AutoFX DreamSuite 2 - Show-n-Tell

[DannyRaphael]

Considering the recent interest in the AutoFX DreamSuite effects, I thought it might be fun if those who have it posted some examples.

See www.AutoFX.com for product info.

Guidelines:
* Upload your own "before" and one or more "afters"
* Include the name of the effect(s) used, e.g. "Putty." If you use a preset, include the preset name, too, if you would.
* One effect per image (don't combine them).
* Anyone: Make comments and/or ask questions if you have any.
* For this thread keep examples limited to DreamSuite 2, please.

Click HERE for the DreamSuite 1 thread.

~Danny~

[DannyRaphael]

First one: Film Strip > Glossy
* Top strip: No changes to default settings
* Bottom: Scaled a little to make the images larger

2nd one: Tile > Carved Bevel

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My computer: 1.4 Mhz, 1 GB RAM, Photoshop 7.01

Observations:
* I don't use this plugin often, but when I do I'm amazed at some of the effects.
* It tends to crash sometimes (it did once just now).
* It's fairly slow to render on very modest sized / formatted for the Web images like this one. It would be exceptionally slow on images destined for a printer.
* Each preset has 8-15 options/settings, plus you can usually scale and/or rotate an object once rendered.

- - - - - - - - -

OK... Your turn!

~Danny~

[Bob Mc]

Nice effect Danny!

I thought that I would try the Mesh effect with 2 pictures - but finding the "right" 2 pictures that compliment each other isn't easy for me.

So I thought to try the same picture 2 times but with the 2nd copy having some significant differences.

So... the first picture below is the original. It's another vineyard picture with grape leaves in the foreground and planted grape rows on the hill in the background. The second pic below is a simple buzz application at a value of 100. (doesn't take a whole lot of detail out). Then I took each of those pics and took the color out using the channel mixer - monochrome and adjusting the R G B values on the positive side to bring up the contrast.

The third picture below is a mesh/weave of the original color pic and the desaturated buzzed pic.

I'm not really thrilled with the result - but along the way, I discovered many adjustments that with some time could lead to nice appealing effects. I did not do anything by way of adjusting the individual sizes and placements of the horizontal or vertical strips - but you can. I think the effect might work better when one image is made the dominant one by making its pieces larger.

The effect might be better also if the second picture was more of a background instead of having a specific subject.

Depth was obtained by putting a curl on the strips and edges - as well as an edge deckle. The pieces could also have various bevel effects applied too. As you can see, thse effects resulted in some drop shadows and the appearance of some grain.

You can also save effects as preset ... but also saved are the pictures in the original. Supposedly it's easy to replace the pictures but in the end it was easier to start over. Perhaps this was because 2 pictures were involved and maybe with just a single picture meshed effect it might be more straight forward.

Again, if anyone is interested in this software, you can probably download the .pdf "operations manual" which covers all of the DreamSuite series.

I welcome any comments, suggestions or questions.

Mesh try #2 follows

Regards, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Bob Mc

[Bob Mc]

Similar to the previous post - slightly different pics

left to right below: desaturated buzz; desaturated original; mesh #2

This mesh uses the colored buzz pic (posted previously) with the desaturated original.


WARNING! Danger! Danger! Danger!
I'll probably try one more set of single photo mesh/weaves with the same grape leaves photo - but, previously manipulated with Painter Essentials 3. Just want to see if the mesh enhances or degrades another effect.

Then I'll quit - honest

Regards
Bob Mc

[Bob Mc]

Saved a 1 picture mesh effect with 4 rows and 7 columns. Made the rows wider than the columns and used an overall circular mesh. Saved as a preset and used on each PE3 picture.

Left to right: sponge 1; sponge 2; chalk;don't remember this brush set

I think that the mesh effect works much better with a single picture and works ok with a previously manipulated photo too.

What do you all think?

Bob Mc