Special Effects
Besides the effects achievable with image-editing software that have been discussed so far, there are myriad other possibilities. Distortion, in particular, can be stretched to the limit, creating surreal images with a rubbery feel.
Some image-editing software programs allow you to distort and stretch an image for unusual effects. A program may offer you the ability to choose the shape and axes of the distortion, the rate of distortion, and the precise area of the image that will be distorted.
There are several types of distortion:
Linear: Using a linear distortion, your image is stretched on the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or a diagonal.
Pinch: Also known as thinning or imploding, this technique “pinches” the image inward.
Spherical: Also referred to as fat effects or exploding, spherical distortion puffs out the photo at whatever point the user specifies, following a circular pattern. This effect is similar to that provided by a fish-eye lens on a film camera.
Stretch or goo: Some programs allow you to simply click in an area of your image and drag the mouse to give the appearance of stretching the image. It is almost as if you are working with an image made of Silly Putty or rubber.
The ability to add text to an image may seem like a feature that would appeal only to those using image editors for professional uses, such as composing advertisements or catalogs. But you may find that a word or two can make a nice addition to your digital picture. The text tool makes it simple to add type. Consider using it to designate the place shown in a travel photo, to reveal the name of the subject captured in your portrait, or as an added element in a collage.
Film photographers obtain unexpected results with infrared film. Infrared film is sensitive to both the light humans can see and some of the longer length infrared radiation that we cannot see with the naked eye. It takes time, experimentation, and considerable effort to use infrared film effectively. A similar result can be obtained with your digital photos and an image editor. If you choose your subject carefully, you can manipulate the hue and saturation to achieve results not unlike infrared photos.
