Finding Order in Apparent Chaos
A number of years ago, scientists and mathematicians did some experimentation with paint mixing and stirring. Upon pouring one color of paint into another of contrasting tone, then stirring, these scientists set out to see if they could determine if the stirring generated a chaotic or orderly progression.
And so we have today, as a result, The Mathematics of Chaos -- an outcome demonstrating that, there may not only not be such a phenomenon in the Cosmos as "chaos," but that all Cosmic phenomena are potentially, if not actually, rendered mathematical!
Are you here, Rich? (As I was writing this, I thought of you).
In teaching photographic basics, I have found that the two most difficult aspects for students to master, are composition and exposure . With digital cameras and LCD screens, exposure isn't the frustrator it one was -- take the picture -- see it on the LCD screen -- take lots of variations -- adjust, adjust -- no waiting for film to be developed and unwelcome surprises like under or over-exposed prints!
But solid composition is still king in terms of its importance, and still problematic for many. If you think about it, it does not require good color to create a good image; as proof of this, many viewers actually prefer black and white images over color.
Nature as a photographic subject can appear chaotic ... consider a forest interior, canopy or, a thicket ... particularly in the fall when colors abound, textures are more pronounced and light and shadow seem to dance with one another. At that time, finding order in apparent chaos can reward the photographer with images that make jaws drop.
Here are a few from this year's autumnal "chaos" and ... my search for the order within.
The leading lines of the path into the woods draws the viewer inward while the trees and foliage frame the composition.
Here it's form and color in a kind of visual rhythm that hols the picture together.
The multiple trunks of the tree in the left foreground and their upper arches frame the most colorful parts of the composition.
It works equally well in both vertical and horizontal compositions.
The leaning diagonals balance the composition as "positive" shapes while the elements in between form "negative" shapes that are consequently framed. Despite the absence of color and a riot of texture, the composition is simultaneously dynamic and static.
A. Macarthur/All Rights Reserved Article & Images
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I don't believe that there is chaos in the Cosmos ...
... except in the minds of humans.
Very nice pictures Mac!
Thanks Fed,
I hope the information in the article and captions is useful.
I have learned more aboutphotographyfrom you than anybody Mac and this article is exceptional!
Love this...
there is most definitely a beautiful and inspiringchaosin this scene. Gorgeous!
Thanks Larry.
I may be out of action for a while -- I tore my left Achilles tendon and won't know until tomorrow if it going to be surgery, a boot or both.
What the heck! What happened Mac?
I tripped over an electrical cord and twisted my foot/ankle.
I should know tomorrow what's next. Will let you know.
What a frickin' bummer. Hang in their Mac and hope you get good news man.
Thanks Larry,
Best case scenario ... no surgery ... boot on my left leg; had surgical reattachment been necessary, I would still have ended up with the boot, so, much as I hate being on my butt, I'll take this outcome.
Now, WTF am I going to do for all the months I have to stay out of the woods and away from the streams ...
... maybe an e-book taking all of my photo articles and using them as chapters. I have a friend who publishes e-books ... we once collaborated on a printed book and if she's still in the business, I'll get her help on the formatting.
Glad to hear you don't need surgery (though with that type of injury the pain is the same regardless) You will get back in the woods, just take it easy on that leg to let it heal---Achilles are a bitch.
Now that e-book idea sounds really good; make sure and tell us if you do that as I would like to purchase one.
:~)
I'm sure I will be spending more time with you guys; and hopefully by Spring or next summer, we can catch a few fish and drink a few beers together.
I figured you'd be rowing my boat.
I don't know why I didn't receive an e-mail alert regarding this reply ... I'll have to check my settings ...
Otherwise, Mike ... Honorary Rank of First Mate and simultaneous Permission to Come Aboard are hereby GRANTED!
And since you will be my guest, you thereby escape galley duties since I'm buyin' chow and beverages.
Lucky S.O.B you'll be on my vessel!
I had no idea I was the inspiration for this article . Having explored non-linear statistical models , a deeply fascinating topic , I can say that there is great difficulty in separating out the non-chaotic from the chaotic in models . It takes a really broad perspective to accomplish that as well as a thorough knowledge of the subject being modeled . As a result I suspect that the best such models come about from a collaboration between a very gifted statistician and someone who merely is familiar with the subject matter . Together they can find the order among the chaos .