[RESOLVED] bending photo effects

[hipzepi]

Can somemone tell me an easy way to create a bending photo effect similar to that seen here http://www.apple.com/appletv/

Thanks

[WebJoel]

There is a FREE graphic program called "The GIMP" that does this. I do not use it much, -mostly I use it when in Linux, but have done exactly that same thing that you showed using it.

You would need to set-up your 'thumbnail' images in such a way to make the whole image be something like 760-pixels wide, and a few hundred pixels tall. Think 'a brick wall' of images, then screen-capture the whole into one image, and use that.

If you get that far, someone here could 'bend' it for you. I'll do it for you if you get your images lined-up and take a snapshot of the whole.
(If you do not have a 'screenshot' program, I recommend "ScreenHunter". It is FREE, easy to use).

That would be rather neat if we did this, and then 'cut it up' into it's consituant images and made them be 'links'. A little of CSS would get the job done. :)

[hipzepi]

I don't need the thumbs as links, for the purpose of what I am creating. However I will take a screen shot to see if you can help.
Thanks and stay tuned.

[WebJoel]

I did a quickie rendition, -could do much better with an expected layout in mind..

[hipzepi]

Ok. I took your advice and gave it a shot. Attached is what I came up with. I would like to see how you can work with this. Basically I would like to create a subtle bend, as it is seen here http://www.apple.com/appletv/ . Instead of the appletv image I am going to have a logo with a reflection. I created the attached image in Photoshop so if you would like the .psd file to work with I can get that to you. I am very greatful for your help and anxiously wait to see what you can do with the attached file.

P.S. the file is ove the 100kb limit so I have hosted it here for download
http://www.sendspace.com/file/fxkatb

Thanks again.

[WebJoel]

I gave it a quick try, -and optimized so as to fit on this uploader. If the quality isn't good enough, -let me know. I can optimize at a lower level (larger filesize = better quality), and can change the 'bend' ratio if this is not to your liking. -It is very easy to do and this was a quickie-do, so doing it until it is exactly what you need will be no problem. :) I see a slight bell-curve effect on the upper-ends... this can be eliminated if it is not okay.

[hipzepi]

The effect you created was great. Also, after a little tinkering I think I figured out how to replicate this effect in Photoshop. I will send you the link to the webpage when I finish with it. Again, thanks for your time with my request. This was my first time posting to this forum and I found it very helpful. Stay tuned.

Thanks again

[WebJoel]

Actually, I didn't want to sign-off and re-load Linux on the 2nd HDD just to use the GNU-image-manipulation-program ("The GIMP"), so I just used PaintPro and the 'warp tool'. I just downloaded the GIMP for XP, so now I can use it on either HDD.

-I Could a much better job if I took some time and didn't have to compress the *jpg so much to make it fit on the uploader.

YES, -I want to see what you end up with on the site. :D

(and yes, -this is a very active forum. Many talented people come here).

[hipzepi]

This is the end result.

http://www.bostonpoliceacademy.com

I am going to go back and rework the image to improve the quality. However, I ended up with the idea I had in mind (roughly). It more or less serves as a more appealing splash page for the website (than that which was there before).

P.S. I am an officer and not a tech pro ( I just tinker as my hobby)

Thanks again and let me know what you think

[Poxicator]

"There's always three ways of doing things on the Mac, and then some". (I noticed your ICC profile).
Its important to realise that extending that black bgrnd will stop your image clipping. I found an easy way of doing this effect within PS, something that's worth using for a multiple of warping. Make your image a layer, EDIT/TRANSFORM/WARP pull the curve anchors down on each side to achieve your arc. Simple, and I'm rather glad I reminded myself of this.
I created a very quick version doing exactly as above but I'd probably take a bit more care to extend the warping through the whole image to help the distortion.

BTW I noticed your image has more thumbnails than the original I linked to but hopefully you can create this yourself.

[hipzepi]

Thnaks for taking the time.

[WebJoel]

-Forgot about this thread. -Nicely done!! I like that the bottom is 'curved' while the top stays 'horizontal'. -Gives it more of a perspective-view.

I think I learned a trick or two here today... :)