This process is known as "pixel sorting." In pixel sorting you sort for pixels in a digital image either above a certain white level, below a certain black level, or at a specific lightness level.

​

With the sorted pixels, specific rows or columns of pixels are shifted an amount to the side, by use of a coding software, and some code.

​

This image was pixel sorted for a lightness level at about the same level of the pixels on the skin. Much of the sand is at the same level, so that become sorted as well, but leaves the other parts of the subject like the clothes unsorted.

​

Gradiented areas like the sky get these cool wavy patterns due to the way the process sorts the pixels.

​

This process in combination with photo shopping tools, can make for some really cool images.

​

​