What is FF for?

Hi jefflins, I'm new here too and I have been asking myself similar questions, from a different perspective (3D modelling) though. I just add what came to my mind.

I found Filter Forge several weeks ago when I was searching for a specific texture for a mesh. Can't remember what it was exactly -- maybe ceramics, it seems to be easy to land on FF procedural textures in the web. And that's fine!

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I can totally see myself getting the software just to play with. It's definitely a cool piece of work, and I think it could just be a lot of fun to try and get creative and see what I can do with it.

This is exactly what happened to me. I could not stop playing with the software, because it opens a fascinating new perspective on 2D computer graphics. It strikes me a a "mathematical" access -- as compared to the more direct, sensory impact when painting with software or much more so when painting with colors on paper.

In between rushing after new ideas I have been asking myself some questions. For instance: What is the powerful lighting apparatus in FF 2 exactly intended for? 3D meshes and scenes have to be rendered anyway, often "2D-textures" will be good enough or even better for coloring (in conjunction with normal maps etc.).

I read some intensive and informative discussions in this forum, dating from 2006 onwards, about the usage of and market for textures. Procedural textures cover only part or it.

What is Filter Forge for me at this moment?
A 2D graphic software in its own right. There is all kinds of specialized "2D software" out there, for instance for photo editing, painting, scetching, drawing cartoons, making icons, making sprites, making textures, vector graphics software, chart software, viewers etc... I see Filter Forge as "node-software" for lack of a better/correct term.

What do i use it for? I intended to produce textures for meshes but Filter Forge kind of kidnapped me and took me on a long detour...

It inspires me to revisit school mathematics and I even have started doing so

But it mainly offers new outlooks on the possibilities of 2D graphics by supporting a creative process that produces "meta pictures". By "meta pictures" I mean the design of processes that can generate a whole range of pictures in their turn. This requires a special way of focussing. We can produce "living works" so to say. I am curious how long this enthusiasm will carry me and where it will lead to!

I am also curious, what others here would say, who have more and much more experience with Filter Forge or possibly even those who design/ed it -- although I am sure, the developers are very busy at this moment of transition to a new version. Good luck!

Have a good day!

Hi jefflins,

FF is definitely not just for photography. People here use it for all sorts of things. Image editing is part. Textures for 2d. Textures for 3d. Game development (the various render maps make FF excellent for this). Map making. RPG map making. Making signs. Scrap-booking. There seem to be some people here just for the math. In short, pretty much anything you might use Pshop for can be enhanced w/ FF.

Mainly I use it to make Pshop go faster. Suppose I have a complicated pshop process to apply to an image, or a bunch of images. I can usually make a filter that does what I need it to do, and then have all the built in controls, etc to tweak it, and obviate a bunch of work, or do things which would be otherwise impossible in pshop.

>>re: Killer Apps
I know at least one person who bought FF just for Kochubey's Watercolor filter.

If you are thinking about purchasing FF: you may want to hurry. It's been on 50% sale, which is expiring TOMORROW. It's $150 for the pro version w/ the discount... But in another day, even the regular version will jump up to $199.

I'm a photographer and one look at the Filter Forge Gallery convinced me that there is NOTHING out there that can do what some of these filters can do. A big THANK YOU to the folks that create these filters and make them available in the library. I would not have purchased FF at the regular price, but the 70% off sale is awesome and brought the program down to a price I can afford. THANKS FF!

If you're a photographer, take a few minutes to browse the gallery to see the incredible effects these filters can have on your photos.

Not to be self-promoting, but here are a few photographer-oriented filters of mine that may help you get started. I'm a photographer as well (professionally and as a hobby) among other things.

HDRI Filter
The Photon Chamber (my equivalent of Lightroom but for FF)
Soft Glow
Sepia Tone
Focus Frame (a very old one, but could be useful to someone)

There are also a few by other authors:
Bi-Color (gradient toning)
Photo Retouch
Perfect Skin

Hopefully seeing some of these filters can enlighten you. Lightroom/photoshop are great, but are kind of strict and limited in terms of editing. Filter Forge will bring creativity and dynamicity to the photo-editing process.