Sunday, January 29, 2012

Photospot: Elven Flame

   
Photospot on SL Unearthed is a semi-regular feature that highlights a Second Life spot that is a cool place at which to take portrait photos inworld. Not an entire sim, not even a complete parcel, but just a single specific location - a spot - with portrait opportunity.


For today's Photospot, we're heading into a dark fantasy role-playing area for the Jaded Wings group. This is their land and although visitors are permitted, we don't want to interfere with any stories or events. So come wearing fantasy, medieval or renaissance-type clothing and be sure to read the rules when you land. We're planning to head North across the bridge; if your mini-map shows green dots that direction, it's best to wait a couple hours and try back later.
    
Photospot: ElvenFlame
    
When the coast is clear, follow the beacon. If you don't have a beacon, cross the bridge heading North and proceed through the meadow toward the dome. From the meadow, you'll see the entrance. Step inside. To one side, there's a circle of stones with pillows to sit on. Nearby are crystals and mushrooms and a tree with sparkling dangling stuff. You can find some interesting shots right here; it's a good place to line up that portrait view. Have a seat on each of the stones to find one that suits you.
    
living flameToward the center of the dome, our real spot awaits. Here, the elven fire is ready and eager to push you into learning some new camera tricks. Hop on the pose ball to let the animation begin. Go ahead. You know you want to.
    
You will rise. You will fall. You will spiral and dive. Now you know how the flame of a match feels.
    
flame filmstrip
    
All four corners of the compass are available for your camera angle. Swing around and see how each appears.
   
There are also a couple other angles. Try shooting downward from overhead. Or upward from below. And if you cam down far enough, you can shoot upward through the water for a liquid abstract. Some abstract could become the perfect background for a future portrait or a finished image in its own right.
    
fluid flame
    
Relish the yellow, orange and explosive red of the flames, but also see how changes in Windlight might affect the scene. Remember that you can explore many more possibilities later in your graphics program. Keep shooting and see what might inspire you.
    
mirrored flame
    
The fire is fueled by elven magic, of course. You just might capture something that no one else has ever seen.
    
flambeau
 
  


Flickr members: you're invited to join the SL Unearthed Photospot group and add your pictures taken at Photospot locations to the group pool.
   
Take note that very little in SL stays the same for very long. After even a short while, Photospot locations may be gone or changed in a significant way that renders their SLurls ineffective as originally intended, so be sure to grab these opportunities as they come!

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