SL Tips & Tricks: Correct positioning of eyes in photos

In Second Life, eyes are the life for an avatar ~ it is where soul of one’s avatar radiates from. Although eyes are a very small detail they can break or make your look, especially in photographs. In this article you will learn how to effectively position your avatar eyes or your model’s eyes so that they have more natural appearance and are not rolling in the back of your head. This would give your photos more professional feel and your avatar would look more realistic and not drunk, crazy or on drugs.

WHAT IS ROLLING EYES & HOW TO SPOT THEM?

“Rolling eyes” is the term used for when eyes are not positioned in a natural way and are sort of rolling to either sides covering most of the iris.

Here are some examples.

BAD EXAMPLE

You can see that middle of the eye is not visible at all in this example. Try doing this eye position in RL and you will see that you would not be able to see anything when doing it.

GOOD EXAMPLE

Correct position for this particular pose would be something like this. Of course this is not the only way to position the eyes, you can actually have them more to the side and looking in various directions as long as the center of the eye is clearly visible.

Unfortunately, rolling eyes are more common that you think. Now that you know what they look like you will be able to spot them everywhere; from your favorite blog to quality fashion publications, perhaps even in your own collections. Overcoming the problem of “rolling eyes” is easy however, see for yourself…

HOW TO GET CORRECT EYE POSITION

1) Rezz ball on the ground – color it in any color you like – this will be your “eye ball” which you will to control your eyes with

2) Bring up Advance menu (Ctrl + Shift + Alt + D)

3) Go to Rendering > Types > Particles and check it of. This would ensure that while your ball is selected when self photographing you do not see particles leading from your hand to the ball.

4) Position your camera on your avatar – frame it the way you like it.

5) Zoom out so that you can select your “eye ball” which you rezzed on the ground. Right click and go to edit = selecting eye ball.

6) While in edit move your ball around using arrows, zooming from time to time to your face to check where your eyes are looking.

7) Once you are happy with the position of your eyes take the shot all while you still have your ball selected. Or you can move your camera in different position and select the ball again then take the shot. And that’s pretty much it!

TIPS & TRICKS

Having your ball selected at all times will direct your eyes to the ball which means you have full control of exactly where your eyes are looking.

Turning your particles off will allow you to snap while your ball is selected without particles being in the photo.

If you lose your eyes while adjusting camera position simply right click on it again to select it and move back into the shot.

If you are working with models ask them to hold ALT and click on the ball to focus on it and let go off the mouse when done so. Move the ball around and make sure their eyes are following it to ensure they have done so. If not, tell them to do it again.

If the pose does have pretty straight head position while on the stand simply hold CTRL + ALT and click on your chest to place eyes in the middle. This also works great for models during runway shows as it stabilizes their eyes.

If you got any questions or like this article don’t forget to comment.

Happy Snapping!

Mythology

The faun is a rustic forest god or place-spirit of Roman mythology. The faun is a half human half goat manifestation of forest and animal spirits which would help or hinder humans at whim. Romans believed fauns inspired fear in men traveling in lonely, remote or wild places but were also capable of guiding humans in need.

I am proud to feature the works of 6 talented designers in SL to complete this look. They are:

1. Casa CheerNo

Casa CheerNo offers high fashion couture, skin and hair for men. The recently released butterfly accessory is an excellent addition to any fantasy outfit or haute couture. Besides the summer butterfly shown in the picture, they also have winter and fall butterfly collection to match different outfits.

2.  Gauze

Be it faun, demon or merfolk. Gauze offers one of the best selection of demon and faun legs and merfolk tails in SL.

Featured in the picture is the black faun legs from the Natural color set. The set comes with 4 different colors giving you full or half fur layer option. The sculpted lower legs are awesome.

3. Illusions

Illusions is one of the most prominent store known for their beautifully crafted horns, wings, hats, ears and mask with detailed textures. A store you must visit if you are looking for fantasy parts or accesories to complete your look.

I have selected Nivicola Horns among the many available ram horns in the store to compliment the masculine look of the shape and skin used. The horns are also scripted to offer you 12 different choice of colors to match your overall appearance.  The Hedera arm cuffs and bracelet were also used to give the look a natural and a more softer look, (parts sold seperately in-store)

4. MADesigns

Recently being awarded Best Shape Store during GLANCE Fashion Awards, the store has an array of both female and male shapes and hair to suit different personality. I think the latest Complete Avatar collection is fabulous. Featured in the picture is Mel. It comes with MADesign’s Jake hair, eyes, the eyebrow, the shape and skin from Bad@zz.

5. Mandala

Every piece of their work were carefully designed and crafted. The Amida necklace was used because of it’s simplicity and ancient touch in this piece. Other colors available in-store.

6. Slink

SLink sells great looking elf ears and sculpted feet which comes with an amazing HUD so you can change the color of the ears and feet to match as close as possible to your skin tone.

<complete style credits after the jump>

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KMADD Show/ Party / Freebies TODAY @ Menswear Fashion Week

As you know KMADD is proud supported and one of the official sponsors of Menswear Fashion Week. There are 2 events happening today at MWFW which will feature MADesigns product:

7:30PM SLT  Men’s Undergear / KMADD Shape Show
9:00PM SLT  KMADD Industry Party

Freebie box packed with MADesigns goodies awaits you when you hit the dance floor to party with us + there are best dressed prizes to be won.

We hope to see you there!

LOCATION: Menswear Fashion Week Events Stage

Passing Through

For this look I used the MADesigns Complete Avatar.  The complete avatar collections offers skin, shape, hair, eyes, and a specific facial hair/eyebrow all in one pack.  You just have to wear all the items and your avatar is ready to go!

The Complete Avatar used here is Magnus….

complete style credits after the jump >

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The Red Jacket

For this look, I am using Taine, one of MADesigns’ Complete Avatars. The complete avatars come with the skin, hair, eyes and shape. The Complete Avatars range from 1500 L$ to 2500 L$ depending on the skin. Taine cost 2000 L$. If you’re new to Secondlife or just want to make a quick change, the Complete Avatars are the best, and the cheapest way to go.

<complete style notes after the jump>

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Menswear Fashion Week

Menswear Fashion Week 2011 March 18th- 25th

KMADD is once again sponsor of Menswear Fashion Week, providing hair for models who will be participating in numerous fashion shows scheduled for this year’s event.

Visit this year’s MWFW – sim opens tonight at Midnight.

[ click to enlarge ]

KMADD’s Derezzed Tron Legacy Flickr CONTEST

Continuing success of KMADD’s Derezzed Fashion Show and Tron Shape releases you got a chance to win great prizes by participating in KMADD’s Tron Legacy Flickr Contest.

CONTEST DETAILS

KMADD Events Sim is currently hosting Tron Legacy build by Maddox DuPont which was designed specifically for MAD Agency’s DEREZZED Fashion Show & Dance Events.

KMADD’s Derezzed Tron Legacy sim is open to public: 15th of March – 25th of March.
Visit KAMDD Events sim during this time to take your photos and enter the competition.

There are 3 photo categories that are open for submission:

1) AVATAR (single)
Style your avatar in Tron Legacy/Sci-Fi theme and take your photo at KMADD’s Derezzed Tron Legacy sim
You outfit must use at least 1 (one) MADesigns product and if you need an inspiration or would like to see what we are looking for visit:
DEREZZED Tron Legacy Boutique currently @ KMADD or see photos from MAD Agency’s DEREZZED Fashion Show.

2) AVATARS (group)
Create a Tron Legacy scene. Wear your KMADD Enterprise group tag to rezz objects (poses, cycles) at KMADD Events Sim and create a Tron scene with a group of friends. At least one person in the photo must use at least 1 (one) MADesigns Product.

3) LOCATION
Simply take a breathtaking photo of KMADD’s Derezzed Tron Legacy Sim. You can use our windlight settings or use your own (just make sure it fits the theme).

COMPETITION CLOSIGN DATE

All entries must be submitted by 12AM SLT on March 31st.
PLEASE NOTE: KMADD Events Sim closes for photos on 25th of March so your photos would need to be taken before this date but can be submitted anytime by 31st of March.

PRIZES

To be eligible for the prizes and avoid disappointment please read important competition
rules listed below this section.

1) AVATAR (single)
1st place $L5,000 (cash)
2nd place $L2,000 (KMADD Store card)
3rd place $1,000 (KMADD Store card)

2) Avatar (group)
1 x $L1,000 (cash)
Each avatar featured in the photo gets $L1,000
Maximum of $L5,000 will be awarded.

3) Location
5 x $L500 (cash)

COMPETITION RULES

1) To be eligible for prizes you must be KMADD Enterprise group Member. PLEASE NOTE: Subscribomatic members are not eligible to apply unless they join KMADD update group.

To Join KMADD Update Group ~ Search > Groups > KMADD Enterprise > Join (free) or visit KMADD and accept our invite upon arrival.

2) Avatars in the photo MUST feature at least 1 (one) MADesigns product. Name of MADesigns product must be listed in photo description (exact name is needed as listed in your inventory)

3) You photo needs to be submitted to KMADD Flickr group

4) Each photo entered in this competition must have the following tag: KMADD’d Derezzed Flickr Competition Entry
(featured both as tag and in photo description)

5) KMADD Store card prizes are not redeemable for cash. Store cards can only be used on products from MADesigns. Skin and Fashion by other designers hosted @ KMADD are excluded.

6) Late submissions will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS. No response will be given to IMs received regarding this.

7) Judging and Winner decision is decided by KMADD. Our decision is final and no discussion will be entered into regarding your work or wordiness of other entries.

New Releases @ MADesigns | KMADD

[ click on individual images to get a closer look ]

Shapes featured in MAD Agency’s DEREZZED Tron Legacy Inspired Fashion Show are out now!

Shapes were styled by Dahlia Joubert (MODAVIA PRODUCTIONS / MAD Agency model) and shapes were created by MADesigns.

You can see our shapes in action by watching entire DEREZZED Fashion Show machinima or viewing DEREZZED Show photos.

PACKAGE CONTENT: SHAPES ONLY Collection ordinarily includes styling card with details on skin, hair and eyes used and of course MADesigns SHAPE. This special release also includes details on clothing/style.

If you are looking for complete look check out our COMPLETE AVATARS or PREMIUM SHAPE COLLECTION.

PERMISSIONS: Modify / Copy / No Transfer

PRICE: L$700

Demos are available for each shape collection within our store.

PLEASE NOTE: Shape demos have larger ears than the original and their appearance will depend on the skin you are wearing at the time you are trying them.

MADesigns SHAPES | HAIR | EYES | POSES @ KMADD.

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KMADD’s DEREZZED ~ Post Show Notes

[ click images to get a closer look ]

This is the wrap up of our last week show.

Photos are here! You can jump ahead and check them out by visiting KMADD Flickr.

If you have missed DEREZZED Fashion Show you can join KMADD Enterprise group for all future MAD Agency Shows & KMADD Events.

SHOW INFORMATION

Client: MADesigns

Designers/sponsors: Cheerno, Graves, Elixir, MiaMai, sYs, Xeno, Rublik, Grollwerk, NeurolaB inc, Glam Affair, Grim Bros.

Styling: Dahlia Joubert (Modavia Productions / MAD Agency Model)

Show script and show/model management: Risa Bright (MAD Agency Director)

Set design/host: Maddox DuPont (MAD Agency Creative Director / KMADD Owner)

Music: Maddox DuPont & Clark Mactavish

Windlight Settings: Yoho Waco

Location: KMADD Events sim

Host outfits: Graves and Cheerno

For more information on this show see our PRESS RELEASE.

All outfits can be purchased @ KMADD in TRON Legacy Boutique. Both male & female shapes are available on Level 2.

MACHINIMA

All videos from the show are available for download in full resolution on Vimeo from our DEREZZED Album.

PHOTOS

Our official DEREZZED Fashion show photos are on KMADD Flickr ~ preview show highlights in this post or view our larger complete slide show version.

[ click images to get a closer look ]

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