Rainy Day Fun

[Maureen Allen]

A flashlight, a wide angle lens and some colored gels. You can keep yourself amused for days with this

[Cheryl Slechta]

Maureen, it looks like a galactic eye I love the colors.

[Judy Howle]

This is a very interesting graphic design Maureen. I also like the colors. Those are the colors of Lions Club and probably many sports teams

[Diane Miller]

I LOVE the graphic design, the layers of depth and the clear precision of the lines. It amazes me how the colors blend.

I know I've seen things like this before, but have no idea how it's done. Are you into sharing the secret?

[Maureen Allen]

It's not a secret at all, Diane. Steve Adkins shared info on how to do this with me a while back.

Nikon d3s, 14-24mm @ 19mm, f/22, ISO 100, 240 sec.

Hang a mini mag flashlight from the ceiling with some wire or string. I have mine on a hook with a swivel so it swings well. Take the top of the flashlight off to expose the bulb. Lay your camera flat below (mine sits on a lazy susan thingy so I can move it around.) Exposure time varies. You can cover the lens with gels if you want or you can cover the light to give it color. This has to be done in a dark room. Once you're set up, just swing the light around. During exposure, you can cover the lens with a dark sheet of paper while you restart the motion of the light in another direction. I think I did that 3 times with this image. I also changed the camera position.

There are several sites online where you can learn more about photographing physiograms.

[gary ellwein]

Great job and your directions are excellent. So many things to try.

[Diane Miller]

Thanks! I should try this! You got a really gorgeous pattern here. I'm sure it takes patience and practice.

[Paul Lagasi]

I am sure I created one of these with my Spirograph (dating myself again). Very interesting how you did this, I also will try this...thanks Maureen

[Anita Bower]

Gorgeous colors, depth and complexity.

[Nancy Bell]

Very, very cool! So on a rainy day you can either do these or those wonderful water drop creations!

Paul, I also had a Spirograph and thought of it right away!

[Mitch Carucci]

Wonderful image. Must take many tries to get one just right like this image. I am sure a mathematician would find this facinating.