Ein Beitrag von: Jonas Hafner
Month: November 2012
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Ergo Proxy (SUB) – 19 – Eternal Smile
Now available on DVD! www.funimation.com A thrilling and enjoyable story about the AutoReiv, Pino, and her friends exploring a theme park called “Welcome Land.” But behind this seemingly happy place, lie hidden truths in the smile of an android.
Video Rating: 4 / 5 -
Zeiss announces recent 135mm F2 and 15mm F2.8 for Micro Four Thirds
Carl Zeiss has said it will offer its recently-announced Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 and Distagon T* 2.8/15 in the Micro Four Thirds mount. We suspect some of the people willing to spend the $ 2000 and $ 2950 these lenses command will also have DSLR systems, and will continue to buy these lenses in Nikon (ZF.2) or Canon (ZE) mount and adapt them to Micro Four Thirds, but it’s a positive move to see the mount being natively supported.
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iFixit tears down the Nikon D600 – Chipworks confirms Sony sensor
iFixit.com has performed a complete tear-down of the Nikon D600, reducing it to its component parts to see how easy it is to repair. Nikon’s latest full-frame DSLR scored a low ‘repairability’ score, of 2 out of 10 since ‘most components almost require a certification in soldering in order to properly remove’. On the plus side, the tripod mount is easy to remove, if you ever cross-thread it accidentally. iFixit has also worked with semiconductor experts Chipworks to take a very close look at the D600’s 24MP CMOS sensor. Click through for more details, images, and a link to both iFixit and Chipworks’ tear-downs.
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Dynamic Shape-Shifting D*Haus Rotates to Follow the Sun
[ By Steph in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]
The shape-shifting D*Haus by UK designers David Ben Grünberg and Daniel Woolfson morphs and rotates to remain comfortable during all hours of the day, and all seasons. Designed as an homage to mathematical geometries, the experimental residence changes into eight different configurations.
The D*Haus was originally conceived for Lapland, Finland, which has warm summers and very cold winters, but has since been adapted to work anywhere in the world. Its unusual pointed shape was developed around the mathematical formula to transform an equilateral triangle into a square.
During warmer seasons, the rooms can fold so that what were formerly interior partitions become the exterior walls, blocking out the sun. The whole building also rotates on a circular platform. See more photos and a video at Dezeen.
In addition to this rotating home design, the D*Haus range includes static homes with similar aesthetics, such as the D*Static 2000, a well-insulated, high-thermal-mass prefabricated home, and the D*Lux 8000, a luxury home in a triangular shape. Another project by the same designers is the D*Zeebo, a modern gazebo with fabric panels that look similar to the geometries of the D*Haus.
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[ By Steph in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]
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Jackie Leven – Call Mother a Lonely Field
Jackie Leven and Michael Cosgrave in Essen, Germany 20090219 Jackie Leven – vocals, guitar Michael Cosgrave – keyboards, backing vocals www.jackieleven.co.uk (This was shot with a D90 HD 720p)
Propaganda today : From the roof of Lim Kok wing to UiTM. A music video collaborations with DabulDahi Production. Parody of Music video by POP SHUVIT, saint loco, Slapshock , Thaitanium, silksound and Ahli fikir. We dont have real instrument so we using any props surround us Come stalk me, you sexy : facebook : www.facebook.com twitter : twitter.com formspring : www.formspring.me Email : kyopropaganda@gmail.com Vocalist : Kyopropaganda rappers : Zack kenobi,Totik Amdan, Radin Acut,Talife and Jaku Screamo : Peling Bass : Zack Guitar : Fok’s Dabuldahi Drummer : Sate Kilat Turntable : Dj Chulat Skywalker Smoke effects : Peling Record using Nikon D90, edited using sony vegas pro studio 10.
Video Rating: 4 / 5 -
Mortal Kombat 9 Walkthrough Part 3 – Scorpion
After centuries of Mortal Kombat, Emperor Shao Kahn has finally defeated Raiden and his allies. Faced with extinction, Raiden has one last chance. To undo the Emperor’s victory, he must strike Shao Kahn where he is vulnerable…The Past. Making a big return to mature presentation and classic 2D fighting engine Captivating storyline that rewrites the history of the Mortal Kombat Tournament State-of-the art technology showcasing stunning 3D environments and characters Re-invigorating the franchise with new multiplayer components First fighting game to be displayed in Stereoscopic 3D
Video Rating: 4 / 5 -
Lykke Li – Little Bit (Cosmo’s Midnight Mix)
Cosmo’s Midnight Mix of Little Bit by Lykke Li. Download link available below. 😉 Don’t hesitate to check Cosmo&Paat’s pages for more nice music ! (links below) Other tracks by Cosmo&Paat uploaded on the channel: www.youtube.com COSMO&PAAT – Soundcloud: soundcloud.com – Youtube: www.youtube.com – Facebook: www.facebook.com PHOTOGRAPHY – Photographer: Kimberly Gordon for Style Stalker – Model: Alexandra? Spencer – Link: tinyurl.com DOWNLOAD www.mediafire.com KRIEMFIELD CHANNEL – Youtube: www.youtube.com – Facebook: www.facebook.com – Twitter: twitter.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5Pheres take place. Will Ashutosh succeed in convincing Nidhi to start a family? Solanki and Verma family are extremely happy and excited in regards to Anji and Dr. Ranganath’s marriage ceremony. Ashutosh is embarrassed as a relative of Rangnath asks Ashutosh how many kids he has as he looks old thus, he tells him that he is just married and the man is further shocked to see young Nidhi as his Wife however, the situation is controlled by dadi bua. Ashutosh thinks about planning a child. He shares it with Nidhi and she tells him that it may happen as and when the time comes. As Nidhi and Ashutosh are having their dinner, a relative lady asks Nidhi to take care of her child as she had some work. A photographer comes and clicks Ashutosh, Nidhi and the child’s picture thinking they are a family. Dadi bua sees Ashutosh happily playing with the kid and tells him to talk to Nidhi about their own child. But Nidhi hears it and tells Dadi bua to not push her again and again about the kid issue. Based in the beautiful locales of Lucknow and on the backdrop of a hospital setting, KTLK is a different love story between two very different people with a substanital age gap.The show highlights the nuances of a complicated relationship when people with a huge age difference fall in love.Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’ is a heartwarming love story between people from two different generations:a young, spirited Dr. Nidhi Verma [age 24] and a brooding and handsome Dr. Ashutosh [age 38]. The duo share a …
Video Rating: 4 / 5 -
Cool Visual Art images
Check out these visual art images:
Empress Farah Palhavi
Image by Kodak Agfa
Empress Farah Palhavi,the widow of the Shah in his funeral in July 1980Army Photography Contest – 2004 – FMWRC – Arts and Crafts
Image by familymwrTo learn more about the annual U.S. Army Photography Competition, visit us online at www.armymwr.com
U.S. Army Arts and Crafts History
After World War I the reductions to the Army left the United States with a small force. The War Department faced monumental challenges in preparing for World War II. One of those challenges was soldier morale. Recreational activities for off duty time would be important. The arts and crafts program informally evolved to augment the needs of the War Department.
On January 9, 1941, the Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson, appointed Frederick H. Osborn, a prominent U.S. businessman and philanthropist, Chairman of the War Department Committee on Education, Recreation and Community Service.
In 1940 and 1941, the United States involvement in World War II was more of sympathy and anticipation than of action. However, many different types of institutions were looking for ways to help the war effort. The Museum of Modern Art in New York was one of these institutions. In April, 1941, the Museum announced a poster competition, “Posters for National Defense.” The directors stated “The Museum feels that in a time of national emergency the artists of a country are as important an asset as men skilled in other fields, and that the nation’s first-rate talent should be utilized by the government for its official design work… Discussions have been held with officials of the Army and the Treasury who have expressed remarkable enthusiasm…”
In May 1941, the Museum exhibited “Britain at War”, a show selected by Sir Kenneth Clark, director of the National Gallery in London. The “Prize-Winning Defense Posters” were exhibited in July through September concurrently with “Britain at War.” The enormous overnight growth of the military force meant mobilization type construction at every camp. Construction was fast; facilities were not fancy; rather drab and depressing.
In 1941, the Fort Custer Army Illustrators, while on strenuous war games maneuvers in Tennessee, documented the exercise The Bulletin of the Museum of Modern Art, Vol. 9, No. 3 (Feb. 1942), described their work. “Results were astonishingly good; they showed serious devotion …to the purpose of depicting the Army scene with unvarnished realism and a remarkable ability to capture this scene from the soldier’s viewpoint. Civilian amateur and professional artists had been transformed into soldier-artists. Reality and straightforward documentation had supplanted (replaced) the old romantic glorification and false dramatization of war and the slick suavity (charm) of commercial drawing.”
“In August of last year, Fort Custer Army Illustrators held an exhibition, the first of its kind in the new Army, at the Camp Service Club. Soldiers who saw the exhibition, many of whom had never been inside an art gallery, enjoyed it thoroughly. Civilian visitors, too, came and admired. The work of the group showed them a new aspect of the Army; there were many phases of Army life they had never seen or heard of before. Newspapers made much of it and, most important, the Army approved. Army officials saw that it was not only authentic material, but that here was a source of enlivenment (vitalization) to the Army and a vivid medium for conveying the Army’s purposes and processes to civilians and soldiers.”
Brigadier General Frederick H. Osborn and War Department leaders were concerned because few soldiers were using the off duty recreation areas that were available. Army commanders recognized that efficiency is directly correlated with morale, and that morale is largely determined from the manner in which an individual spends his own free time. Army morale enhancement through positive off duty recreation programs is critical in combat staging areas.
To encourage soldier use of programs, the facilities drab and uninviting environment had to be improved. A program utilizing talented artists and craftsmen to decorate day rooms, mess halls, recreation halls and other places of general assembly was established by the Facilities Section of Special Services. The purpose was to provide an environment that would reflect the military tradition, accomplishments and the high standard of army life. The fact that this work was to be done by the men themselves had the added benefit of contributing to the esprit de corps (teamwork, or group spirit) of the unit.
The plan was first tested in October of 1941, at Camp Davis, North Carolina. A studio workshop was set up and a group of soldier artists were placed on special duty to design and decorate the facilities. Additionally, evening recreation art classes were scheduled three times a week. A second test was established at Fort Belvoir, Virginia a month later. The success of these programs lead to more installations requesting the program.
After Pearl Harbor was bombed, the Museum of Modern Art appointed Mr. James Soby, to the position of Director of the Armed Service Program on January 15, 1942. The subsequent program became a combination of occupational therapy, exhibitions and morale-sustaining activities.
Through the efforts of Mr. Soby, the museum program included; a display of Fort Custer Army Illustrators work from February through April 5, 1942. The museum also included the work of soldier-photographers in this exhibit. On May 6, 1942, Mr. Soby opened an art sale of works donated by museum members. The sale was to raise funds for the Soldier Art Program of Special Services Division. The bulk of these proceeds were to be used to provide facilities and materials for soldier artists in Army camps throughout the country.
Members of the Museum had responded with paintings, sculptures, watercolors, gouaches, drawings, etchings and lithographs. Hundreds of works were received, including oils by Winslow Homer, Orozco, John Kane, Speicher, Eilshemius, de Chirico; watercolors by Burchfield and Dufy; drawings by Augustus John, Forain and Berman, and prints by Cezanne, Lautrec, Matisse and Bellows. The War Department plan using soldier-artists to decorate and improve buildings and grounds worked. Many artists who had been drafted into the Army volunteered to paint murals in waiting rooms and clubs, to decorate dayrooms, and to landscape grounds. For each artist at work there were a thousand troops who watched. These bystanders clamored to participate, and classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and photography were offered. Larger working space and more instructors were required to meet the growing demand. Civilian art instructors and local communities helped to meet this cultural need, by providing volunteer instruction and facilities.
Some proceeds from the Modern Museum of Art sale were used to print 25,000 booklets called “Interior Design and Soldier Art.” The booklet showed examples of soldier-artist murals that decorated places of general assembly. It was a guide to organizing, planning and executing the soldier-artist program. The balance of the art sale proceeds were used to purchase the initial arts and crafts furnishings for 350 Army installations in the USA.
In November, 1942, General Somervell directed that a group of artists be selected and dispatched to active theaters to paint war scenes with the stipulation that soldier artists would not paint in lieu of military duties.
Aileen Osborn Webb, sister of Brigadier General Frederick H. Osborn, launched the American Crafts Council in 1943. She was an early champion of the Army program.
While soldiers were participating in fixed facilities in the USA, many troops were being shipped overseas to Europe and the Pacific (1942-1945). They had long periods of idleness and waiting in staging areas. At that time the wounded were lying in hospitals, both on land and in ships at sea. The War Department and Red Cross responded by purchasing kits of arts and crafts tools and supplies to distribute to “these restless personnel.” A variety of small “Handicraft Kits” were distributed free of charge. Leathercraft, celluloid etching, knotting and braiding, metal tooling, drawing and clay modeling are examples of the types of kits sent.
In January, 1944, the Interior Design Soldier Artist program was more appropriately named the “Arts and Crafts Section” of Special Services. The mission was “to fulfill the natural human desire to create, provide opportunities for self-expression, serve old skills and develop new ones, and assist the entire recreation program through construction work, publicity, and decoration.”
The National Army Art Contest was planned for the late fall of 1944. In June of 1945, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., for the first time in its history opened its facilities for the exhibition of the soldier art and photography submitted to this contest. The “Infantry Journal, Inc.” printed a small paperback booklet containing 215 photographs of pictures exhibited in the National Gallery of Art.
In August of 1944, the Museum of Modern Art, Armed Forces Program, organized an art center for veterans. Abby Rockefeller, in particular, had a strong interest in this project. Soldiers were invited to sketch, paint, or model under the guidance of skilled artists and craftsmen. Victor d’Amico, who was in charge of the Museum’s Education Department, was quoted in Russell Lynes book, Good Old Modern: An Intimate Portrait of the Museum of Modern Art. “I asked one fellow why he had taken up art and he said, Well, I just came back from destroying everything. I made up my mind that if I ever got out of the Army and out of the war I was never going to destroy another thing in my life, and I decided that art was the thing that I would do.” Another man said to d’Amico, “Art is like a good night’s sleep. You come away refreshed and at peace.”
In late October, 1944, an Arts and Crafts Branch of Special Services Division, Headquarters, European Theater of Operations was established. A versatile program of handcrafts flourished among the Army occupation troops.
The increased interest in crafts, rather than fine arts, at this time lead to a new name for the program: The “Handicrafts Branch.”
In 1945, the War Department published a new manual, “Soldier Handicrafts”, to help implement this new emphasis. The manual contained instructions for setting up crafts facilities, selecting as well as improvising tools and equipment, and basic information on a variety of arts and crafts.
As the Army moved from a combat to a peacetime role, the majority of crafts shops in the United States were equipped with woodworking power machinery for construction of furnishings and objects for personal living. Based on this new trend, in 1946 the program was again renamed, this time as “Manual Arts.”
At the same time, overseas programs were now employing local artists and craftsmen to operate the crafts facilities and instruct in a variety of arts and crafts. These highly skilled, indigenous instructors helped to stimulate the soldiers’ interest in the respective native cultures and artifacts. Thousands of troops overseas were encouraged to record their experiences on film. These photographs provided an invaluable means of communication between troops and their families back home.
When the war ended, the Navy had a firm of architects and draftsmen on contract to design ships. Since there was no longer a need for more ships, they were given a new assignment: To develop a series of instructional guides for arts and crafts. These were called “Hobby Manuals.” The Army was impressed with the quality of the Navy manuals and had them reprinted and adopted for use by Army troops. By 1948, the arts and crafts practiced throughout the Army were so varied and diverse that the program was renamed “Hobby Shops.” The first “Interservice Photography Contest” was held in 1948. Each service is eligible to send two years of their winning entries forward for the bi-annual interservice contest. In 1949, the first All Army Crafts Contest was also held. Once again, it was clear that the program title, “Hobby Shops” was misleading and overlapped into other forms of recreation.
In January, 1951, the program was designated as “The Army Crafts Program.” The program was recognized as an essential Army recreation activity along with sports, libraries, service clubs, soldier shows and soldier music. In the official statement of mission, professional leadership was emphasized to insure a balanced, progressive schedule of arts and crafts would be conducted in well-equipped, attractive facilities on all Army installations.
The program was now defined in terms of a “Basic Seven Program” which included: drawing and painting; ceramics and sculpture; metal work; leathercrafts; model building; photography and woodworking. These programs were to be conducted regularly in facilities known as the “multiple-type crafts shop.” For functional reasons, these facilities were divided into three separate technical areas for woodworking, photography and the arts and crafts.
During the Korean Conflict, the Army Crafts program utilized the personnel and shops in Japan to train soldiers to instruct crafts in Korea.
The mid-1950s saw more soldiers with cars and the need to repair their vehicles was recognized at Fort Carson, Colorado, by the craft director. Soldiers familiar with crafts shops knew that they had tools and so automotive crafts were established. By 1958, the Engineers published an Official Design Guide on Crafts Shops and Auto Crafts Shops. In 1959, the first All Army Art Contest was held. Once more, the Army Crafts Program responded to the needs of soldiers.
In the 1960’s, the war in Vietnam was a new challenge for the Army Crafts Program. The program had three levels of support; fixed facilities, mobile trailers designed as portable photo labs, and once again a “Kit Program.” The kit program originated at Headquarters, Department of Army, and it proved to be very popular with soldiers.
Tom Turner, today a well-known studio potter, was a soldier at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in the 1960s. In the December 1990 / January 1991 “American Crafts” magazine, Turner, who had been a graduate student in art school when he was drafted, said the program was “a godsend.”
The Army Artist Program was re-initiated in cooperation with the Office of Military History to document the war in Vietnam. Soldier-artists were identified and teams were formed to draw and paint the events of this combat. Exhibitions of these soldier-artist works were produced and toured throughout the USA.
In 1970, the original name of the program, “Arts and Crafts”, was restored. In 1971, the “Arts and Crafts/Skills Development Program” was established for budget presentations and construction projects.
After the Vietnam demobilization, a new emphasis was placed on service to families and children of soldiers. To meet this new challenge in an environment of funding constraints the arts and crafts program began charging fees for classes. More part-time personnel were used to teach formal classes. Additionally, a need for more technical-vocational skills training for military personnel was met by close coordination with Army Education Programs. Army arts and crafts directors worked with soldiers during “Project Transition” to develop soldier skills for new careers in the public sector.
The main challenge in the 1980s and 90s was, and is, to become “self-sustaining.” Directors have been forced to find more ways to generate increased revenue to help defray the loss of appropriated funds and to cover the non-appropriated funds expenses of the program. Programs have added and increased emphasis on services such as, picture framing, gallery sales, engraving and trophy sales, etc… New programs such as multi-media computer graphics appeal to customers of the 1990’s.
The Gulf War presented the Army with some familiar challenges such as personnel off duty time in staging areas. Department of Army volunteer civilian recreation specialists were sent to Saudi Arabia in January, 1991, to organize recreation programs. Arts and crafts supplies were sent to the theater. An Army Humor Cartoon Contest was conducted for the soldiers in the Gulf, and arts and crafts programs were set up to meet soldier interests.
The increased operations tempo of the ‘90’s Army has once again placed emphasis on meeting the “recreation needs of deployed soldiers.” Arts and crafts activities and a variety of programs are assets commanders must have to meet the deployment challenges of these very different scenarios.
The Army arts and crafts program, no matter what it has been titled, has made some unique contributions for the military and our society in general. Army arts and crafts does not fit the narrow definition of drawing and painting or making ceramics, but the much larger sense of arts and crafts. It is painting and drawing. It also encompasses:
* all forms of design. (fabric, clothes, household appliances, dishes, vases, houses, automobiles, landscapes, computers, copy machines, desks, industrial machines, weapon systems, air crafts, roads, etc…)
* applied technology (photography, graphics, woodworking, sculpture, metal smithing, weaving and textiles, sewing, advertising, enameling, stained glass, pottery, charts, graphs, visual aides and even formats for correspondence…)
* a way of making learning fun, practical and meaningful (through the process of designing and making an object the creator must decide which materials and techniques to use, thereby engaging in creative problem solving and discovery) skills taught have military applications.
* a way to acquire quality items and save money by doing-it-yourself (making furniture, gifts, repairing things …).
* a way to pursue college credit, through on post classes.
* a universal and non-verbal language (a picture is worth a thousand words).
* food for the human psyche, an element of morale that allows for individual expression (freedom).
* the celebration of human spirit and excellence (our highest form of public recognition is through a dedicated monument).
* physical and mental therapy (motor skill development, stress reduction, etc…).
* an activity that promotes self-reliance and self-esteem.
* the record of mankind, and in this case, of the Army.What would the world be like today if this generally unknown program had not existed? To quantitatively state the overall impact of this program on the world is impossible. Millions of soldier citizens have been directly and indirectly exposed to arts and crafts because this program existed. One activity, photography can provide a clue to its impact. Soldiers encouraged to take pictures, beginning with WW II, have shared those images with family and friends. Classes in “How to Use a Camera” to “How to Develop Film and Print Pictures” were instrumental in soldiers seeing the results of using quality equipment. A good camera and lens could make a big difference in the quality of the print. They bought the top of the line equipment. When they were discharged from the Army or home on leave this new equipment was showed to the family and friends. Without this encouragement and exposure to photography many would not have recorded their personal experiences or known the difference quality equipment could make. Families and friends would not have had the opportunity to “see” the environment their soldier was living in without these photos. Germany, Italy, Korea, Japan, Panama, etc… were far away places that most had not visited.
As the twenty first century approaches, the predictions for an arts renaissance by Megatrends 2000 seem realistic based on the Army Arts and Crafts Program practical experience. In the April ‘95 issue of “American Demographics” magazine, an article titled “Generation X” fully supports that this is indeed the case today. Television and computers have greatly contributed to “Generation X” being more interested in the visual arts and crafts.
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10 DIY Photo Filters on the Cheap
Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3
Back before Snapseed and Instagram, photographers used lens filters to add snazzy effects to their snapshots.
But filters can cost you a pretty penny, and you’re quite happy keeping your pennies, thankyouverymuch.
Well, we’ve got you covered because we’ve rounded up 10 DIY photo filters that won’t cost you.
In fact, most of these things are probably just lying around the house!
So follow along with our roundup as we accentuate the analogue and re-imagine the digital.
10 DIY Photo Filters to Try!
p.s. Our pals at Mosaic make some seriously beautiful photobooks you can create right from your iPhone! Take a look-see here.
Why it’s cool:
Filters work with all types of cameras so you can use them for phoneography, film, or digital!DIY filters can add an endless variety of effects to your photos without ever having to use complicated software or buy expensive gear.
To illustrate this, all of our tutorial images were created without the aid of digital editing.
Just light, filter, and a little magic.
#1 The Film Negative Split Filter:
You thought your unused bits of film negatives were just taking up space, but lo and behold they have a purpose after all!For this shot the end of a color film negative was placed in front of the lens.
We used the part where it makes the transition from light sensitive auburn to the muddy dark bit at the end.
The result is a dreamy colored fantasy world where fog becomes grape colored skies and murky water becomes a golden harvest.
While the film filter adds an awesome effect to your photo it will also block some of the incoming light. Make sure adjust your settings to compensate. Also, try using just the lighter or darker side of your film strip for a uniform nutty warmth or a deep chocolatey hue.
Mmm, now we’re getting hungry.
#2 The Magnifying Glass Macro:
There are a few ways to make a DIY macro lens, but try playing with a magnifying glass!Take this opportunity to zoom in on ambling insects or scare the pants off some dew drops with your new super close-up skills.
The one tricky bit can be finding focus.
We found setting the focus ahead of time, holding the magnifying glass against the lens, and moving the camera in and out to be most effective.
Honestly, the level of detail and clarity you can achieve by simply placing a magnifying glass in front of your lens and getting up close is quite surprising.So go ahead, give your goldfish the portrait that it has always deserved.
#3 The Poker Hat Green Filter:
Green filters are a fun way to make simple scenes into Martian green mysteries or change the contrast of your black and white shots.We tried a few different items here: a Sprite bottle, a plastic shopping bag, but ultimately we settled on a green poker hat (which doubles as quite the photo fashion accessory).
To accomplish this shot we allowed a crack of light to illuminate the smoke from an incense stick in an otherwise dark room.
The green filter does an awesome job of coloring in the smoky trail and adds an interesting gradient to the light filtering in from the window.A nice bonus with the poker hat is its large size and flexibility which allows it to be used with pretty much any lens.
#4 The Bokeh Shape Bonanza:
Bokeh is a fancy word for the blurry round light blobs that show up in the background of shallow depth of field photos.This shot was created using the The Bokeh Kit from Photojojo, which allows you to trade out regular old circular bokeh for your own unique shapes!
Our experiments showed the kit worked best at
night when you combine a close subject with far away lights to create a background twinklefest.
If you don’t want to shill out the bucks for the kit you can also try cutting shapes in cardboard or thin plastic.
Alright Mr. Nightowl, brew up a pot of coffee, grab your favorite low light lens, and hit the town to find shimmering bokeh shapes as far as the eye can see!
#5 Jersey Patterns:
Remember those yellow and red practice jerseys from PE class?Well turns out these old team makers can create an optically interesting surprise.
To get the effect, simply take a criss-cross fabric jersey and pull it tightly over your lens.
You will want to aim at a close subject with a blurry background to witness the bug vision pattern your jersey overlays onto out of focus areas.
The fabric will also color in dark shadows, and create a dreamy haze similar to the effect of using expired film.You can enjoy these colorful kaleidoscopic textures night or day, but avoid direct sunshine on your lens as it will disrupt the effect.
Three cheers for dragonfly vision!
#6 The Colored Glass Macro Marvel:
While not a filter per se, this is an easy way of dipping your macro shots in a tasty cup of color!For this image, we simply put a coin into a colored wine glass, placed the glass in direct sunshine, and snapped a pic with our macro lens.
The only tricky bit was trying to look through our digital SLR’s viewfinder with the camera pointed straight down.
We found using the camera’s rear LCD much easier for composing the shot and locating spot on focus. Try using different colored wine glasses or change the lighting for fun variation.
Now that you’ve got the basics go forth and explore great macronaught!
#7 The Eyeglass Wormhole:
Alright four-eyes of the world, it’s your time to shine! Take those glasses off your face and put them in front of the camera.
Gaze with wonder at the tear in the fabric of the universe you have created.
Experiment by moving your glasses closer or farther from your subject and camera to vary the amount of blur, just remember to refocus!
Try testing your luck with reading glasses and
a smartphone.Tilt the frames up or down and watch as the image does the timewarp, stretching and distorting like you were moving at incredible speed.
Where will this photographic wormhole take you? Let us know when you get there.
#8 The Pantyhose Portrait Softener:
For that dreamy 80’s glamour shot feeling, look no further than your sock drawer! An old pair of sheer pantyhose, cut and pulled tight over your lens, can do wonders to soften and add hazy mystery to your portraits.
The effect can be quite strong, but we found putting a run in the stocking material helps to allow a little more light on your subject.
Also, like the filter in #5 it’s best to use this setup in the shade as direct sunlight on your lens will cause the image to be overly washed out.We love taking portraits and we took this filter everywhere as it rolls up and fits easily into a pocket or camera bag.
Expand your horizons by experimenting with colored fabrics for different scenes, skin tones, and lighting situations.
#9 The Water Bottle Pinhole Camera:
Travel back in time with this awesome pinhole camera effect!All you will need for this filter is a plastic water bottle and a pair of scissors.
Cut off the top third of your water bottle and also remove the top part with the cap. Your water bottle should look like this.
Now place it over your lens and point it at your subject.
Playing with your aperture can create interesting variation: a small aperture produces a rippley circular halo, while a wider aperture forms a center accentuating psychedelic haze.You can also aim your water bottle around the frame like a tilt shift lens to accentuate different parts of your pic.
Welcome to a world of blurry low def awesomeness sir. Here, have a monocle.
#10 The Sunglasses Gradient:
Ah, another beautiful day in nature, perfect time to snap a pic!But certain high contrast scenes, especially sunrise and sunset, can be difficult for your camera to capture creating overwhite skies and underexposed land.
Fortunately, mankind has devised a solution for protecting our eyes from the sun’s harsh rays in the form of sunglasses.
We placed a pair of reddish tinted sunglasses over our lens for this shot.The sunglasses had a darker gradient at the top fading to lighter at the bottom which helped to bring the all too bright sky under control and gave the underexposed bridge bits the light that they rightfully deserve.
Pop a pair of sunglasses over your lens and fear sunset photography no more!
Take it Further
- This list is really just the tip of the iceberg. Go out and find ten more filter ideas of your own!
- Round up some friends and give each of them a filter enhanced portrait. Works great as a stocking stuffer for the holiday season!
- Try using your DIY filters with a film camera.
- Take your three favorite Instagram filters and recreate them IRL.
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