News
S.U.P.E.R. Part 11: Vivid-Pix Picture-Fix Software
In our ongoing series S.U.P.E.R. (Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews), Nick and Caroline Robertson Brown from Frogfish Photography review new underwater photography equipment, general diving equipment, and some older favourites too.
For the eleventh instalment of S.U.P.E.R., Nick and Caroline take a look at the Vivid-Pix Picture-Fix Software.
Vivid-Pix have created a very simple piece of software to use that has been designed especially for underwater images. If you want a simple, “one-click” solution to improve your images, then this might be for you. You can even edit multiple images at once, so if you have a series of very green or blue, washed out looking images, you can process them all in a couple of minutes.
Before
After
Once you have selected your image(s) to edit, the software gives you a grid of 9 different images so that you can select which one you like best. The software adjusts colour, brightness, contrast and sharpness. Once you have selected your preferred option, both the original and the edited version of the image are opened up in the software. You can then make further adjustments, such as rotating, cropping, converting to black and white, and tweaking the colours, brightness and contrast. Most of the controls are done using sliders that allow you to move back and forth on each setting until you are happy. You can compare your corrections to the original (in the left hand panel) and see if you like your work.
Once you are satisfied with the image you have, simply select the button marked Save Vivid-Pix and the image will be saved into the same folder with a different name, so that you still have your original file too.
This software is not aimed at the serious underwater photographer, but at divers who like to take photos on their dives and want a quick and easy way to improve their underwater images. It can only process jpg files, and does not offer a huge array of editing tools that more expensive and complicated software on the market do. But it is simple and fun to use.
The website has video tutorials to talk you through how to use the software, and you will pick it up in minutes as it really is intuitive to use. The price is $49.99 (approx. £35) and you can see if you like before buying the software by using a 30 day trial option.
Be sure to give it a try (and you can even win a copy of the software in the Scubaverse monthly photo contest).
For more information visit www.vivid-pix.com.
To find out more about Nick and Caroline and Frogfish Photography, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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