M a n d a l a g r a p h s :: Photo Mandalas

What is a mandalavideo?

Beach Wavelets-a GIF mandalavideo

In essence, a “mandalavideo” is a moving mandalagraph, or “motion mandalagraph”. I apply the same quadrilateral symmetry to a short video (usually no longer than 1 minute, often less). My choice of subject matter, so far, is of movement in nature, such as trees in the wind, flowing or rippling water. The result is akin to seeing the subject through a teleidoscope (a kaleidoscope with an open view), with the subject reflected in several mirrors. When possible, the mandalavideo’s sound-track is of the ambient sounds captured while taking the video. When the video’s audio is compromised with noise and other distractions, I replace it with a music background that I feel is appropriate to the imagery.

Still from “Pool Ripple Dance #1”. Click here to go to mandalavideo.

The “rules” I impose on myself in creating mandalavideos are similar to those governing my mandalagraphs:  I rarely consider any of the possible variations/permutations of a mandalagraphic composition that does not include the original video as it was shot. Because I maintain the traditional “landscape” aspect ratio of video, all my mandalavideos are horizontal rectangles in format. (But technically, there’s no reason why a mandalavideo couldn’t be presented in a portrait/vertical orientation.) Accordingly, there are only four variations I consider when composing a mandalavideo: the original video is in one of the four quadrants. So far I do very little if any cropping of the original video in the post-filming process. If I change the speed of the video (frames per second) to slow down the motion, I will note this in the description of the mandalavideo. 

For those curious about equipment and the post-production process of creating mandalavideos: I currently use an iPhone11 Pro Max and Fujifilm X-T3 camera, both with video modes; and I use Apple’s Final Cut Pro X video editing software which makes it relatively easy to manipulate the original video clip to create a “quad/split screen” of four equally-sized quadrants, each of which is a mirror image of the adjacent quadrant.

Another technical note: all of the mandalavideos are “embedded” on this site, with the original video residing in my Vimeo account.

Please note:

© Harry Hull III and Mandalagraphs.com, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of photographs and other material on this blog/website without express and written permission from this blog’s author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Harry Hull III and Mandalagraphs.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.