Neon Abstract: # 6 by Chipka
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Description
It’s funny: I didn’t think I’d have more than three of these…and then I started spinning some more. I found that simple spinning with my camera didn’t produce complex streaks when I clicked the shutter, so I started spinning, jiggling, and bouncing up and down: not exactly jumping, mind you…just a gentle sort of vertical oscillation; like a lethargic Mexican jumping bean on a rubber pogo stick. I learned that the pogo-stick maneuver, coupled with moving my arm in a nice sympathetic-jiggle produced more intriguing results, and well…I’ve discovered that this method of abstract photography (best achieved at night) yielded far more possibilities than just spinning alone.
It seems that I’ve also moved away from neon; though in total truth the “neon” effect was quite simply traffic lights and the tail lights of cars in an orange soup of sodium vapor streetlight. Florescent light through windows, mercury vapor parking lot lights, and random bits of luminescence way off in a black distance are far more fun than the heavy-on-the-red effect that tail lights and conventional city streetlights provide; and it was through the spin-and-jiggle (with a bit of bouncing) method of photography, that I actually discovered the wonderful abstract potential of parking lots. Preferably empty ones.
As with the previous images in this series, the complex shapes here are derived from a single image. I’d simply duplicated the base layer (as always) applied a complex re-orientation algorithm (I clicked a button) and shifted layer mode and opacity by running yet another complex layer-attribute algorithm (I clicked another button,) and then repeated the process numerous times until I decided that I liked what I saw enough to focus on tweaking levels and contrast and color balances. In a way, creating neon-abstract art is like following the instructions on a shampoo bottle. Do stuff, rinse, and repeat as needed. Okay, the rinsing bit is stretching the metaphor in an odd direction, but I think you get the idea.
The basic blur in this image was achieved near the parking lot of a bank. The fuzzy bits of blur are actually a nice effect gained by the spin-and-jiggle (with a bit of a bounce) method of photography, when there are interesting windows somewhere near the pretty parking lot lights. This is the end result.
I suspect there will be more neon abstracts. I have zillions of stock photos, and well…if I’m in the mood to stop traffic, draw stares, and scare pedestrians to the other side of the street, I might take more. I’m curious, after all, what might happen if I try this at the mid point of a bridge downtown. Chicago at night is a wonderful source of light-stock for abstracts and I’m sure that it’s begging to be blurred.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great weekend.
Comments (26)
NefariousDrO
Ooh, I think this is my favorite of these, the curious "pulsing" light in the streaks is very fascinating. I need to try this, sometime.
redchilicat
This has to be one of the coolest light paintings I have seen. This kind of photography is tons of fun!
jac204
Very nice.
mbz2662
I am totally intrigued. Very cool outcome!
myrrhluz
Very cool! I like the way the blurred areas emphasize the shapes around or within them. The four leaf clover in the center and the squares around it stand out in the hazy glow around them. I love the way some lines are bold and solid while others are lighter and dashed. I did a bit of this while in my car with the light from my mp3 player. (No risk of stopping traffic, drawing stares or scaring pedestrians) I'm not sure what I can do with it, but the results were interesting. I'll try playing a bit tomorrow as I stay in to avoid the heat. Excellent image and narrative.
jocko500
wonderful on how these come out
Charberry
This is amazing! Don't ever let your inner child stop experimenting with things. ;o) We usually grow more mundane the older we get, but you are going in the opposite direction, I am please to say. That is as it should be.
beachzz
The possibilities are endless with this kind of work, Chip; each and every one is unique and beautiful!
auntietk
You know, I'm really liking these! This is the sort of thing that could get you your own exhibit somewhere. A new art form! :) The spin/jiggle/bounce method of night photography. You could memorize a complicated dance step, do the dance step in the middle of the night with the shutter open, and you'd have a photographic record of the dance in a direct, experiential way. Hmmmmm ... endless possibilities!
whaleman
It is out there, "begging to be blurred!"
helanker
OH this is lovely and so playful. I like so much when you are playing for fun and look at the result. Awesome.
durleybeachbum
Please email me a short instructive video of the dance so I may attempt to emulate the marvellous result here in Dorset. Brilliant!
lick.a.witch
"like a lethargic Mexican jumping bean on a rubber pogo stick" OOOOOOOOkay! Now I am going to spend the entire day with that picture stuck firmly inside my head! ^=^ I need to read my camera manual. I'd love to see if I could do something like this. You images are really inspiring Chip. That's the measure of a true artist! Fantastic image. Why I think of the music to the Flight of the Bumble Bee when I look at it, I have no idea! ^=^
flavia49
fantastic image!!
kgb224
Stunning work my friend.
MrsRatbag
A new art form, well done you! This is so cool, it would be awesome to have them printed on some kind of transparency with light showing through from behind...the mind boggles at the possibilities!
gonedigital
FANTASTIC!!! I LOVE happy accidents!
minos_6
These just keep on getting more and more intricate. This is a real beauty! It's now time for you to put together a tutorial, rather than an account of how this came about. Perhaps a video on youtube demonstrating your performance in the dark.... Excellent work, Chip, and you made me laugh with your "technical" account this time!
sandra46
great image, fantastic composition! i'm happy to learn your technique, it's very effective! i like this crosslike creation!
jmb007
bonne photo!!
MagikUnicorn
LOVE IT :)
Sepiasiren
so weird that something sorta random can create something so--concise--and interesting that it formed a cross--not a religious gal but it makes one wonder...
praep
Beautiful!
danapommet
OK, next time that I am in Chicago, I want to watch you taking, one of your spinning, jiggling, and bouncing up and down neon abstract photos. Just not sure if it would be before or after a couple of beers and Chinese food. Dana
kasalin
Outstanding idea and artwork my friend !!! Sorry for a long time no commenting your works....i was very ill. Wish you all the Best and thank you for your friendly words !!!!!!!!!! A big Hugs, Karin :)
cfulton
This is very educating - superb technique! Clive