Tutorial: Using the PhotoStage backdrop
A few PhotoStage users have suggested that a post series containing short tutorials explaining how to use PhotoStage would be good. I think that’s a great idea, so here I am starting. Most of the material that I will go through can be found in the User’s Manual, so don’t forget that this is a good source of information.
I assume that you know how to touch the control box to obtain the main menu. The control box is that orange cube that comes with the PhotoStage, and which often sits next to the backdrop.
Today I will examine the PhotoStage backdrop, that large curved surface against which you often photograph your model. When you rez (or reset) your PhotoStage, the backdrop is plain grey. You can change three things about it: colour, texture and brightness, which are, precisely, the three options that you see if you click the Backdrop button on the main menu.
People are posting about the PhotoStage
It’s only two days after we released the PhotoStage, and people are already posting about it. See some comments:
- Helix Rehula: “Hello PhotoStage …goodbye PhotoSphere” (in Spanish)
- Serenity Mercier: “definitely worth checking out for anyone serious about Second Life photography”
What do you think? Let us know!
PhotoStage is out
PhotoStage is out!
You can find it at the Ananke Media Systems Demo Site in Lady Vale. It is also available from SLExchange and OnRez on the web.
PhotoStage demonstration sessions
Accompanying the release of PhotoStage, we are happy to announce that we will be holding various demonstration sessions on Tuesday 22nd January between 1 am and 9 am SLT.
If you are interested in seeing PhotoStage in action, please contact us on ananke.media.systems@gmail.com to organise the time and place.
PhotoStage beta testing closing soon
The beta testing phase of PhotoStage is closing this weekend. Many thanks to all those who have helped us identify issues and potential improvements. Oh, and check out the photos that Alaska Metropolitan of Metro Models has been taking with PhotoStage.
In total, 32 individual issues where recorded, most of which were usability annoyances, with suggestions for improvement coming second. Of the 32 issues, 22 have been fixed already, and a new version of PhotoStage (1.0.4 beta) containing these fixes has been made available today to beta testers via automatic updates. PhotoStand is also included in this release, and the online user’s manual has also been updated.
We plan to release the final product next week on SLExchange and OnRez initially. We are also considering the possibility of an inworld store.
Modelling stand added to PhotoStage
Some of our beta testers have suggsted that PhotoStage should include a modelling stand in the package. Although you can get modelling stands from a number of sources, we agree that bundling one together with PhotoStage completes the product nicely. Therefore, we have developed PhotoStand, a simple modelling stand designed to work together with PhotoStage and PhotoLite.
PhotoStage will come with PhotoStand from the very first moment, and PhotoLite too as soon as it is available. The User’s Manual is already online.
PhotoStage begins beta testing
Development of PhotoStage has been completed. Today, PhotoStage begins beta testing with a few selected partners, including:
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Alaska Metropolitan, director of Metro Models
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Bella March, photographer
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Chriz Palen, photographer
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Desdemona Enfield, scripter and special effects specialist
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Lillie Yifu from 22nd Century Yedo
- Serenity Mercier, freelance photographer, model and writer
Thank you to all of them!
Beta testing basically means that different people representing future users test the product in real-life situations and provide feedback for improvements before the product is commercially released.
If you are interested in helping us beta test PhotoStage, please contact us as soon as possible and we will discuss how you can participate.
We expect beta testing to take a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for a final release date.
PhotoStage User’s Manual available now
I have just posted the preliminary version of the PhotoStage User’s Manual. Have a look and feel free to leave your comments. Thankies.
Contact
I have set up an email address for you to contact us. Please send your emails to ananke.media.systems@gmail.com. Thank you.
Hi
Hi,
This is my new blog where I will post news, tips and other information about the products and technologies of Ananke Media Systems, my business in Second Life. I am planning to focus on tools for photographers and written media artists, although I may extend to neighbouring areas later.
I hope to launch my first product, PhotoStage, in one week or two at the latest. Stay tuned.
Ananké Media Systems 