In most cases, our textures and images are ready to use with most applications. However, due to the potential complexities inherent with your specific scene, project and/or your software, it may be necessary that your images be "fine tuned" to fit your particular situation using image processing software. To make the image suitable for your specific needs you may find it necessary to perform one or several pre-processing functions, such as scaling, brightness, sharpness, color curves, shape editing, etc.
Scale, Flip or Rotate
This is the function most commonly performed. As the image file is often far larger than needed, it is necessary to perform a proportionate scaling of the file to an X by Y pixel size fitting your design. Similarly, to match sun angles and shadows accordingly, flip or rotate the image as required. Information found in the document files on your disk will also assist your use of the images such as the specific image size and/or P.P.F. (Pixels Per Foot). These calculations assure true scale relationships.
Brightness, Contrast and Gamma
Adjust your images to match the output levels of your presentation. These vary widely, with printed output on one end and video on the other. titles have been set at the point of 5,000 degrees Kelvin, Realworld Imagery titles have been set at 6,500 degrees Kelvin.
Highlights "too hot"
The white areas found in the image are brighter than the overall scene's white areas. Reduce the highlight (white) output values to less than 255 or 100%.
Highlights "too dull"
If the scene has very bright highlights, increase your images highlight input values up to 255 or 100%.
Shadows appear "too black"
The images shadow areas appear to be too black in relation to the shadows in the overall scene. Adjust the shadow output values greater than 0, midtone gamma above 1.00.
Image appears "too soft"
Image may show a greater continuous tone and appear soft or blurred. Increase sharpness.
Image appears "too hard"
If the background context is overly soft, blur or decrease sharpness of the image file.
Color Adjustments
This is the least likely function. Both RGB curves and HSV levels may be adjusted. As these functions often produce extreme results, a good knowledge of color is encouraged for maximum effectiveness.
Colors/values appear too "flat"
If the colors and values of these images look "flat" relative to your scene, apply curve adjustments resembling an "S" shape. Maintain the shadow, midtone and highlight positions, while pulling downward slightly between the shadow and midtone location and pushing upward slightly between the midtone and highlight location, thus creating a gentle "S" curve.
Colors/values appear too "stark"
If the colors and values of these images look too "stark" or strong relative to your scene, perform the reverse of the above procedure, pushing upward slightly between the shadow and midtone location and pulling downward slightly between the midtone and highlight location.
Edit Shapes
All images are fully editable using the tools your application software provides. One shape may be edited to become many more! Make a copy of an image file. Now, with the appropriate image editing application software, carve away portions of the alpha mask or cut and paste portions of the image to create a whole new object. Other functions, like overlaying one image transparently over another, bring about endless possibilities.
© 2009 Realworld Imagery Inc.
