Mesmerizing Long Exposures of Seattle’s Giant Ferris Wheel

If you catch it on just the right night, you might just be able to shoot Seattle’s giant Ferris wheel like this! Located on Pier 57 in Seattle, Washington, the 175 feet high Ferris wheel is one of the biggest in the United States. The slow moving ride, called the Seattle Great Wheel, opened as recently as June 2012. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction for most everyone during the day and photographers at night.

The real magic happens when, on holidays and special occasions, its white gondola lights are changed out with thousands of colorful LED lights. Electronically timed, the LED lights create incredible patterns that look even more spectacular when shot at a long enough exposure that they fill in. Seen here are how three different photographers have shot mesmerizing long exposures of The Seattle Great Wheel at night.

Photo credit: Geoff Vlcek