I'm an Apophysis "noob" but I have noticed that sometimes turning down the Gamma slider helps. Sometimes ... other times, it doesn't help at all.

What amazing images! I've only just begun to play with UF ... I'm feeling intimidated again :)

XenoDream wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be and am still working in abstracts (which is what I love about fractals ... no one can say, "It doesn't look like a (fill in the blank) to me."). I don't think I will ever get to the stage where I can create images that look like tables, lamps, etc - which I know XD is capable of creating. There are quiet a few presets included with the program. If you open a file, the default folder is called "Starters" (or something like that). But, if you go up a level and open the data folder - each subfolder has more images to play with. If I can help anyone, just shout :)

I have worked when I've had a bad, stressful day. Perhaps it's just that I'm focusing my attention on something else, or the magic of the fractals, but it does help me relax.

Sounds like me - I prefer to work at night as well. Helps me think.

Thank you, Laurent. I had not seen this tutorial before. I will use it this weekend along with some ideas that Queri has sent. I have tried to make some images with UltraFractal, but I'm not very happy with them. If you want to see them, they are at http://community.webshots.com/album/35065492botmvi Amulet

Ok, Queri has me convinced to give UltraFractal another try. In looking through galleries, I'm impressed by what I've seen done with it. Laurent and Queri: If the two of you help me with UltraFractal, I'll help you with XenoDream. OK?

Cool, indeed. It's got my vote.

Sounds interesting. I may even give it a look. You have to promise me that it doesn't get too detailed about the math behind the images. (I got sympathy grades from my Algebra teacher in high school ... )

Firefly said it far more eloquently than I could have. Thank you for expressing my feelings :) Fractals fascinate me. I will never completely understand the math/theory behind them (nor do I want to), but enjoy the magical/mythical/fantastic quality of the images. Creating the images gives me the illusion of controlling a bit of chaos. I'm never quite sure whether I've created the fractals or if they've created themselves. Blessed be

I've used Sterling Ware and TerraZon - but am more comfortable with Fractal Explorer. I also tend to use KPT's FraxFlame 1 and 2 and FraxPlorer from time to time. Unlike Laurent, I love XenoDream and can't seem to make anything worth keeping when I use Ultra Fractal. Maybe we should trade tips? :) Amulet