Photographer’s Viral Laser Experiment Transforms Art Practice

Artist and photographer Alexander Newman Hall recently gained widespread recognition for a laser photograph that he created as part of a multimedia project. The image, which started as a simple repost of an older experiment on Instagram, unexpectedly became a viral sensation, significantly impacting Hall’s artistic journey. However, the success came at a cost; Hall’s camera was damaged during the process.

Initially, Hall shared the laser clip as just another post in his ongoing exploration of social media’s dynamics. This was part of a personal challenge to understand how ideas circulate online. The video, which features a laser creating a perfect circle amidst a fog-filled room, captured viewers’ attention almost immediately. Its caption hinted at danger and commitment, a stark contrast to the typical polished content seen on social media.

The chaotic yet beautiful nature of the video resonated deeply with audiences. As the laser beam crossed the screen of Hall’s iPhone, it created a permanent flaw, a purple streak that altered future frames. This moment is emblematic of Hall’s artistic philosophy, which prioritizes experimentation and imperfection over flawless execution.

Years of Exploration Lead to Viral Success

Before the clip’s resurgence, Hall was already deeply immersed in his artistic practice. In 2022, he was based in Charlotte, commuting to a studio in South Carolina filled with fog machines and body-tracking tools. This space was designed for improvisation and exploration, rather than for polished outcomes or client work. Hall embraced this chaotic environment, learning through hands-on interaction with his materials, rather than adhering to traditional tutorials.

This exploratory approach gradually drew the attention of museums and galleries, leading to invitations to showcase his work. Despite this recognition, Hall admits he initially had little understanding of the artistic ecosystem he was entering. “I didn’t really understand what it meant to be an artist or how social media worked,” he reflected. His previous habit of keeping work private in Google Photos shifted dramatically as he began to recognize the importance of sharing his creative journey online.

By 2025, Hall realized that merely creating art was insufficient in the digital age. The online landscape favored visibility over perfection, prompting him to approach social media with the same fervor he applied in his studio. His social media feed evolved into a living sketchbook, where he shared new art, forgotten experiments, and spontaneous moments. This prolific output allowed him to identify trends in audience engagement and the liberating experience of sharing without overthinking.

The laser clip, once overlooked, found a new life in this environment. In 2025, audiences began to engage with the video in unexpected ways, inventing narratives and interpreting the sensor damage as a testament to artistic dedication. Hall emphasizes the importance of inviting viewers to create their own stories, stating, “If you can give people something that they can use to create their own story with their imagination, it creates really interesting engagement.”

The Role of Technology in Artistic Expression

Despite owning various high-end cameras, Hall often relies on his iPhone for its spontaneity and risk-tolerance. The iPhone allows him to experiment without the fear of damaging expensive equipment. “I would NEVER walk in front of a laser with my GFX. That would be insane. But with my iPhone, with Applecare, I’m willing to risk it all,” he explained.

This philosophy embraces unpredictability, allowing accidents to become integral to his artistic aesthetic. Hall often records his computer screen with his phone, capturing the imperfections that make his work feel alive and tactile. In an era where digital tools can create flawless results, he is drawn to the unique beauty of fleeting moments and accidental discoveries.

Today, Hall’s work exists in a realm where physical installations and the videos documenting those installations hold equal importance. A fog sculpture is not complete until it is filmed, and digital effects gain significance through their interaction with the real world. This interconnectedness enriches the viewer’s experience by encouraging personal interpretation.

Hall’s most ambitious project, titled Cowbone, exemplifies this philosophy. He aims to incorporate everything he has learned from social media, photography, and interactive media to create an immersive storytelling experience that spans both digital and physical realms. This project reflects years of experimentation, mistakes, and viral moments that have shaped his artistic journey.

The laser video was never intended to go viral; it was simply an experiment that resonated at the right moment. Hall’s experience highlights the unpredictable power of sharing work freely, trusting that audiences will find meaning in the spaces left open for interpretation. The damaged sensor symbolizes not only the risks of creation but also the profound impact of engaging with an audience in an authentic way.