New to Me Software - Topaz Re-Mask

I Love You Mommy

One Proud Fellow

One of the most difficult tasks in photo manipulation is isolation.  Once an object within an image is isolated the image of the object may be transferred to a new backdrop.  The originals of the above images featured cluttered, very unattractive backdrops.  In the past I was getting poor results in attempting to isolate part of an image.  Many times simply blurring out the backdrop was not enough to achieve the desired results.

My good friend Bob advised that I try Topaz's Re-Mask plug-in.  I watched their tutorials and marketing materials.  I was skeptical, even with Bob's recommendation.  Well, I am very pleased with the results.  I found the plug-in filter relatively easy to use.  As I learn more about Re-Mask I assume my results will improve - but, these are not bad at all.

The Topaz Re-Mask software may be used to isolate a wide variety of objects within an image.  Trees, tree lines and the like may be isolated.  The software will isolate even individual strands of flying hair.  The most amazing demonstration to me was preserving the see-through quality of a bride's veil.

New Tourism Walla Walla Blog Posting

I have just posted a new entry on the Tourism Walla Walla blog. This new entry deals with the over 50 commissioned sculptures in public view in the greater Walla Walla area. It also talks about how to capture images of sculptures. However, basically I lay out a plan to find one's own style by experimentation. Hope you enjoy. You may find this entry at http://blog.wallawalla.org/ 

To see the photographic lesson be sure to click the "Read More" button.

To learn more about Walla Walla, please go to this site.  Jim

New You Tube Video - Walla Walla, The Tour Begins Here

I have launched a new You Tube video. It is called "Walla Walla, The Tour Begins Here". It is actually a video that was a joint venture about two years ago. It has been used by the city, the Downtown Foundation, the Community College and myself. It has been on another channel, with over 4,200 hits to-date. It is now also on my channel.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy. You can find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVgMWgKqEiI

Most of these images were captured using a tri-pod and either a wide or macro lense.

New You Tube Channel and Posting

Liverpool Remembered Red Rose in Stained Glass Digital Art Form

I have established a You Tube Channel and put up my first video which is titled "Stained Glass Roses." It is a digital art show featuring my images of red roses which have been transformed to appear as stained glass windows. You can find it at

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA5cYLeHUws

I put the music at a low volume, so you may have to turn your volume up.  I hope you enjoy and please pass it along to those who enjoy either roses or digital art.

I usually share the how of images, but my Stained Glass Rose series is an exception.  It took me over two days to figure out the how of transforming a red rose to look like a stained glass window so I consider that one a trade secret.  However, once you have seen the image you may be able to do something close with images of your own.

Please consider becoming a follower of either my blog or my You Tube channel.

With respect and aloha, Jim Willis
aka: J. Franklin Willis Photographic Artist