The software is called “PhotoKit” and is available from Pixel Genius for only $49.95. I bought Mac version and it is wonderful. I have played around with it now and have found that you can get varying degrees of whatever you want that looks similar to what you used to be able to do with your old lens filters and drop-down tools. Even more possibilities are now available to you. One of my favorites is ability to lasso areas and “clear” results of diffusion keeping eyes and teeth sparkly and sharp.

Now that you are no longer needing actual lens filters you may make same mistake I did originally and not have your lens hood or bellows shade on digital camera. This is a mistake especially with digital; you still need to shade your lens from any ambient light even more than you did when you used film as exposure latitude is not as great as it was with film and milky images are even more devastating with digital capture. You will get vignetting from shading device at wider angles but just do what you did before you had access to zoom lenses and take hood off when using wide angles. (Most pros using medium format film cameras did not have zoom lenses.) You shouldn’t use anything below a normal lens for portraits anyway. (The 35mm lens setting with digital cameras).

If there is a downside to doing your diffusion in computer now it’s that customer can’t really see results on proof, so they have to “trust” your artistic license. But it was like this with retouching too so there will be a short new education curve for your clientele to learn, or to save yourself from disaster you might offer a second proof appointment to show customer a proof of their selected images with added softening or diffusion. It’s going to take more time and you’ll end up with having to rework some things more than you want so I’d only recommend this for customers like mine who’s initial concern was diffusion issue. You may also consider adding fees for “enhancement” to your price list just like you did for retouching and put such things as vignetting, softening and retouching all under heading of “enhancement”. You can even charge a proofing fee for those who want to proof how finished results will look, or else they “sign-off” that they accept any modifications sight-unseen.

In summary, softening and diffusion can be done effectively and professionally but it’s not as easy as it used to be when you’d just pick filter you wanted and pop it over lens. Your old on-camera lens filters will often turn your digital images to “mush” or images of weak contrast that may or may not be salvageable.

Those Darn Lights

Next, to use invisible thread, you have to know how to use correct lighting. If you are a magician or just practicing to be one and you want to perform tricks with invisible thread, remember that lighting is crucial. The two main factors to consider when using thread reel are light source and clothing. Typically, best conditions for a magic trick with invisible thread are cloudy days and worst, direct lighting that comes from behind you. With this, light will only reflect off thread, thus being seen by audience. For clothing, anything dark will serve as a backdrop for thread, thus making it easier to see. For this reason, you should go with lighter, non-reflective type clothing. Magic is always fun and with some practice, you will soon learn a number of magic tricks with invisible thread, perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Methodology

The sixth of seven magic trick tips using invisible thread has to do with methods of performing tricks, such as Hoop Pass. This is actually considered one of greatest tricks you can do with invisible thread reel, which involves passing a solid hoop over a bill. The key is to use a ring with a relatively thick stock, which will put less strain on thread as it goes over metal hoop. Lay hoop on thread so it is between you and floating bill. Then, with your hand, scoop ring through so thread is now on back of left hand. Next, use right hand to pass hoop over bill. To complete trick, all you do is let thread slide off from back of your hand. Remember, this is just one of many methods used with invisible thread, so have fun practicing them all.

Finishing Show

The final tip is that whatever trick being performed using invisible thread and/or a reel, it should never kill effect. In other words, you want to keep your audience wanting more. If you carry a trick on too far, you will lose interest of audience so it would be far better to keep tricks short and sweet. In addition, put some meaning and emphasis in your performances to leave your audience with a memory of your magic ability. We recommend you use invisible thread late in your show, which will end performance on a fun note.