The DreamSuite Series One Focus filter (and many of the 18 filters in the DreamSuite package), provide an efficient and convenient way to do something that's normally done using Photoshop filters. Other DreamSuite filters provide a method of doing something that's typically not done using Photoshop filters. Let's take a brief look at two of DreamSuite's more unique filters, which perform tasks not usually associated with Photoshop filters.

The DreamSuite Instamatic Filter
The DreamSuite Instamatic filter is used to create a Polaroid Instamatic-styled frame for your photo. In many cases, the default settings applied when you first open the Instamatic filter will be sufficient. However, if you're into fine-tuning and experimenting, you'll find a wide variety of additional features available on the Instamatic filter's Control tab.

The Instamatic filter uses a grayish white tone as its default color, but you can change to any other color by clicking on the "Frame Color" color box near the top of the Control tab. Control sliders are also available for "aging" the Instamatic frame, and/or aging the image itself. The aging frame effect is accomplished by applying a slight yellowing to the frame, while the aging image effect applies a milder yellowing, and combines it with a very mild blur.

By default, the Instamatic filter applies a bump map to the surface of the Instamatic frame. You can change the bump map by clicking on the texture button, or remove the bump map completely, to create a frame with a glossy appearance. Frames can also be duplicated by clicking the Clone button and then rotated using the Transform button, to create the appearance of a stack of Instamatic frames (#6).

#6. The DreamSuite Instamatic filter can be used to create as many Effect Layers as desired.

The DreamSuite Tape Filter
The DreamSuite Tape filter is used to "patch up" images by applying a realistic looking tape effect. Although there are literally dozens of fine-tuning options available, using the Tape filter is very straightforward. Four types of tape are available: Transparent, Masking, Sports, and Duct. I also found that it's very easy to create a fifth type of tape, Black Electrical, by selecting Duct tape, and then replacing the normal silver reflection map with a black reflection map.

When you open the Tape filter, a piece of masking tape will appear across the center of the your photo. You can change the type of tape by clicking on the Type button at the top of the Tape Control tab. You can then click on the Transform button, and move, rotate, and re-size the tape just as you would move and re-size an ellipse when using the Focus filter. The Tape filter uses a combination of color, bump maps, and reflection maps to enable creating a convincing tape effect (#7).

#7. Duct, Masking, Sports, and Electrical tape being used on an Instamatic photo.

DreamSuite Series One Pro is available for Windows and Mac from Auto FX Software. The entire 18 filter package sells for $199, and individual filters can be purchased for $50 each.

A visual look at how bump and reflection mapping works.

For more information, contact Auto FX Software, 151 Narrows Pkwy, Ste. E, Birmingham, AL 35242; (205)
980-0056; www.autofx.com.

Anthony L. Celeste appreciates feedback from his readers. You may contact him via e-mail at: aceleste@comcast.net.