Bayard Randel
Gaussian Splat Photography
Last verified:
What is Bayard Randel?
Gaussographs is a photographic art project by Bayard Randel that turns his photos of Ōtepoti/Dunedin, New Zealand into virtual photographs of gaussian splat models. The work sits between photography, 3D reconstruction, and digital art, using the gaussian splat algorithm as a creative medium rather than just a technical tool.
The project emphasizes instability, fragmentation, and transformation. Randel notes that gaussian splat models already break space apart imperfectly when they lack enough data, and he pushes that effect further with his custom software rhêgma, which performs algorithmic sculpting of the splat cloud.
The result is intentionally atmospheric and dreamlike: the city appears to dissolve into vapor and light, then reform again. That makes the project especially interesting for viewers who enjoy experimental image-making, computational art, and new forms of landscape photography.
It appears aimed at people who appreciate art that explores the boundary between documentation and abstraction. The website is most relevant to photography enthusiasts, digital artists, and anyone curious about gaussian splatting as an expressive medium.
Bayard Randel pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
No pricing information is shown on the Gaussographs page. The site presents the work as an art/portfolio project and does not list free tiers, paid plans, subscriptions, downloads, or commercial licensing details.
Bayard Randel pros
- Inventive use of gaussian splat photography
- Clear artistic concept behind the series
- Distinct visual treatment of Ōtepoti/Dunedin
- Transforms real locations into virtual imagery
- Uses custom software rhêgma
- Adds deliberate sculptural deformation
- Balances photography and computational art
- Creates a dreamlike, unstable cityscape
- Strong experimental aesthetic
- Original terminology with gaussograph
- Shows a personal authorial voice
- Explores space as mutable matter
- Pushes beyond straightforward 3D capture
- Appeals to art and tech audiences
- Grounded in a specific geographic subject
- Evokes atmosphere and place rather than pure realism
Bayard Randel cons
- Very limited scope on the website
- No technical walkthrough of the workflow
- No pricing or purchase information
- Not a practical tool for general users
- Likely requires specialized capture and processing
- The distortion is intentional but may reduce clarity
- No FAQ or support section
- Minimal explanation of rhêgma itself
Frequently asked questions about Bayard Randel
What is a gaussograph?
A gaussograph is the term Bayard Randel uses for a virtual photograph made from a gaussian splat model built from his photos of Ōtepoti/Dunedin, New Zealand. It is presented as an artistic form rather than a standard photographic output.
How are these images made?
They start with photographs of Ōtepoti/Dunedin that are turned into gaussian splat models. Randel then further destabilizes and reshapes the model with his custom software rhêgma, which performs algorithmic sculpting of the splat cloud.
What does the site say the gaussian splat algorithm does?
The site says the algorithm fragments and reassembles space imperfectly when it is starved of data. That imperfect reconstruction is part of the aesthetic foundation of the work.
What is rhêgma?
Rhêgma is Bayard Randel’s custom software for algorithmic sculpting of the splat cloud. On the site, it is described as an additional layer of destabilization and collapse applied to the gaussian splat models.
What place does the project focus on?
The project is built from Randel’s photos of Ōtepoti/Dunedin, New Zealand. The city is the subject that gets transformed into vaporous, reforming virtual imagery.
Is Gaussographs meant to be realistic photography?
Not entirely. The project explicitly embraces fragmentation, collapse, and reforming surfaces, so the images are meant to feel unstable and atmospheric rather than purely documentary.
Who is the project for?
It is aimed at viewers who enjoy experimental photography, computational art, digital landscape work, and artistic uses of 3D reconstruction. The site also suits people interested in gaussian splatting as a creative medium.
Does the website offer downloads or a product?
The page functions as an art presentation and does not show downloads, product listings, or software sales. It reads like a portfolio entry rather than a commercial tool page.
Does the site explain the artist’s broader background?
The Gaussographs page itself focuses on the project, while Bayard Randel’s site identifies him as a photographer and artist based in Ōtepoti, Aotearoa New Zealand. His interests include night, landscape photography, music, and video art.
Why is the city described as vapor and light?
That wording reflects the project’s theme of the city losing solidity and continually reforming through gaussian splats and rhêgma-based deformation. It captures the intended mood of instability and transformation.