PP Tips 16 - Virtual Photographer

This is part of a 'How To' series on post process work.

This one is about a free effects plug-in called Virtual Photographer, which can be used in Photoshop, or used in it's own stand alone editor, Virtual Studio which is also free.

I have used Virtual Photographer (VP) for many years within Photoshop. A few months back, my PC crashed badly and I ended up rebuilding it from scratch. One thing I did not reinstall, at the time, was VP.

A few days back, I decided to reinstall it and went to the VP web site. I was surprised to see there was a new version, and also to see a 'sister' program called Virtual Studio (VS). VS was being advertised as a photo editor and also a front end for VP, or other Photoshop plug ins.

These are both free programs. The web site is OptikVerve Labs - Click here

Whilst I normally use VP within Photoshop, below is a quick example of using it within VS. Incidentally, I tried a few other plug-ins within VS and some worked OK, some didn't.


The original image.

The image as opened in Virtual Studio.

There are some 'quick fix' buttons in the top row, and there are other adjustments available under the Adjust heading in the top drop down menus.

Here, I have simply clicked the 'Enhance' quick fix button.

Note : On this image it worked very well. On some other images it was a little harsh

Clicking the 'VP' button opens Virtual Photographer and then different effects can be selected from the drop down menus. There are dozens of effects available both colour and black and white.

There are also a myriad of different adjustment options under the Film and Style menus. Once you have created an effect you like, you can then also save that effect.

Here, I have selected the 'Transparency' film effect from the Default options drop down menu.

With the effect applied, the next step is to click the Process button in the bottom right hand corner.

Tip : Once the effect has been applied, you can still view the original simply by clicking and holding on the image

After clicking the Process button, the image will re-open in Virtual Studio.

At the bottom of the screen is a Blend bar. Here, I have adjusted it so that I am applying about 75% of the effect. Once done, simply click Apply.

Whilst I have not applied any other adjustments to this particular image, there are many other adjustment options within Virtual Studio.

Clicking on the Adjust menu reveals many different adjustment options.

Now I have applied my Virtual Photographer effect, I simply click File/Save As and a save window opens.

Here I have used the original file name and simply added VSVP after so that I know
it has been adjusted within the program.

Note : Never save over the original file

The image as edited in Virtual Photographer.

That's it. It's simple and easy to use.


A few more examples done in the same manner as above. Some have been sharpened though.

Originals followed by the VS/VP edit.

Cheers

Other posts in this series - Click here for the index page.


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Useful Photography Web Sites - Imagery

Photography is my passion, and has been ever since I can remember.

My Father used to show endless slide shows when I was a child, and he was an avid reader of such publications as National Geographic. As a youngster, I was also an avid viewer of National Geographic, but read little of the text other than the image captions.

My Uncle bought me my first camera for my ninth birthday. Film went through it as fast as Mum could let me have some pennies for it. I doubt any images survive from it though.

Through my life, photographic images have always been the 'art' I appreciate most. Sure, there are other forms of art I like, but nothing even comes remotely close to photography.

So, why a post about useful photography web sites ? Well, at least for me, I draw inspiration from other photographers. What they do well, challenges how I think when I shoot.

I have my own style which has evolved, good or no, over decades of image capture, and I find it difficult to break from that. Viewing other peoples images helps me to see things differently, and also to challenge the way in which I treat images in the post process stage.

Today, there are countless web sites devoted to photography. Mainstream names such as Flickr, PBase, Picasa, Zenfolio, Smugmug, Fotki, Photobucket, etc., spring to mind. Many of these sites have excellent images, but the excellent ones can be very hard to find.

At one time, or another, I have had accounts with all I mentioned. I have also, over time, drifted away from them all. The main site I use these days is RedBubble. I like it because it is not huge, has a very community oriented atmosphere, and it is easy to get an appreciation of how others view what I post.

Anyway, here I have compiled a short list of those whose imagery inspires me, and inspires me consistently. It is by no means exhaustive. There are many more than I have listed here and I will add to it over time. Some are professionals, some are just enjoying their photography. Some known, some unknown. Some are no longer with us.

Edward S Curtis
I am starting with a long departed historic figure, but I find his images very inspiring. I am only linking to one image here, but I have spent many hours wandering through every one of his images, and the story behind his work. Personally, I find his story, and his dedication to capturing his image record fascinating.
Link


Emilio Morenatti
Emilio is a photographer working as a war correspondent. He was injured in a road side bomb blast not long after this series was published, but has since returned to his craft. I love his style.
Link


Simon Carter
I have never aspired to photography of rock climbers, I'm too scared of heights. However, Simon's work in this field is awe inspiring.
Link


Cafe Moka
I don't know his real name, but this is the best 365 day set of personal images I have seen. Wonderful imagination. Always makes me smile and I am always eager to see the latest installment.
Link


Hugo Poon
I follow Hugo's posts religiously. The link will take you to his latest post but it is worth scrolling back through the images as there are some superb ones there. I find his work a great inspiration for 'slice of life' images.
Link


Sean McHugh
His work around Cambridge University is absolutely stunning - Also, check out his tutorials, some of the very best around. This really is someone who doesn't just explain why, but also shows why, and with his own output.
Link


Dez Santana
A New York based photographer, it is worth looking through Dez's galleries. Some amazing imagery.
Link


Bob Reynolds
Some amazing images.
Link


Gil Azouri
More amazing images.
Link


Manuel Librodo
Love his people images.
Link


Ronnie Gaubert
I am not a nature photographer, but this guy truly is. Again, awe inspiring images.
Link


Mike Dawson
Stunning images.
Link


Hans Kawitzki
More stunning images.
Link



As I mentioned at the outset, this list is by no means exhaustive. Reality is, it is but a handful. I will add others as I find them.

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers


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