If created correctly it’s not the future which you’ll view.
https://meanderingpassage.com//wp-content/uploads/images/2020/06/EBM-20160123141232-3.jpg
I have a vast Youtube backlog of Affinity Photo (AP)1 training/how-to videos awaiting my efforts to learn more about the App. Many of the videos are on areas, features, and usages of AP I may not need in day-to-day photo editing, but to my pleasure, I’m finding a great deal of value in all the videos.
The photo above is my second effort at creating a photographic crystal ball in AP. Going in, I didn’t have much interest in this subject matter, but working through this process, I discovered useful examples of masking as well as the use of AP distortion tools. I realized after my first try how important selecting the right image is for this technique. I wasn’t satisfied with the results of that first effort, which began with a less than appealing photo, and I’m not fully satisfied with the quality of the crystal ball in this image. It may not be shiny enough. I’ll probably give it another go.
At the very least these learning efforts are providing some feeling of accomplishment and productivity, which is positive in these days when all the news seems negative. Coronavirus may somewhat shut-in the body but I’m trying to keep the old brain gears turning.
1. Affinity Photo is an application similar to and as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
I like this, Earl. I could see a lot of possibilities for this tool. The problem I have with many of the plugins available is “how far can you go before it gets repetitious”. Still, it’s an exciting concept, fun and a perfect way to spend time.
I agree, Ken…while it can be useful and appropriate in certain cases these types of ” visual enhancements” are not something you’d want to do for “every” photo or even too often. The photographer and then the viewer has to decide for themselves when it adds to the image or composition. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a good weekend!
I think these exercises are always helpful. In the time spent playing, you never know what kind of other tangents it may lead you to.
It does help to get the creative juices flowing. Also, since this exercise wasn’t a predefined one step point and click tool but consisted of multiple layers, multiple masks, and numerous steps in the creation of the crystal ball there were a good many techniques to later translate to other uses. Take care and enjoy your weekend, Mark!
I do like your use of the sphere. I always thought it was an interesting object shape, seems to communicate positivity, unity, Stability, etc. Have fun with it!
Hope you have a good weekend also.
Thanks, Mark!
Always fun to learn new things….I think that’s a big part of what keeps all going and exploring photography. I really like what you’ve created. It doesn’t really look like a crystal ball to me but the way I think about it that’s good There are so many lensball photos now that they seem trite. This looks very different to me. Almost like something very alien….not sure why but it has that feel to me. It has a very different and surreal feel to it. I have’nt used AP but it looks like it could lead to some pretty interesting things!
Thanks, Howard. I called it a crystal ball because that’s what the Youtube video called it. Lens balls having been done so much is one reason I wasn’t very keen on doing this particular lesson, but it turned out to be fun. Now you’ve got me looking at it a little differently. Haha! I hope you’re enjoying your weekend.
Thanks Earl, you have a good weekend too!
Yes, the creative juices always need some priming. I like the idea and will see what else you come up with.
Thanks, Monte. I’ve got no idea what might come next? :-)
Well, I’ll keep checking in on you.