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cymatics liquid formations
I decided to try out my own form of cymatics ‘sound visualisation’ for my Final exhibition of my University degree in Photography.
After several months of researching cymatics and producing hundreds of test shots, I found my own way of capturing this phenomena and created a 16 image series that was featured in the degree exhibition
Below are some of the images which I selected to form my collection.
Post production was minimal (cropping, aligning and increased black to the bottom of the images) as my technical research and photographic experiments allowed me the best way to optimise the parameters of the shots.
I have also included a picture of myself at the degree show next to my work to show how I took the images out of chronological sequence to produce a conceptual post modernistic context.
For the exhibition I also had to devise a statement that provided context to my work and represented me as an artist.
Below is the statement I wrote:
Structured Entropy Arrested Vibration
The foundations of the universe can be defined by energy, mass and entropy, with vibration being the vessel that interlinks them all. Entropy is the measurement of disorder and this factor can help in the understanding of the irregularities and inconsistencies that occur in all aspects of our existence.
The primal instincts of Human nature are to progress and bring order to chaos. ‘Structured Entropy – Arrested Vibration’, is a photographic series that is been constructed to document the hidden formations that occur in reaction to the natural process of vibration. Using a speaker to provide vibration, Harrison has placed a mixture of consumer grade anti -aging cream onto the speaker and photographed the event, in a manner that suspends the moment of implosion.
The images have been taken out of a chronological sequence and arranged in a uniformed manner. 16 images have been chosen to be displayed in a 4×4 grid which conforms to uniformity and aesthetically providing a sense of unity in variety. Particular consideration has also been given to the framing which provides separation.
Following the principles of Conceptual art and Post-modernist theory, Harrison endeavours to examine and question- temporality, absence, the human condition and our connections to the natural world, revealing the perpetuated tensions between order and complexity.
Posted in Art and Design, Cherry Harrison photography, Photography tutorials, Science and Nature
Also tagged art, biomorphic, conceptual, constructed, contemporary, electro-magnetism, entropy, fine art, formations, freeze time, human condition, light, liquid, motion, perspective, photography, physics, post modernism, science, sculpture, sound, soundwave, speaker, surreal, suspended, time, tones, visual
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Water droplet photography tutorial
Water Droplet photography tutorial.
A step by step guide on how to take water droplet images like the ones i have taken below, using a dslr and off camera flash.
I’ve always wanted to capture water droplets as I find the uniqueness of the shapes fascinating.
When I first started out in photography back in 2011, I tried capturing several shots of water droplets and had great fun experimenting and learning.
My set up back then was on a budget and apart from the camera equipment, I used d.i.y material sourced from around the house and the local stationary store.
This guide will show you ‘step by step’ what I used to take the water droplet photos I have posted.
Step 1: camera settings
In order to take sharp macro shots with your dslr, especially of water droplets , you will need to have a dedicated macro lens. A cheaper option would be to buy a close up lens or use extension tubes for your existing lens.
You will also need at least one, off camera flash unit, this can be a TTL compatible flash or any 3rd party flash used on manual mode, with a wireless remote trigger and shutter release cable (i use a £20 2nd hand flash – set to ‘manual’ mode )
Camera settings
f11 aperture
1/125 shutter speed
200 iso
I also experimented with the cameras WB to change the colour range in some shots.
My Equipment:
Nikon D5000 dslr camera (you can use any camera that allows you to change aperture and shutter speed)
Tamron 90mm Macro lens (try macro functions, extension tubes if you do not have a dedicated macro lens)
Off camera Flash x 1 (if you have more use them but for basic images like what I have taken here 1 is enough)
3 x Wireless remote trigger (you could use the flash sync mode, camera timer or ttl if this option is not for you)
1 x mini tripod (mine is like a gorillapod but doesnt have a name and was alot cheaper £8.99)
1 x 5in1 reflector (mine is 22″ £4.99 )
Step 2: Equipment for diy studio set up
Additional Equipment
1x step ladders (anywhere/anything else a bag of water can be suspended from – possibly a door frame)
1 x glass pyrex kitchen cooking bowl (£2.99)
1 x black clipboard (£0.69)
1 x pack of neon paper (£0.50)
1 x pack of holographic paper (£0.50)you will also need a container or bag for the water to drop out of and something to seal the bag withWhat I am using:
1 x fold over sandwich bag (pack of 50 £0.50)
2 x stationary clips (pack of 12 (£0.69)
1 x Badge or safety pin (£0.10)
1x step ladders (anywhere/anything else a bag of water can be suspended from – possibly a door frame)
1 x glass pyrex kitchen cooking bowl (£2.99)
1 x black clipboard (£0.69)
1 x pack of neon paper (£0.50)
1 x pack of holographic paper (£0.50)you will also need a container or bag for the water to drop out of and something to seal the bag withWhat I am using:
1 x fold over sandwich bag (pack of 50 £0.50)
2 x stationary clips (pack of 12 (£0.69)
1 x Badge or safety pin (£0.10)
Step 3: Setting up the equipment
Setting up the equipment
Place the glass bowl underneath the ladders and place the black clip board behind the glass bowl – Now place your flash to the side of the glass bowl and facing the clip board, position your camera (not shown in these clips) on the tripod approx 12″ away from where the water droplet should fall
The black clipboard can hold any background paper or card you wish to use and will change the colours of your water droplet pictures – try different designs and textures for some amazing images through the water.
You can also try using a reflector as a background and bouncing the flash off the reflector for more colour ranges in your droplets. Or try placing different coloured card underneath the glass dish – (for my droplet images I used black card under the glass bowl.
Once you have set up your equipment, its now time to be a big kid again and play & experiment with water Yeay 🙂
Just make sure you have a towel or cloth ready to wipe up any splashes – remember camera’s and water –do NOT mix !!!!
Step 4: Preparing the water for the droplets
Fill the glass bowl with water – I fill mine halfway (1″) – I have been told the shallower the water, the more crown type water shots – the deeper the water the more chance of water orbs and columns – choose whichever style suits you best :)Then with the remaining water from the jug, fill the plastic bag 1/3 with water
seal the bag – or fold over like the bag i used for my photos
Clip the two stationary clips to the top of the bag so it is secure (or use sticky tape or masking tape)Attach the bag to the underneath of the ladder using the clips to secure, if your ladder doesnt have anywhere for the clips to attach you could also try using some garden wire to attach the clips to the ladder.
seal the bag – or fold over like the bag i used for my photos
Clip the two stationary clips to the top of the bag so it is secure (or use sticky tape or masking tape)Attach the bag to the underneath of the ladder using the clips to secure, if your ladder doesnt have anywhere for the clips to attach you could also try using some garden wire to attach the clips to the ladder.
Step 5: Releasing the droplet
Make a small hole in the bag of water with a safety pin from the badge, this allows droplets to fall into the glass bowl at a slow steady rate. – You can also experiment with different sizes of holes to reduce or increase the flow rate of the water.
Step 6: Focus where the droplet will be landing
I used a serrated edged knife to focus my lens, approx 2cm above the point at which the droplet hits the water in the bowl. – if you dont have a knife or you want to use something safer, you can also use a ball point pen or ruler to focus the camera on the spot at which you want to capture the detail like shown below.
Another handy tip is to point a torch at the spot when you are focusing on the knife/pen as this helps your eyes get a sharp focus
Step 7: Start clicking and capture your perfect water droplet
The rest is down to timing and personal preference – count how long your droplets take to hit the water, press your remote trigger or set the timer for the moments after the droplet hits the surface of the water – remember a droplet performs a crown a stalk and then an orb if the water is deep enough.
- Take lots of shots, dslr cameras can cope with this – have fun learning what the droplets do with the rate of flow
- The water in the bag lasts for about half and hour before the droplets slow down
- Remember to use a shutter release cable a wireless remote trigger or the timer on your camera to take the shots, this avoids camera shake and gives you a clearer shot
- Also experiment with different backgrounds and droplet heights for more effects
- Try changing the power and the angle of the flash and also try the flash hand held – for different lighting effects –
Step 8: last words
The possibilities are endless – just let your imagination run away with you and enjoy capturing the uniqueness of water drops
Posted in Art and Design, Cherry Harrison photography, Photography tutorials, Uncategorized
Also tagged beginner, camera, cherry harrison photography, colorful, colourful, diy, dslr, experiment, formations, fun, gravity, guide, harold edgerton, help, high speed, nikon, photography, physics, pictorial, science experiment, shapes, step by step, surreal, suspended, tamron, tamron90mm, time, tips, tripod, tutorial, unique, water droplet, waterdroplet
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CYMATICS Science Vs Music
CYMATICS Science by Nigel Stanford:
click to view the youtube video – Science Vs Sound
Click the image to view the video or use the following link http://youtu.be/Q3oItpVa9fs
The footage really is mind blowing, showcasing, Science and Sound and how they can be manipulated in a way that transcends into art.
I am amazed with how it all works. This fantastic video features lots of scientific experiments with progressively dangerous elements added to the mix. I came across this footage when it was shown by a tutor from the Science department at Salford university. I had made an appointment with Dr Richard Pilkington to discuss ideas on how to collaborate with the Science department on my final major project for my BA Hons Degree in Photography.
The footage which has foundations built around the application of physics, gave me a lot of inspiration for a photographic take on these kind of experiments.
Below are some screen shots of the video showing how the team experiment with sound, electricity and vibration in a mesmorising way.
sound field visual representation how vibration and pitch align
Image source www.dezeen.com
Nigel Stanford video that explains Cymantics through visual representation – science and sound meets art
Image source nofilmschool.com
Man versus technology cymatics electrical current with sound manipulation
Image source nofilmschool.com
cymatics sound and vibration nigel stanford youtube video still footage
Image source www.dezeen.com
For more information on this video and a the opportunity to download a HD version please click on the following link for Nigel Stanfords website. —> HERE
I have come to realise that most of the macro photography I undertake, is related to science. I find the subject has a magical appeal to it. Although far removed from fantasy in that it is applied to record in a non-fictitious way, I am still amazed and in awe of its capabilities, not just in technology but in an environmental and biological essence. These feelings bring out my inner child, especially when I see experiments that are visually surreal & challenge my brains ability to process the information straight away, I find myself cast back to an enchanted mindset of youthful discovery.
One of my very first reasons that I was drawn to photography was from watching the discovery channel with my mother when I was a teenager and seeing a documentary on Bioluminescent Organisms – These creatures from the depths of the ocean had the ability to emit light from their bodies. This I have looked into further when I produced a series of image which focused on their biological systems using a laser technology related to physics.
Posted in Art and Design, Cherry Harrison photography, Science and Nature
Also tagged art, attraction, audio, electricity, electro-magnetism, electronics, formations, light, manipulation, maxwell equation, media, motion, perspective, photography, physics, science, sound, surreal, time, visual
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