Enjoy anyway!
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Sunsets from the Balcony
Just some test shots trying to capture the great sunsets we get here! These are all from my same balcony. Remember you need to go against your light meter and kind of plan for underexposing your image to make sure you get the full colours you see (if you ever wonder why your photos are getting all the colours when shooting sunsets).
Enjoy anyway!
Enjoy anyway!
Friday, 17 February 2012
Tutorial: Importing to Sculptris
I'm planning on writing a tutorial on creating a 3d statue/sculpture with multiple models to build up the overall image using only completely free software but thought I'd start with moving models from Maya to Sculptris just as a starter;
Find Sculptris for free here: http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/
Why use multiple models?
As there isn't the ability to create layers or use zspheres it can be tricky to make a complete figure from 1 base sphere. If you can create full models from the base sphere you get from loading a new scene you'll find it can give you an extremely high poly count.
Using multiple models allows you to concentrate and practise if starting out (remember it won't be usable in games/animation really, sculptris is really just an entry level/free flow practise tool but will get you going with digital sculpture/ moving to something like Zbrush). You can take them in to your selected 3d package and put them together like a multi-part action figure to render.
Again as a note this is just for practise and for proper modelling use regular 3d techniques or build it in zbrush/ use the GoZ feature in zbrush.
I did this in Maya but this should work with all main 3d programs. I'm going to work on doing one for Blender as well for the completely free route (using only open source/free software)
Step 1:
I only use the 3d programs (I use Maya) to make a very simple base model to work on as if it were a basic trad sculpture armature. I build it out of basic geometry (in this case a Cylinder with a few simple rotations and scaling) then before exporting I Triangulate it (Not sure if this is needed any more but you used to need to when exporting as .objs for some sculpting software).
Step 2: Exporting
You should just be able to export as OBJ in whichever 3d package you use. If you are specifically using Maya you may come across an issue where OBJ isn't visible when trying to export. If you have this go to Window > Settings/Preferences > Plug in Manager and make sure OBJexport is loaded/auto loaded (see image below)
Step 3: Importing
Nice simple step - load up Sculptris and go to import - tick New Scene. It may ask you that UVs are loaded, Go to paint? Tick no. Make sure symmetry is turned off. Remember when importing tools like grab will have Global switched on as default (which will make the whole imported model move) - to turn this off untick Global (or with the tool selected press 'g' to toggle global < a good shortcut to remember!)
Step 4: Sculpt!
Sculpt away! The imported models will be a workable 200-9000 triangles generally if working with simple models which will give you loads of room to add detail without crashing the software or your pc! Just remember to use reduce selected or the reduce brush now and then to keep the triangle count low and to allow you to use those saved in more detailed parts!
Not going to teach people how to sculpt but will do a tutorial on the basic tools for people if needed. Here's what I knocked up in 10 minutes with the imported model. My main idea is to do a Warhammer Style Ork eventually. Very basic R.Leifield style arm (muscles on muscles!)
Hope this helps get you started with sculptris anyway! Using the sphere alone is great fun (see examples in posts below as they were all from spheres alone).
Find Sculptris for free here: http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/
Why use multiple models?
As there isn't the ability to create layers or use zspheres it can be tricky to make a complete figure from 1 base sphere. If you can create full models from the base sphere you get from loading a new scene you'll find it can give you an extremely high poly count.
Using multiple models allows you to concentrate and practise if starting out (remember it won't be usable in games/animation really, sculptris is really just an entry level/free flow practise tool but will get you going with digital sculpture/ moving to something like Zbrush). You can take them in to your selected 3d package and put them together like a multi-part action figure to render.
Again as a note this is just for practise and for proper modelling use regular 3d techniques or build it in zbrush/ use the GoZ feature in zbrush.
I did this in Maya but this should work with all main 3d programs. I'm going to work on doing one for Blender as well for the completely free route (using only open source/free software)
Step 1:
I only use the 3d programs (I use Maya) to make a very simple base model to work on as if it were a basic trad sculpture armature. I build it out of basic geometry (in this case a Cylinder with a few simple rotations and scaling) then before exporting I Triangulate it (Not sure if this is needed any more but you used to need to when exporting as .objs for some sculpting software).
Step 2: Exporting
You should just be able to export as OBJ in whichever 3d package you use. If you are specifically using Maya you may come across an issue where OBJ isn't visible when trying to export. If you have this go to Window > Settings/Preferences > Plug in Manager and make sure OBJexport is loaded/auto loaded (see image below)
Step 3: Importing
Nice simple step - load up Sculptris and go to import - tick New Scene. It may ask you that UVs are loaded, Go to paint? Tick no. Make sure symmetry is turned off. Remember when importing tools like grab will have Global switched on as default (which will make the whole imported model move) - to turn this off untick Global (or with the tool selected press 'g' to toggle global < a good shortcut to remember!)
Step 4: Sculpt!
Sculpt away! The imported models will be a workable 200-9000 triangles generally if working with simple models which will give you loads of room to add detail without crashing the software or your pc! Just remember to use reduce selected or the reduce brush now and then to keep the triangle count low and to allow you to use those saved in more detailed parts!
Not going to teach people how to sculpt but will do a tutorial on the basic tools for people if needed. Here's what I knocked up in 10 minutes with the imported model. My main idea is to do a Warhammer Style Ork eventually. Very basic R.Leifield style arm (muscles on muscles!)
Hope this helps get you started with sculptris anyway! Using the sphere alone is great fun (see examples in posts below as they were all from spheres alone).Saturday, 21 January 2012
Ipad sketching - Procreate
Just bought procreate a few days ago on the itunes store (3.99 Euros currently).
Here are a few sketches I did on it (finger painted, not got a stylus yet).
It's a really good art tool. I'd recommend it if those are looking for something other than Sketchbook pro. This and artrage provide more of a painter/traditional style workflow. I picked this over artrage as it was cheaper! (Also I have Artrage pro on the pc so was just interested in seeing the differences).
Here are a few sketches I did on it (finger painted, not got a stylus yet).
It's a really good art tool. I'd recommend it if those are looking for something other than Sketchbook pro. This and artrage provide more of a painter/traditional style workflow. I picked this over artrage as it was cheaper! (Also I have Artrage pro on the pc so was just interested in seeing the differences).
Friday, 20 January 2012
Ipad App Reviews 1
I thought I'd review a few photography apps after testing out a number of them on my new toy. There are so many apps out there for photography ranging from simple editing suites to highly stylised art effects or filters (emulating a number of old cameras).
First note is the ipad's own camera isn't very good at all. I wouldn't recommend it for serious photography (the iphone 4's camera is apparently much better).
These are just a couple of the apps I've used. I'll review more down the line.
Snapseed:
This is a great photo editing app, providing a number of options to edit photos either from your own photo library or the camera roll. It provides typical touchup features (cropping, fine tuning, straightening) yet also provides some nice looking effects including vintage and grunge filters.
It is extremely easy to use and provides a nice and quick way to edit photos on the go, the output quality is enough for uploading to websites (not tried printing yet) and it has auto share options for flikr, facebook and twitter.
The grunge filter is probably the best 'arty' filter I've seen in an app so far and is probably going to be overused (as it's so fun!). I like the way you can build up your effects (although as a warning there are no layers in this so you are essentially just stacking effect on effect). The compare feature is a nice touch to see the original unedited photo.
The new details feature almost works like Clarity in Lightroom, providing sharpening options as well.
Price wise I managed to get this free in a sale! But it is usually around 3.99Euros/£2.99 - I'd say it's worth the full price as probably the most robust and versatile on the go photo editor app.
Pixlr-o-matic:
This provides you a number of filters emulating Holga or Toy style cameras/lens. It seems to be a little like popular iphone app Instagram although this has a little more tweaking ability. It is completely free! With the option to purchase additional filters if you want (although you get plenty to choose from with the basic package).
It can give nice results, even from photos taken with the ipad camera (In fact I'd recommend this over snapseed for ipad camera shots for the full 'ghetto' feel). The ability to save out in small/web size or original size is a great bonus.
As free this is completely harmless, while these looks can be overused they are still very fun to play around with and can give you some quick and easy lomo-style stuff.
Percolator:
This is an app which converts your photos in to a cool circle print art style image using a Circle Packing algorithm (or something like that! Go check out their site for more of the how it's done!).
It provides extremely unique imagines from your own photos (from your library or camera) which you can then save or upload. The quality is great and it can produce some really great results although it is stronger on images with clear lines/block shapes in the image (or so I've found in my own playing around with it).
Hopefully these images from my own portfolio will speak for themselves about the style and quality of images it produces.
I really recommend this app although it can be more trial and error than trial and improvement. Not every photo will work well with it. The price (usually around $2.99, I picked it up on sale) may be quite steep for some for an app with 1 trick as it were but it is a quality one which I think is worth it.
Another neat little feature of it is the titles of the pieces (Not visible above as I put them in another package when uploading to pc) provide you with the exact editing done in the package. For example my Lisbon streets shot (Middle image) has the title 'Grind: Medium (Smallest Circles & Effect: None), Brew: Treble (1/2 Pic & Darkest Blended Circles), Serve: Stirred (Sucralose Tone & Brown Bag Texture)' (the style of the app is done in a coffee roaster/blender).
Hopefully this is a nice intro in to some of the apps available all with their own bonuses for using them. 3 very different apps for about the price of a pint!
First note is the ipad's own camera isn't very good at all. I wouldn't recommend it for serious photography (the iphone 4's camera is apparently much better).
These are just a couple of the apps I've used. I'll review more down the line.
Snapseed:
This is a great photo editing app, providing a number of options to edit photos either from your own photo library or the camera roll. It provides typical touchup features (cropping, fine tuning, straightening) yet also provides some nice looking effects including vintage and grunge filters.
It is extremely easy to use and provides a nice and quick way to edit photos on the go, the output quality is enough for uploading to websites (not tried printing yet) and it has auto share options for flikr, facebook and twitter.
Above: One of my photos taken on the d80 imported and grunged up in Snapseed
Below: Taken with the Ipad Camera
Below: Taken with the Ipad Camera
The grunge filter is probably the best 'arty' filter I've seen in an app so far and is probably going to be overused (as it's so fun!). I like the way you can build up your effects (although as a warning there are no layers in this so you are essentially just stacking effect on effect). The compare feature is a nice touch to see the original unedited photo.
The new details feature almost works like Clarity in Lightroom, providing sharpening options as well.
Price wise I managed to get this free in a sale! But it is usually around 3.99Euros/£2.99 - I'd say it's worth the full price as probably the most robust and versatile on the go photo editor app.
Pixlr-o-matic:
This provides you a number of filters emulating Holga or Toy style cameras/lens. It seems to be a little like popular iphone app Instagram although this has a little more tweaking ability. It is completely free! With the option to purchase additional filters if you want (although you get plenty to choose from with the basic package).
Above: Taken with the ipad camera
It can give nice results, even from photos taken with the ipad camera (In fact I'd recommend this over snapseed for ipad camera shots for the full 'ghetto' feel). The ability to save out in small/web size or original size is a great bonus.
Above: Taken on the d80 and made to look like it's taken on a toy camera. As explained I'd still just use this for photos taken with the ipad camera.
As free this is completely harmless, while these looks can be overused they are still very fun to play around with and can give you some quick and easy lomo-style stuff.
Percolator:
This is an app which converts your photos in to a cool circle print art style image using a Circle Packing algorithm (or something like that! Go check out their site for more of the how it's done!).
It provides extremely unique imagines from your own photos (from your library or camera) which you can then save or upload. The quality is great and it can produce some really great results although it is stronger on images with clear lines/block shapes in the image (or so I've found in my own playing around with it).
Hopefully these images from my own portfolio will speak for themselves about the style and quality of images it produces.
I really recommend this app although it can be more trial and error than trial and improvement. Not every photo will work well with it. The price (usually around $2.99, I picked it up on sale) may be quite steep for some for an app with 1 trick as it were but it is a quality one which I think is worth it.
Another neat little feature of it is the titles of the pieces (Not visible above as I put them in another package when uploading to pc) provide you with the exact editing done in the package. For example my Lisbon streets shot (Middle image) has the title 'Grind: Medium (Smallest Circles & Effect: None), Brew: Treble (1/2 Pic & Darkest Blended Circles), Serve: Stirred (Sucralose Tone & Brown Bag Texture)' (the style of the app is done in a coffee roaster/blender).
Hopefully this is a nice intro in to some of the apps available all with their own bonuses for using them. 3 very different apps for about the price of a pint!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Cork City Gaol
These were taken a few months ago out an about at Cork City Gaol. The full gallery can be found Here
(Below: Found a Caterpillar on a tree!)
(Above: Standard issue Prison uniform while the Gaol was still active)
(Below: Found a Caterpillar on a tree!)
(Above: Abandoned buildings were dotted around the Gaol, I love seeing overgrown nature in and around buildings)
Monday, 9 January 2012
Recent Sculptris work
I had a dabble with Sculptris earlier in 2011 and enjoyed it. I've now got a keen interest of eventually buying Zbrush so will continue to work/ practise with Pixelogic's Free software; Sculptris. Here are some of my most recent sculpts.
These are rendered in the tool itself. I just added some overlaying texture and colour via the Snapseed app on my ipad (imported the photos to it and saved them back out).
For those wanting to give it a go you can get Sculptris completely free here! It has Zbrush integration if you do have access to Zbrush (I'm going to buy it after I am fully comfortable with sculpting).
These are rendered in the tool itself. I just added some overlaying texture and colour via the Snapseed app on my ipad (imported the photos to it and saved them back out).
For those wanting to give it a go you can get Sculptris completely free here! It has Zbrush integration if you do have access to Zbrush (I'm going to buy it after I am fully comfortable with sculpting).
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
The New Year
Hope everyone had a great holiday! I have been busy with work but I want to start to update this again. I have been keeping up with my photography but more so sculpting.I've been learning steadily with pixelogic's sculptris as my goal this year is to buy zbrush for some personal statues ready for 3d printing. I'll upload some of them in a later post.
I'm currently on my new toy! (iPad 2). Going to try and review some art + photo apps. Just testing the functionality in the browser first! Here's an image using free/on sale camera app Snapseed with one of my own photos;
update: uploading images didn't work from the ipad itself (at least the formatting). Nodoubt there will be something which can be used instead for it. I'll look in to more upload ways as well as other apps.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Case Study
Pun intended! Inspired by June 2011 Black+White Photography Magazine runner up Imre Csokonyi. Happened to come across some vintage cases during a visit to the Cobh Heritage centre.
50mm 1.8
Unlike the inspiration I wanted to pick out the leathery colours as well as the texture (trying to work in more colour to my work).
I still do enjoy B+W though, I can see why it is used to bring out the textures more in leathers.
50mm 1.8
Unlike the inspiration I wanted to pick out the leathery colours as well as the texture (trying to work in more colour to my work).
I still do enjoy B+W though, I can see why it is used to bring out the textures more in leathers.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Monday, 13 June 2011
The Moon II
Been a while since taking a photo of the moon. Think this is an improvement over the last one. Earlier today as well I took some photos around town with the Fisheye (will upload them here tomorrow).
Tamron 70-300mm (at 300mm) f6. Click for larger view!
Tamron 70-300mm (at 300mm) f6. Click for larger view!
Photos from a Free Lens - Marexar-CX 28-200
My dad used to buy as many cameras/accessories from car boot sales as possible, usually picking up old box brownies or similar for about £5-10 each at most (giving me some of the duplicate or broken cameras he had). Along the way people tended to just give away the rest of the photo gear they had just to get rid of it.
After moving to Ireland I only managed to take 1-2 old camera bags with me (one of them containing a Bolex 8mm clockwork movie camera!). One of the bags has an old 35mm camera which needs some repairs and a lens which didn't fit it. the mystery lens fits my nikon though!!
The Marexar-CX 28-200 3.8 is a manual lens, the nikon doesn't recognize it (like the recent fisheye I bought) however it works fine in full manual mode. It has no lens cap and has taken a battering, nice heavy duty lens though looks like it could take a few more. From what I could tell the CX range was made between 84-94. Online reviews seem to be pretty positive about the lens! I was just surprised and happy it worked, I'm impressed with the results! Will give it more of a test soon. Here are the tests shots I took with it: (shots were from hand so may be a little motion blurred, ISO was quite high just to test it indoors)
After moving to Ireland I only managed to take 1-2 old camera bags with me (one of them containing a Bolex 8mm clockwork movie camera!). One of the bags has an old 35mm camera which needs some repairs and a lens which didn't fit it. the mystery lens fits my nikon though!!
The Marexar-CX 28-200 3.8 is a manual lens, the nikon doesn't recognize it (like the recent fisheye I bought) however it works fine in full manual mode. It has no lens cap and has taken a battering, nice heavy duty lens though looks like it could take a few more. From what I could tell the CX range was made between 84-94. Online reviews seem to be pretty positive about the lens! I was just surprised and happy it worked, I'm impressed with the results! Will give it more of a test soon. Here are the tests shots I took with it: (shots were from hand so may be a little motion blurred, ISO was quite high just to test it indoors)
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