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Old 04-24-2007, 10:37 PM
vidpro vidpro is offline
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Exclamation X-Ray Clarification

I know it's been a while since I've been able to contribute seriously. I'm working on several large-scale projects at the moment. However, I wanted to address, in a repectful manner, a topic which has appeared to create tension at times between forum members. Although I tend to work on many types of censorship removal, it's the X-Ray images that seem to spark the most controversy.

I think the main reason tension is sometimes created is because different people have various opinions on what an X-Ray image is, or at least what their expectations for an X-Ray image are. Everybody has their own preferences when looking at art (and/or in this case, nude female images). The same can be said about the artists (and/or the talented photoshop practitioners who work with these images). Therefore, what I may consider to be an X-Ray image might be different from what other artists might consider an X-Ray image. In turn, what viewers might consider to be an X-Ray image may not be in sync with images I've worked on, or images that other artists have worked on.

Therefore, I thought it would be good to clarify what my personal definition of an X-Ray image is, and I encourage other artists to do the same. That way, viewers know what to expect when trying to appreciate the work that is being performed by a variety of artists.

I submit to you my personal definition of a VidPro X-Ray image, and do so with repsect and appreciation for what other artists do (similarly or dissimilarly):

A VidPro X-Ray is an image that has been modified to reveal more detail than the original image intended, under the following conditions:

1. There is some level of transparency in the clothing that allows for detail to be shown.

- This is important, and there are points to consider. Even a small amount of transparency can be enhanced by someone with a skilled eye to reveal the truth. Given the right tools, a lot of experience, and a trained eye, this is a reasonable objective. However...

- If there is no level of transparency, or it is nominal to the point that even a trained eye and powerful tools can not see the truth, then the image can't become a VidPro X-Ray. Enhancements at this point (as far as I'm concerned, and specifically regarding the images I work on) are guesswork. If it can't be seen, then it shouldn't pretend to be seen.

- Bear in mind, some people (like myself and others) have the ability to see more than the untrained eye, and also have access to tools that aid this endeavor. So, what may be invisible to you, may not be invisible to myself or others.

- However, if it is invisible to me, I will not create images to give the illusion that I see something that's not there.


2. Enhancements for VidPro X-Rays use tools to show what already exists.


- Primarily, the use of contrast adjustments to make the slightly visible much more visible.

- Also Saturation and hue adjustments may be used to match existing skin tones (where appropriate, and where no guesswork is needed).


3. Aesthetics are used to blend the corrections with the remaining image.

- To some degree, this is "touch-up" work. But it is not used as a tool for revealing or guessing. This is used to "clean up" the area around the X-Ray part of the image, so that is blends better with the rest of the picture.

- I don't always do this, but occassionally I will merge the edges or remove pixelized areas for a cleaner result. This does not mean I use Photoshop magic to create areas that were once hidden.


4. It won't be perfect.

- I've come close at times, but the goal here is not to achieve a complete removal of clothing (although that would be nice, if not impractical). The goal is to make more visible that which is already somewhat visible (even in small quantities).

- By seeing the enhanced version, we're already able to appreciate the image more than we were supposed to be able to in the first place. Taking the real life image, and bringing forth the goodies can only really be appreciated if they are the actual, uncontrived goodies (in my opinion).


In closing, before I work on an image, if I can't see what I want to reveal (with both my eyes and the tools I have available) I won't X-Ray the image.

That's my personal take on what I consider to be my style of X-Ray enhancements. It's ok for others to have differeing views and definitions. But I wanted to explain my concept in what I do.

Last edited by vidpro; 04-24-2007 at 10:42 PM.