Using the Radial Blur Filter

Last week I was playing in Photoshop and rediscovered the Radial Blur filter. With this filter you can either add a zoom effect or a circular blur to an image. I tried the effects on these two photos of Beca. The top is with the zoom filter. Back in the late 60's and early 70's a cool thing to do was to shoot a photo at a really slow shutter speed and with a zoom lens, and spin the zoom ring while the shutter was open. Wtaever was in the very center of the photo would be kinda in focus. It was pretty hit or miss. Mine were mostly a miss.

The top photo was with the zoom effect. The bottom with the spin.

With both photos I went back after I applied the filter and used the History Brush to restore a little of the image.



A Look At Some Tri-X Oldies

It has been a while since I have been able to scan any black and white negatives. Over two years ago I had to replace my old computer. My old Minolta scanner software was not compatible with the new computer, and since Konica bought Minolta, they were not interested in keeping software updated. Since I didn’t have a scanner I quit shooting film. I have several rolls of Tri-X and Ilford HP-5 stuck in the equipment locker waiting to be processed.

I decided it was time to get my scanner cranked back up. I checked for available scanner drivers and opted for VueScan from Hardwick Software. I have not been disappointed with it. It works much smoother than the old Minolta software, and gives better image control.


Two of the first images I scanned with the setup are these of Macon model Sheila Harvell. I always loved the umbrella photo but had completely forgotten the TV shot. It is a cool image.


I will be scanning in more old images, but as a goal for 2011 I want to shoot at least one roll of film a week. We will see how that goes. I have a roll of color print film in one of my old Nikon bodies, and have some Tri-X and HP-5 waiting to go in the F5.



I will share some images soon.