give is to try and use it to enhance a subject rather than making it the subject itself.

I hope that helps.

Thanks for sharing Stuart. I think the main subject of the image is great, and actually like the fact that the sparks are confined within a square.
I think the subject is well exposed and do like that the person is clearly defined (although unsure as to how you maintained the level of focus).

I do have a couple of points I think would help the image;
1) There is a lot of dead space around the image. I think cropping in a bit from the left & right would make the image stronger.
2) I am not sure if the angle the image was shot from is helping or hindering. I would like to see a shot taken straight on, that would allow a tighter crop with the bridge components acting more of a frame.

Overall a wonderful attempt at what must be a tricky subject to get right.