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Pareidolia Effect Imagery

I remember playing with a toy kaleidoscope as a small child, and according to my Mother, it kept me fascinated for hours. This fond memory led me to experiment with some photographs. I attempted to create kaleidoscope patterns. As you can see this playful attempt was unsuccessful. However, I am pleased with my playfulness in selecting black and white photos in this selection of pareidolia effect imagery. Looking at the photos above what do you see?

What is the Definition of Pareidolia?

.. “the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern.”

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Workflow Process

Below is my step-by-step workflow process to produce pareidolia effect imagery from scratch.

  1. Choose a subject from the ‘found’ collection of things
  2. Study closely, and imagine the final result
  3. Decide how best to photograph the subject: composition, focal point, lighting, depth of field etc…
  4. Process and convert the photographs to black and white
  5. Take screenshots of the photos that have piqued my interest
  6. Concept – using the screenshots by flipping the photo
  7. Make the final selects, and mirror the two photos

Finito – 🙂

For more pareidolia effect black and white photographs click here.

Pareidolia effect using a bird feather
Pareidolia effect using a flower
Pareidolia effect using a tuft of dandelion seeds
Pareidolia effect using a dandelion seed head
Pareidolia effect using a dandelion seed head
Pareidolia effect using a dandelion seed head black and white photo
Pareidolia effect using a flower stem
Pareidolia effect using a rose bud
Pareidolia phenomenon flower black and white photo
Category: Abstract photography
Style: Experimental photography
Subject: Feathers and flowers
Medium: Black and white photograph
© Tahnia Roberts, 2020
Tahnia Roberts

Author Tahnia Roberts

I explore and document urban and natural environments, often focusing on reflections, shadows, and patterns. My camera walks allow me to capture found objects and scenes that tell stories through everyday details. In my journal, I share these explorations and offer a glimpse into my process.

More posts by Tahnia Roberts

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