Photographer’s Laser Experiment Goes Viral, Breaks Camera

Photographer Alexander Newman Hall recently gained immense attention on social media after a laser experiment he created for a multimedia project went viral. While the unexpected fame brought recognition, it also resulted in the damage of his camera equipment. Hall’s journey from obscurity to viral sensation underscores the evolving relationship between art and social media.

Initially, Hall reposted an old laser experiment to Instagram, considering it just another addition to his extensive portfolio. This was part of his broader mission to understand how ideas propagate online. To his surprise, the post quickly became the most successful piece he had ever shared. The captivating caption drew viewers in, hinting at themes of risk and consequence—elements that resonated far beyond the polished visuals typically seen on social media.

The video features a fog-filled room where a laser creates precise circles. As the beam intersects with Hall’s iPhone, the image fractures, producing a striking visual effect. The chaos and beauty of the moment captivated viewers, while the laser left behind a permanent purple streak on every frame, marking the phone’s visual history.

Hall’s artistic journey is rooted in years of experimentation with technology and instinctive play. In 2022, he was immersed in a creative atmosphere in Charlotte, South Carolina, where he utilized a studio filled with fog machines, projectors, and body-tracking tools. This space was not designed for conventional results but encouraged improvisation and exploration.

“I learned by touching everything, breaking things, and rearranging tools,” Hall reflected. His approach shifted from meticulous planning to a more spontaneous form of creation, leading to interactions with museums and galleries as his work became increasingly intricate. However, he initially struggled with the concept of being an artist, feeling more like a creator who hoarded his work rather than sharing it.

By 2025, Hall recognized that simply creating art was not enough. The digital landscape rewarded visibility over perfection. Consequently, he began treating social media as an extension of his creative process, posting a continuous stream of content—new art, behind-the-scenes moments, and old experiments. This rapid output revealed patterns in audience engagement and emphasized the freedom from overthinking.

Among this flurry of posts was the resurrected laser clip. Initially overlooked when shared in 2022, it gained traction in 2025. The internet began to fill in narratives around the video, discussing the artistic risks taken and the sensor damage as a symbol of dedication. Hall notes, “If you can give people something that they can use to create their own story, it creates really interesting engagement.”

Hall’s choice of equipment reflects his philosophy toward art. While he has used high-end cameras like the Blackmagic Ursa and Fuji GFX100S, he frequently opts for his iPhone. This device aligns with his creative process’s speed and spontaneity, allowing him to take risks he would avoid with more expensive gear. “I would NEVER walk in front of a laser with my GFX. But with my iPhone, with Applecare, I’m willing to risk it all,” he stated.

This embrace of unpredictability and acceptance of accidents has become a defining aspect of Hall’s aesthetic. He often captures his work by filming his computer screen, celebrating the imperfections that emerge rather than striving for polished digital renderings.

Today, Hall’s art exists in a unique space where physical installations and their video representations are equally significant. A fog sculpture, for instance, is not complete until it is filmed, emphasizing the interaction between different mediums. This philosophy underpins his ambitious project, titled Cowbone, which aims to merge everything he has learned from social media, photography, filmmaking, and interactive media into an immersive storytelling experience.

“Cowbone functions like a universe rather than a single artwork. It unfolds across formats, platforms, and experiences,” Hall explained. This project draws from years of experimentation, mistakes, and viral moments, embodying his creative philosophy of constant risk and output.

The laser video was not engineered for virality but emerged organically at the right moment with the right context. For Hall, the experience taught him that the power of sharing work freely invites audiences to find their own interpretations, highlighting the unpredictable nature of creativity in the digital age.