Chaos is a friend of mine
Bob Dylan
Just before going to new Zealand in January, I spent the weekend in Central London – my old hunting ground – and once more I was struck by the chaos of the crowds, the melee in momentum, the erratic pattern of pedestrians and so I tried to capture this with the effect of intentional blur.


I’ve walked these streets for all my life
they know me like no other.
But the streets have changed.
I no longer feel them
shudder
Kate Tempest ~ let them eat chaos





“Rather than looking for a pinpoint of interest, create an image into which the viewer can hurl themselves headlong and revel. Chaotic photos aren’t subtle; they scream their stories loudly. Frequently it’s the chaos itself that conveys the all-important narrative: the riot of colour, the confusion of lights, the array of choice. “
Embrace the chaos theory for interesting photos
Other useful links
Chaos by Darren You
Chaos Photography ~ Eric Kim

In her photo challenge entry Patti draws our attention to the current chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic – sure I’m concerned about the predictions for the threat to life, the mass breakdown of health, the disruption to society and the economic and social fallout – so far 409 people have tested positive in London – a city of 9,304,000 people! We wait with bated breath for what happens next.
...Meanwhile I am joining Leya with her Lens Artist Photo Challenge: Chaos
Laura, I absolutely love your title and your images are simply wonderful. My favorite is the guy whose shirt is flying out behind him but they’re all exceptional and combine to deliver the message perfectly
many thanks for very encouraging feedback – that image was panned on slow shutter speed to give the drag effect 🙂
A great set of great photos to express the chaos and our concerns, Laura.
an interesting theme Amy and one I would like to explore further following after the Eric Kim link above
The city is a very busy place, I love your panned slow shutter.
business is idea for ICM 😉
Excellent entry, Laura – love especially number two and number five. But, they all fit in perfectly. Thank you for the links too.
thank you – and for the prompt. I was intrigued to find that ‘chaos photography’ is yet another way of taking pictures
♥ Thank you for the tip!
Ah, but my dear Laura, this is beautiful chaos!!!!! Meantime, stay safe, my friend! 🙂
many thanks Marina – I think you will like this quote from Nietzsche then: “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.”
Oh, yes I do!!!!!!! 🙂 xoxo
I’d never even heard of chaos theory in photography, luckily I’m a subscriber to your blog so I’ve read about many things that were new to me over the years!
Fair exchange as I’ve learnt how best to photograph flowers and make delicious meals for one or more 🤗
The motion blur is a great idea to visualize chaos, a world in motion. Beautiful post, Laura. You did a great job here expressing the chaotic nature of London in both words and images.
this series just seemed to fit the bill – only afterwards, on reading Kim’s ‘Chaos Photography’ did I realise how apt it was
Very much so.
Great shots. Perfect for the theme. I like the colors in the first one, of graffiti.
thank you – the lighting in there gives an extra zap to the art