Special Effects...
While the Composites and Art Effects may be considered "special effects", here we've included examples that don't fall easily into the other categories. Also, check out Enhancing Your Business if you're interested in making stationary from one of your favorite photographs.
One of the most popular applications is the removal of unwanted objects - those small annoyances that can ruin your otherwise perfect shot. But, again, don't limit yourself to what you see here. If you have an idea, ask, we may be able to realize your concept.
Catching this lightning across the Seine makes for a fantastic shot and you've got a one-in-a-million chance of getting it! Instead, the addition of computer generated lightning is so convincing, no one will ever know you didn't wait for that one-in-a-million.
Here's a prime example of how the removal of unwanted objects can improve your photographs. Look above the woman's head in the original photo. The man in the background almost appears to be growing out of her head. Removing him, and the unsightly road sign, makes this a photograph worth framing.
This effect may be difficult to appreciate on the web. This is a great photograph of gondoliers on a Venice bridge, but the other people are distracting. A graduated blur effect, radiating toward the center, focuses attention directly on the gondoliers while maintaining the atmosphere of a bustling Venice scene.
Torn between the wide view of your original photograph and a detail view within? Why not have both in a single photo.
Here, again, we begin with the photograph on the left. If the photo looks familiar that's because it was used in the composition section as well. This time, the addition of computer generated fog and a red sky, give the impression of sunrise.
In the original photograph above, look closely at the lilies on the left bank of the canal. There's a photographer lurking among the flowers.
Not only was the photographer removed from the original, a soft blur was added to create a quiet, moody atmosphere. This method of softening does not degrade the details as can be seen in the close-up below.
Notice the foliage is still well defined.
Motion blur works great for suggesting movement or speed but is also useful as an alternative to lens blur for focusing attention on the subject.
Here's an unusual effect. Something similar can be done with frames. This is a great way to accentuate certain elements within a photograph.