Following on the abstract heels of Morat's (photographic) Assignments ... here's the idea for this discussion thread ...

I will provide the parameters for an Apophysis flame.

You tweak it and then come back to this thread and post a link back to your uploaded work.

Each time the parameters will center around a certain aspect of Apophysis that you need to be proficient in ... in order to produce a post worthy image.

The key (in my experience) to creating a great flame is that once having moved the 'transforms' around and watching the 'preview' window the results of those movements ... once you start to get something that is pleasing to your minds' eye ... minute manipulations are in order. Forget your mousing skills at this point ... you need and require finer adjustments for this small window of creativity that opens up. Knowledge of this single aspect of Apophysis will go a long way towards successfully creating a great abstract.

So, in conjunction with the above noted hint/tip/advice ... this first assignment/challenge is focussed on the basic functions found on the "Triangle" tab for manipulating transforms ... initially. Then creativity is key.

PM me for the parameters. I would like to keep the images created from these parameters restricted to Caedes only. And for that reason, will not post the parameters openly in this thread.

All you need do is 'copy and paste' the parameters I will provide into a blank flame, or a selected random one.

See you back here with your results.

Have fun, and by all means if you have any questions ... post them to this thread. Hopefully, 'we' can get a dialogue happening between those wishing or wanting to give Apophysis a try and those with some experience under their belts.

On your marks ... get set ... go !!

____________________________________________________________


For those that have not as yet tried to create an abstract using Apophysis and want to ... go here (click to download) for Apo 2.05beta2Z+C++ ... or ... go here (click to accept the download and it should start automatically) for Apophysis 2.06c.

Both versions are free. The differences lie in some of the variations that are available to you with each one. Try both to see which one you like more.

Deviate !! Hey, that was fun...thanks!!

8~D

Nice one Randy.

Quite an elegant and sosphisticated abstract.

You definitely have me scratching my head on how you came up with that flame.

Thanks for your efforts. :o)

Anyone else interested? Let me know via PM and I will send you the parameters. Downloads for the program are above in the initial post.

Played with flame supplied!! Applied an Orton's Imagery technique (motion vs. gaussian)!! Cloned out what I didn't want!! Did an engraving technique!! And, BINGO!!

*~Q

Thank you for that information ... invaluable.

*takes notes*

Really well done Randy. :o)

Hi Les, here`s my effort. I decided to keep it simple so no mutations, scripts or post work were used, so this is just a result of playing with the triangles of the number one param supplied.

Ian

Sparkler anyone??

Excellent work Ian.

Looks great to my eyes and appeals to my Apop artistic sensibilities.

As well, thanks for supplying one; the plug to the 'challenge' on your images' page ... and two; the additional information you provided insofar as what you did ... hopefully this will inspire others to have a look at the program.

*pins Apop Ambassador ribbon on Ian*

Thanks for your interest, it is appreciated and I look forward to seeing what you produce with the second set.

Very creative take Randy ... was looking forward to seeing what you would do with that set of parameters.

Pleasantly unexpected, although I thought you might produce something apart and beyond what I had envisioned. Particularly after your first submission.

Good good stuff. :o)

*pins Apop Ambassador ribbon on Randy*

Here's my offering, Les... Flower of Nippon

2.06b z+, first parameter supplied, no scripts, post work done in Photofiltre to lighten it a bit.

Well ... it's about time you showed up for this (<--- teasing a bit here :oP) ...

*pins Apop Ambassador ribbon on Lori*

Very different ... and most certainly, a wonderful creative direction you took in this.

I like it a lot. :o)

Ok, 'bout time I righted this apple cart ... here we go ...

First, my apologies ... I should have provided these additional links for consideration at the outset. A member, Luke; aka stuffnstuff ... has written a very good and concise overview of the program ... here.

For an additional primer and walkthrough ... functions, settings et al ... go here.

Any further questions or clarification required ... feel free to post your questions on this thread. :o)

Here`s my effort with the second Param. Sorry about the late post but after I uploaded last night I lost my connection.

Ian :)

And here is mine from the first set of parameters.

Descent.

No worries Ian.

I met with a rather slow loading site this morning myself, to compound things on my end in getting 'here'.

Trying not to sound redundant ... I like your interpretation and creativity presented in your flame.

A rather good match in my mind to the gradient that came with the provided parameters.

'Fiery' being the operative word, methinks.

Well done.

I have a variety of different saved flames from the first set of parameters. However, the second set of parameters has been a bit of a challenge, in achieving a good "save". So, I would have to say I had more fun with the first one. Not to say that I'm not enjoying myself with this new challenge that Les has gifted to us...because I am...honest! :)

All of the creations thus far, are fantastic, and all very different from one another....that is until you read what I have to say next..lol

I saved a flame last night, with the second parameter, which I planned to render tonight, but after seeing Ian's latest offering, I'm afraid I will have to keep trying for something different, as mine looks quite similar to his...go figure :P

I'm curious as to what everyone else's experience has been with the 2 sets?

Oh, I had not asked about gradients that came with your parameters, Les. I assumed we could change them. Please correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Thanks for bringing this up Lori.

I had actually anticipated more questions ... and now realize in hindsight as well, I should have been more specific with regards to the 'rules' outlining the 'challenge'.

I had in mind that this first round would be geared towards getting those unfamiliar with Apophysis ... familiar with ... the 'Triangle' tab and the various adjustments/movements of the transforms contained therein.

The second set of parameters was setup to bring home the functionality of fine adjustments that are possible through what is available in the program rather than relying on mousing skills.

"I'm curious as to what everyone else's experience has been with the 2 sets?"

That question was on my list to put forth to the participants. You read my mind ... once again. :o)

Gradient choice? ... feel free to experiment if you wish.

The one thing ... and I am quite happy to report this ... that has come out of you, Randy and Ian getting involved is the interest that has been expressed by some 'newbies' (excuse the term here friends) and I hope to formalize the next round and set up the goal of the next challenge more so.


Tip of the day: When moving the transforms around ... and once you have something that is pleasing to your eye ... look at the settings for the Triangle tab.

It is possible to input a value apart from those that are available to you in the drop down menus. For example, degree of rotation ... input or type in a value of 1 or .5.

Same goes for vertical or lateral movement, inputting a number above and beyond those available as defaults in the drop down menus can aid in the manipulations of the transforms or the triangles.

I prefered working on the first set Les, as I wanted to keep it as straight forward as possible so as to show people new to Apophysis what could be achieved but just the manipulation of the triangles. The second set was more challenging in this respect. As Randy had already made a spiral I wanted to take a different route but seemed to always end up with a sort of split image by using just the triangles alone. Eventualy I had to mutate then the choice was to go with a tight flame or a loose one, so decided to plump for the later. Both sets were fun to work with and each presented loads of possibilities.

Ian :)

Hey Ian,

Thanks for your candor on the Apop challenge regarding the parameters et al. I do appreciate it. :o)

And again, I want to express my sincere gratitude to those that have been involved thus far. As a result, a number of members have approached and now have the parameters in hand.

Look forward to seeing what each produce.

*pops some popcorn ... gets comfy* :o)

Re: PJ's comments on "Descent".

Changing the presentation format to more so a widescreen one, was an additional change I made. As I thought this flame suited it well.

In many instances you can literally input different values in the options/settings that are available to you within the Apophysis program. You do not necessarily have to accept the default settings.

In this case, accessing the "Image Size" tab from the "Adjust" menu in the toolbar ... allowed me to put 700 for the width ... maintaining and checking the aspect ratio provided the height of 480 and then subsequently preview the flame or abstract produced.

I wanted to see more of the sides, rather than play around with the "Move" function and making these changes to the 'image size' allowed me to do just that. And then in the end I rendered a wide screen image.

Come rendering time, or producing the actual flame ... again, the image size changes must be made or the program will default to the programs settings.

Tip: In the "Adjust" menu of the toolbar go to the "Image Size" tab and input or type in your values there to change the presentation and format of your abstract. This will allow you to see more of the sides (or top portion, depends on your adjustments) of your flame when previewing it.

You can then ... if it is pleasing to your eye ... make the same 'image size' adjustments (or some multiplier of ... for example; I then used 1750 X 1128 for the final image) in the "Settings" tad of the "Render" function and input/type in those values once again.

Lol ... uhm ... forgot about this part ... here ya go ... number two from me from set number two.

!! Vegas baby !!

:oD

And mine, from the second set of parameters.. Harvest Time

Lori

Excellent work Lori, as I stated on your images' page.

To say that I am impressed with the diversity of flames that has resulted ... is an understatement.

Try this ... open up the images thus far, in different tabs of your browser and compare each.

Pretty amazing, eh?

Thanks Lori ... it's a keeper. :o)

Baby's Breath There you go Les, #1 of two on the #2 params. Thanks buddy. John

Star Child and here's the second. This was done with the #2 params also buddy. Thanks Les. John

Frankie's (aka Frankief) submission using the first set of parameters ... Turquise Swirl.

Now ... how great and different is that, I ask?

Really nicely done Frankie ... here ya go ...

*pins Apop Ambassador ribbon on Frankie*

:o)

Looking forward to seeing the results of your creative experimentation with the second set. No rush, no worries.

Hey John ... really, really nice efforts with that second set of parameters. I like both very much and again, as mentioned ... quite different in their presentations.

C'mere buddy ... *tries to pin the Apophysis Ambassador ribbon on John ... ribbon gets lost in his fur*

Welll ... er ... it's there somewheres ... wear it proudly. ;o)

Nice work on both. :o)

I have the second set rendering as we speak. If all goes well, I will post it tomorrow night after work!

Big Wheel #1 params Les.

Heat #1 params also Les. This one was a toughy (params)

Ok, I am writing this without the benefit of having seen your results of using the first set of parameters John.

Interesting to me, in that we seem to have a split decision on which set was easier to work with.

Now, of course ... you had the benefit or not, of having seen the others ... so, perhaps with respect to that ... and in wanting to show something different ... therein lies the degree of difficulty?

Might have to make more parameters available then. Spread them out and vary who gets what to avoid too many having the same.

Shall have a look ... now. :o)

EDIT: Still haven't looked, lol ... just had the thought to allow for more post work and/or to allow the participants to go beyond just manipulating the transforms.

Ie. ... change the variations (good way to introduce that aspect) ... use scripts (same thing) and so forth.

John?

Had a look and left you some additional comments on your pieces.

A big thank you. You done better than good good. :o)

Ok, someone else has earned their ribbon.

Have a look at Emily's (aka EmilyH) creative efforts; Waves from the second set of parameters.

*pins Apophysis Ambassador ribbon on Emily*

Very nice work as I am sure the others will agree. :o)

It`s a cheeky 2nd go on the original first param here and this one has used a few more features of Apophysis. All is explained.

Ian :)

Thank you. :o)

Just came here to post a link for you.

Excellent flame, left you some additional words on your images' page.

Actually Waves was the second set. I'm currently rendering one from the first set. I expect it to be ready by tomorrow. :D

Have a look at Frankie's offering of her Study In Red from the second set of parameters.

A beautiful flame and she left some tips in her narrative as well.

Thank you once again Frankie. It looks great. :o)

This is interesting, I'll have to try it out soon, when I get a break from my classes! (Which I should be working on now by the way....)

As Les badgered me into it, HERE'S my tweaked version on parameter set 2. I've not felt like doing anything remotely creative or artistic for weeks, due to depression. Hopefully this will help start me firing on all cylinders again.

:o)

Thanks Paul.

To my eyes, a highly impressionistic take on your visual offering to the challenge. The colour palate you chose works well.

Nicely done Paul.

*pins Apophysis Ambassador ribbon on Paul*

*retreats back to his badger burrow and awaits the next offering ... or his next 'victim' *

:oP

An aside: Hang in there. The seasonal transition can be a hard go. Glad you decided to join us and get back to the creative drawing board. :o)

Here`s another cheeky 2nd effort this time on the second set of params. I am much happier with this than on my first go. I kinda had to go for a spiral type image with it. This was done only by moving the triangles and I saved about 6 or 7 times along the way. The best bit of advise I could ever give is to save when you get something you like as by moving the triangles you can lose it very quickly and never get it back. I have leant this from experience.

Ian :)

Emily?

I am repeating parts of my comments left on your images' page, but this bears repeating ...

Très ... très cool in my books.

So unique and I love the feel and mood you created.

Like it a lot. :o))

Two thumbs up from me Ian.

Really a great finished piece in all respects. Looks like this one took some doing ... and it came out great.

Much appreciated on the 'director's comments' as well.

Saves me from having to buy the DVD. :oP

Please extend a welcome to Mike; aka FlimBB ... with his submission found here and pay his image a visit.

Mike comes to the posting table with a very unique approach, in my mind, to abstracts and flames.

Think you will find his work intriguing. :o)

*pins Apophysis Ambassador ribbon on Mike*

Really should have had Mike in on the design for the ribbon. :oP

Wow you guys ! These are all fantastic ! What a great idea Les !

I'm almost shy of posting my attempts amid the fantastic fractals here!

I played with, I think, set two today...Exploration

*pins Apophysis Ambassador ribbon on Bonnie*

If I may Bonnie ... not only did you produce another unique flame (well done on that aspect), worthy of posting to the challenge in amongst the other offerings from the participants ... it is one that is much more visually expressive, captivating and interpretative on your part.

Looks like you learned a few things with this one?

Nice. In all regards. :o)

Thank you :)
And yes I did learn on that one.
I'm still in awe of some of the flowery looking and more intricate fractals and how people do them!

I'm working on Set one again tonight..hopefully for tomorrow.

My latest from Set One.. Portal

Another from set one.. SOLARIS - Back in Black

Tip: In the render window, make sure you have "Postprocess render" checked/enabled ... found on the "Settings" tab (bottom left). This allows you to make any last minute adjustments with contrast, brightness and a couple of other variables.

Just came from "Portal" Bonnie, you must have worked on that one to bring out the facets that you did.

However, your "SOLARIS - Back in Black"? Seems to have been removed by you?

That aside ... well done on your creative efforts. Thanks for your submissions. :o)

Here's a direct link to Bonnie's SOLARIS - Back in Black

Thanks..not sure why mine didn't work. Meh.

Almost didn't recognize set one parameters in your visual offering "SOLARIS - Back in Black" Bonnie. Nice work.

Ya know ... and this has been on my Apop mind as of late ... what about a more vertical presentation? Go to "Adjustments" ... "Image Size" ... and investigate the various setting options available to you. In this case you would want to change the width so as to have more of a wide screen formatting initially ... and then once rendered you could/can change the orientation by rotating your image, or canvas if you will ... in an image editing program. Just a thought.

Something I have on my list to attempt. Creating a fractal that is better suited visually to a vertical framing format.

That aside ... again, nice work.

Ahhh, free sets of parameters ... the gift that keeps on giving.

:oP

Will there be another challenge soon? :)
My fingers are itching again hehe

Lol ... hmmm ... maybe? :oP

Planning something ... just giving some others a bit more time that have the parameters in hand. Shall try to apprise those that participated in this first challenge ... when the second rolls around.

Annnnd ... thanks ... for your interest Bonnie. :o)

I finally got round to trying Apophysis (it was hiitsme who encouraged me first, some months back, so you can all blame him rather than Purmusic! Or Les if he prefers that name).

I thought the Challenge looked a lot of fun and this is my attempt at the first parameters:

Winged Star.

It won't turn heads like everybody else's impressive entries, as I have a lot to learn about things like gamma and brightness, but hopefully I will get there. Thanks to everyone who helps out and advises.

I will try the next lot of parameters now, but I don't want to hold anybody back if there's another Challenge in the wings - I'll finish this one then catch up.

Well done Tootles!
As you already know, I love it :)

Thanks Bonnie. :-). I love everyone's fractals on here, and the Challenge has been fun. It's got so I wish I had two PCs, so that I could work on fractals on one while the other is rendering.

Lol ... I want three pcs ... one for working, one for rendering ... and of course, one for Caedesing. :oP

*pins Apophysis Ambassador ribbon on Abigail?? ... (<--- just kidding, bit of an inside joke) ... Tootles*

Nicely done Tootles, and I will gladly share in the blame for your getting interested in Apophysis. You've created some fine abstracts in your first few posts. Take a bow. :o)

Annnnd ... no rush on the second set, as there are still a few others that have the parameters in hand ... and you can always submit even if a second challenge is underway. No worries.

I'll have more PC's if they are going round!
Except I need one for constant gaming too ;)

I cannot wait Purmusic! I'll have to have another go at one of the sets you gave me already... *fidgits*

Three computers could be better, indeed. I have the Mac here as well as the PC, but then I get it tied up rendering things too (different things) and... actually I should probably go and do the ironing or the mowing something. (Pout).

You ... you ... you still iron?

Me? Here's what I do ...

1. Launder clothes.
2. Dry lightly or moderately in clothes dryer.
3. Place clothes required for next day under mattress, just prior to turning in.

Come morning time ... I usually don't care if they are wrinkled or not. :oP

But there's nothing like the smell of a warm iron... though I went looking the other day for an ironing board cover, and discovered they were covered in all sorts of art. Wasn't entirely to my taste, mind you, but gone are the days of covers with flowers on them. Now it's vague coffee beans, large flat green fish squished together and badly executed splashes of water. I think I'll get the plain silver one...

What you guys need is a nice fancy clothes press :)
Done in two seconds, no effort.
Ahhh :)

Do the clothes presses have funny art on them? (she enquired, pasting up another abstract wallpaper).

I've posted another fractal for the first set of parameters (I'm still struggling with the second set!)

Wandering Star

There's something different about this one, though. Les said leaving flames to render overnight leads to the best results, and I had to laugh... it certainly leads to interesting results.

Really cool :D

Here is one of my offerings from the set given to me the other night.
I'm still messing around with spheres ;)
Retro Big Bang

I'm still trying to work out how you did that - very interesting effect. It makes me think of cinema.

For the second set of parameters: Song of Flight. At last. :-).

From the original Set1 parameters.. My Dahlia

The fractals ... the fractals ... they're multiplyin' like bunnies !!

:oP

Just paid your images' pages some visits and left some additional thoughts and words there. Very impressive, I must say.

Nice work ladies. :o)

Now if you will excuse me ... I have some clothes to place under my mattress ...

:oP

p.s. My apologies for the lateness of my comments, just got back.

Fractals have a habit of doing that - I think they multiply FASTER than bunnies. Have you ever closed your Apop application and opened it again, only to have yet another 100 fractals to look through or save? I always feel it's ungrateful just to delete them. :-D. And you might think Tierazon doesn't do that - throw random fractals at you - but it's a seething mass of randomness all on its little own.

Anyway, thanks for the comments! I'll try the suggestion for Wandering Star - or maybe I'll get the cat to try it, heh.

But now I smell supper downstairs... black pudding, I think, and boiled vegetables with mayonnaise.

Another offering from the first set of parameters... Seagull's Flight

Another from me from the SolarPanels paramaters.
The Orb

Sorry for the lateness of my response here ladies ... just left you both some additional comments on your images' pages.

Nice work, once again.

Now ... if you will excuse me ... I am about to find out how far back, I backed up my Apop parameter files, lol.

*cross your fingers ... I'm ... goin' in ...*

*leaves behind a pot of tea and some **Raisins First** cookies (**oatmeal raisin cookies** ... with, yes ... you guessed it ... a lot ... a lot ... of raisins, lol) *

I hope this is not a dead thread. This is my first fractal using Apop Learning Curve. This is the first set of parameters.

Paul

Ooh, I'd forgotten about this.
Lets have some more of your wonderful param's Les...me and my enthusiasm are back lol

Lets have some more parameters to play with..pretty please :)