The interplay and the interaction of light on materials and surfaces has long been a fascination for me. As a research scientist and microscopist I used many optical and lighting techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of materials. I am now exploring the world of caustics - those magical patterns that are formed when a beam of light travels through transparent textured materials.
Using traditional photographic techniques and pieces of complex shaped glass and plastics I project these patterns directly on to colour film. The resulting images and photographs that you see are purely analogue and are not computer generated, but a true representation of the patterns formed by the light beam after its complex journey through the refractive objects I create.
I have always sought to find a bridge between art and science; with these "Refractographs" I now feel I have achieved my goal.
2013 International Light Painting Show, Mumbai
2012 "Winter Group Show", Richard Goodall Contemporary Art Gallery, Manchester
2012 Light Painting World Exhibition, Moscow
2012 International Photography Awards - 2 Honorable Mentions.
2011 "Winter Show" Richard Goodall Contemporary Art Gallery, Manchester.
2010 Group Show; "Affordable Art Fair, London" Richard Goodall Gallery
2010 Group Show "On a Visual Quest" Forward Thinking Museum
2010 International Photography Awards - 3 Honorable Mentions.
2009 International Millionaire Fair, Moscow: Display of Images
2009 Px3 Prix de la Photographie Paris - 2 Honorable Mentions
2008 Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards - 2 Honorable Mentions
2007 Group Show; "Open Lens Gallery", Philadelphia USA
Gallery Representation
Richard Goodall Contemporary Art Gallery, Manchester UK
Photos of Reciprocity (6)
Reciprocity's favorite photos from other Flickr members (7,643)
Contacts (270)
Groups (50)
- Refractography (formerly the NO LENS group) 469 photos, 113 members
- Vasen - Vases 702 photos, 56 members
- abstract light 3,948 photos, 225 members
- experimental film photography 1,694 photos, 216 members
- Deep Space Imagineers (AKA Space Madness) 309 photos, 41 members
- We hate hackers! Arts in one world! 390 photos, 67 members
- The Light Lounge: Abstracts and Patterns 1,811 photos, 145 members
- We want Flickr with a DARK BACKGROUND!! (NOT PHOTO) 8 photos, 11,860 members
- Abstract Photos 110,304 photos, 18,227 members
- Chemistry and Art 418 photos, 145 members
- The Sorcerers Apprentice -- Animating the Inanimate 4,523 photos, 181 members
- Tacoma Art Museum 2,599 photos, 532 members
- Dazed and Confused - New Photographer Search 532,720 photos, 24,919 members
- Science in pictures 3,255 photos, 659 members
- TMI: your ART and NATURE "P1♥C1"-lots of fun activities 141,176 photos, 6,307 members
- Weekly Theme Photography **this week's theme: spring awakening* 8,385 photos, 1,293 members
- Designing with Light 96 photos, 19 members
- Green Tea Gallery 2,714 photos, 1,191 members
- Analogue Photoshop(Photoshop Free) 236 photos, 94 members
- No more microwave illustration 2,798 photos, 297 members
- making strange (ostranenie) 585 photos, 90 members
- Color Photo Award - PREMIER -- Post 1: Give 2 - Get 5: Go BRONZE 193,423 photos, 31,791 members
- Experimentation 136,147 photos, 10,980 members
- lens flares 10,471 photos, 2,338 members
- Eclectic Gallery (post 1, comment any 1) 22,620 photos, 1,223 members
- "Art in the UK - British Fine Art & Fine Art Photography" 22,204 photos, 1,088 members
- Passionately Pink for the Cure 66,853 photos, 13,341 members
- Economic and Social History Group - People and their Industry 3,226 photos, 234 members
- elegance in art, graphics and design 21,468 photos, 266 members
- worldwidewandering - a travel atlas 368,047 photos, 5,866 members
- Shield Of Excellence - Level 1 (p1/a5) 379,863 photos, 38,920 members
- The Blues! 80,114 photos, 7,915 members
- research 695 photos, 203 members
- Experimental photography (comment on two) 3,285 photos, 345 members
- Generative & Evolutionary Art 13,728 photos, 994 members
- Exploratorium Geometry 4,184 photos, 582 members
- FlickrsBest the original 88,747 photos, 14,775 members
- CITRIT,Best of yours! / Invited shots only/comment 2 / 294,106 photos, 29,715 members
- Creative Eye Photo Gallery ~Invitation Only~ 94 photos, 113 members
- Super Shots - Only Invited Photos - Nominate Now 259,368 photos, 40,912 members
- ~Beauty within~ (invite pics only) 802 photos, 416 members
- 100% blank 1,587 photos, 150 members
- Impressed by your Beauty! {Invite Per Image ONLY} - new contest 206,113 photos, 33,055 members
- ╠Art Libre-Free Art-Arte Libre-Freie Kunst-INVITED PIX ONLY 49,242 photos, 7,838 members
- * Magical Worlds * Comment per Post Required! 59,737 photos, 3,581 members
- flickr GOLD***invited images only pls*** 65,273 photos, 13,412 members
- 1-2-3 ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY 16,723 photos, 1,006 members
- An Awesome Shot! Invited Photos ONLY!! 373,581 photos, 50,645 members
- CRYSTALLIZED 1,707 photos, 340 members
- 'It's multi-colored!!!' 223,802 photos, 8,994 members
Testimonials (10)
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Jo Casson says:
"Wondrous images created by a watchfull person with innovative methods. Thank you Reciprocity for all these beautifull experiences."
21st September, 2012
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mccullin4 says:
"Alan Jaras is truly the master of lenless photography. I doubt he will be bettered and a few including myself have tried. His work is both inspiring and experimental. Through the ether of flickr I detect a man who is polite, helpful and very modest about his remarkable achievements. It would be a privilege to meet him face to face.
Jon Steele"22nd September, 2011
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kathryn.weiss says:
"I have always been fascinated by caustics, and in the past have even tried my hand at a few bumbling photographs of that elusive light. But never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such images as created by Reciprocity. The nature of color and light itself are being explored here in ways I never thought possible. I am thankful to have found such creative vision being applied to such an intriguing subject. Kudos. I will continue to look to your portfolio for inspiration and delight."
4th June, 2008
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0olong says:
"Alan's experimental explorations of light, refraction and the micro-world are a source of endless fascination; he takes phenomena one might only be peripherally aware of and makes obvious their limitless beauty and intrigue. How much more are we missing, just beyond the edges of our awareness?"
17th September, 2007
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http://heretakis.com says:
"Reciprocity's work provides visual proof (for those that need it) that there is a brave new and unexplored world just beyond our blind senses. His images move in and out of existence, enriching and reminding our materialistic world about the futility of many of our daily actions. Without love and compassion for each other we are locked in the dead end circle of our non-existance .This is what the work of Reciprocity is all about in my own view."
14th July, 2007
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CharlieBrown8989 says:
"Alan
I found him on www.flickr.com explore.
Since then I become addicted to his colorful master pieces.
I cannot use words to say how great it is.
So, please visit him more often & be entertain by his great arts!!
Thanks my friend.........."29th January, 2007
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optick says:
"I often hesitate to comment on one of Reciprocity's wondrous photos - I know there's going to be a long queue of glowing comments to follow in my Comments You've Made pages! His colourful caustics have not just impressed me as phantasmagoric projections - they have been an education in what is possible in terms of subtlety, composition, finesse...
I'm lucky enough to get comments from him, and I often come across his comments on other people's photos too - they are not the plain old 'cool!' or 'great capture' sort of comment (though I'm happy enough to get these too!) - there's always a critical (in the positive sense) appreciation of the qualities of the photo, a sign that a discriminating and generous eye has passed by. I don't know how far exactly his light has been refracting over flickr, but it's certainly made it more wonderful place to spend time.!"8th November, 2006
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CATeyes says:
"A true photographer and a gifted artist, Alan’s photos inspire me to work even harder at my own craft. I'm so glad I stumbled upon his beautiful glass photos as they have expanded and enriched my understanding of photographic art! A quick look at his stream and you’ll see his talents go far beyond just his wonderful glass photos; but it’s those marvels that I think of second when I think of Alan. Why “second”, because first I think of his overly kind, constructive, and generous comments! He never misses and opportunity to dish out praise and encouragement; its people like Alan that make this flickr community a truly remarkable place."
15th June, 2006
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Anduze traveller says:
"Reciprocity is a person whom I'd love to meet face to face. His warm personality come across in the way he comments, replies to comments, expresses interest in others' photos .. His gift for making glass & light much more meaningful is a delight to encounter. One can enjoy his work on so many different levels ...
And I'm addicted to his Microworld series!"5th April, 2006
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Pandiyan says:
"Delightful stream. Wonderful photos from near and far; superclose at times! But what adds to all this is his stylish wit and humour. No visitor will ever get bored.
He is also a friendly and courteous soul who never fails to acknowledge a comment or a visit. Do enjoy his eclectic collection."27th November, 2005
- Name:
- Alan Jaras
- Joined:
- May 2005
- Currently:
- North West of England, UK
- I am:
- Male and Taken
- Email:
- alanjaras [at] googlemail.com
















