Spirographs using 'the wheel'

Some of the spirograph photos that I found during my research were created using a bicycle wheel and lights to make a uniformed shape. I attempted to make my own 'light wheel' to get the idea of the effect I could get before investing in anything as technical as a bike wheel fitted with battery powered lights. My wheel was constructed using 2 paper plates, a pen, some electrical tape, kitchen roll and a small red torch from a key ring (the creative use of every day household objects, made me feel like I was on Blue Peter).


The wheel wasn't that sturdy but it did help me to see what could be achieved by using tools to make my images more uniformed. I like the results although they are just a rough experiment and need improvement.

These initial few photo's were taken in the day time with the curtains shut so the long exposure meant that the wall surrounding the archway that I used is visible. I like the differences between the two rooms, the far room is almost completely in darkness and is slightly mysterious. 

I decided to try redoing the photo's I had taken during the day at night time to see if the red torch I had used would be more obvious. I think these shots need a longer exposure with a stronger light to fulfil their potential.

As you can see I found it hard to make the uniformed patterns I was aiming for, I believe this was at least partially because my wheel was quite unstable.

With more suitable equipment (ie a real wheel) I think I will be able to get the effect I was aiming for.