Alright, I have two new abstract pics up.  I'll go through some more of what I have and see what more I can post.  I need to take some more time and plan out some color themes and animation schemes because it's a pain in the butt making them while you're trying to get photos done.  In the end, the pictures will be used in a calendar for one of my graphic design classes.

These new pics are from the second session with this method of abstract photography.  As the images are abstract, they really aren't photographs of anything in particular.  Different materials are used to create a different look and feel for each photo as well as different color patterns and animations that I personally make as well.

Attached Link: Delicate Embrace

This is a favorite of mine because it was unposed. I just saw the moment and took the shot. The softness wasn't intentional, but I think it really works with the image. Message edited on: 12/25/2005 18:09

I've noticed some ghosting in evening shots, but those are extended exposures, so I'll just remember to remove it at that time, so thanks for that advice. Asides from that, I think I'm going to keep my UV filters on all of my lenses ($100 in filters protecting $3750 in lenses). I didn't start using the filters to protect the glass anyway... I did it to protect the protective and filtering layers that are placed on the front elements. I'll try to find some time to go out and test other shots with and without the filters though.

Hmmm... speed sounds like a challenge...

The database creates thumbnails from the main images, I don't think you can make custom ones if that's what you're looking for.

You're welcome... I know it was $50 well spent for me... I have 3,133 pictures so far at about 17.1gb using RAW format... a lot quicker to look through with categories and thumbnails. Otherwise, there'd be no way for me to keep track using the RAW format! Oh, before you get to far, get your thumbnail size just like you like it before starting out... you can transfer to the full version from the trial (I think) and the thumbnail size cannot be changed once the initial database is started.

Attached Link: http://www.photools.com

Thanks, tried it out a bit... very good technique! Michael

I might have just missed the thread explaining how to use these... so how do they work? Thanks, Michael

I haven't checked it out much, but Canon has the Powershot Pro1 camera that's 8 megapixel for $1,000. Here are a few links for you to check out and decide for yourself:

Luminous-landscape review of Pro1

Digital Photography review of Pro1

PCphotoreview review of Pro1

Canon's Powershot Pro1 website

So maybe a little less border for the outside mat? The bevel was done by hand since I wasn't sure how to control the built-in photoshop plugins to get the desired result. The deckeled edge on the image was a combination of crystalize and torn edges on an alpha map, then used to fill with white. Thanks for all the help! Michael

My plans for all of this? I want to update my webpage and have a nice professional art look to it. I'll design the style of the webpage itself around the look and feel of the images.

@sabretalon, I'm not quite sure what you're talking about with the mount as I've never really mounted any pieces before. I just know a little bit about the appearances of some works and decided to pull from that. @michelle, does this take away from the image? Would it be better to take away that black mat board and just have the image on the deckled paper with the signature and title below?

Yeah, the vapor lights that were around the tractor only left green color... the sky's color is left intact. Kinda weird how we see it as almost white, but it's not close.