12 August 2008

Image Editing

Image editing encompasses the processes of altering images, whether they be digital photographs, traditional analog photographs, or illustrations. Traditional analog image editing is known as photo retouching, using tools such as an airbrush to modify photographs, or editing illustrations with any traditional art medium. Graphic software programs, which can be broadly grouped into vector graphics editors, raster graphics editors, and 3d modelers, are the primary tools with which a user may manipulate, enhance, and transform images. Many image editing programs are also used to render or create computer art from scratch.


Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features

Listed below are some of the most used capabilities of the better graphic manipulation programs. The list is by no means all inclusive. There are a myriad of choices associated with the application of most of these features.

Selection

One of the prerequisites for many of the applications mentioned below is a method of selecting part(s) of an image, thus applying a change selectively without affecting the entire picture. Most graphics programs have several means of accomplishing this, such as a marquee tool, lasso, vector-based pen tools as well as more advanced facilities such as edge detection, masking, alpha compositing, and color and channel-based extraction.

Layers

Another feature common to many graphics applications is that of Layers, which are analogous to sheets of transparent acetate (each containing separate elements that make up a combined picture), stacked on top of each other, each capable of being individually positioned, altered and blended with the layers below, without affecting any of the elements on the other layers. This is a fundamental workflow which has become the norm for the majority of programs on the market today, and enables maximum flexibility for the user whilst maintaining non-destructive editing principles and ease of use.

Image size alteration

Image editors can resize images in a process often called image scaling, making them larger, or smaller. High image resolution cameras can produce large images which are often reduced in size for Internet use. Image editor programs use a mathematical process called resampling to calculate new pixel values whose spacing is larger or smaller than the original pixel values. Images for Internet use are kept small, say 640 x 480 pixels which would equal 0.3 megapixels.

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Cropping an image

Cropping an image

Digital editors are used to crop images. Cropping creates a new image by selecting a desired rectangular portion from the image being cropped. The unwanted part of the image is discarded. Image cropping does not reduce the resolution of the area cropped. Best results are obtained when the original image has a high resolution. A primary reason for cropping is to improve the image composition in the new image.

Uncropped image from camera
Uncropped image from camera
Lilly cropped from larger image
Lilly cropped from larger image








source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features >>Histogram and Noise removal

Histogram

Image editors have provisions to create an image histogram of the image being edited. The histogram plots the number of pixels in the image (vertical axis) with a particular brightness value (horizontal axis). Algorithms in the digital editor allow the user to visually adjust the brightness value of each pixel and to dynamically display the results as adjustments are made. Improvements in picture brightness and contrast can thus be obtained.

Sunflower image
Sunflower image
Histogram of Sunflower image
Histogram of Sunflower image

Noise removal

Image editors may feature a number of algorithms which can add or remove noise in an image. JPEG artifacts can be removed; dust and scratches can be removed and an image can be de-speckled. Noise removal merely estimates the state of the scene without the noise and is not a substitute for obtaining a "cleaner" image. Excessive noise reduction leads to a loss of detail, and its application is hence subject to a trade-off between the undesirability of the noise itself and that of the reduction artifacts.

Noise tends to invade images when pictures are taken in low light settings. A new picture can be given an 'antiquated' effect by adding uniform monochrome noise.

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Removal of unwanted elements

Most image editors can be used to remove unwanted branches, etc, using a "clone" tool. Removing these distracting elements draws focus to the subject, improving overall composition.

Notice the branch in the original
Notice the branch in the original
The eye is drawn to the center of the globe
The eye is drawn to the center of the globe









source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Selective color change

Some image editors have color swapping abilities to selectively change the color of specific items in an image, given that the selected items are within a specific color range.
source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Image orientation


Image orientation: left–original; center–30° CCW rotation; right–flopped .
Image orientation: left–original; center–30° CCW rotation; right–flopped .


Image editors are capable of altering an image to be rotated in any direction and to any degree. Mirror images can be created and images can be horizontally flipped or vertically flopped. A small rotation of several degrees is often enough to level the horizon, correct verticality (of a building, for example), or both. Rotated images usually require cropping afterwards, in order to remove the resulting gaps at the image edges.



source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Perspective correction and distortion

Some image editors allow the user to distort (or "transform") the shape of an image. While this might also be useful for special effects, it is the preferred method of correcting the typical perspective distortion which results from photographs being taken at an oblique angle to a rectilinear subject. Care is needed while performing this task, as the image is reprocessed using interpolation of adjacent pixels, which may reduce overall image definition. The effect mimics the use of a perspective correction lens, which achieves a similar correction in-camera without loss of definition.











Perspective correction: left–original, uncorrected
right–perspective distortion removed.


source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Sharpening and softening images

Graphics programs can be used to both sharpen and blur images in a number of ways, such as unsharp masking or deconvolution.[1] Portraits often appear more pleasing when selectively softened (particularly the skin and the background) to better make the subject stand out. This can be achieved with a camera by using a large aperture, or in the image editor by making a selection and then blurring it. Edge enhancement is an extremely common technique used to make images appear sharper, although purists frown on the result as appearing unnatural.

Lens correction

Photo manipulation packages have functions to correct images for various lens distortions including pincushion, fisheye and barrel distortions. The corrections are in most cases subtle, but can improve the appearance of some photographs.


source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

Image editor features>>Selecting and merging of images

Many graphics applications are capable of merging one or more individual images into a single file. The orientation and placement of each image can be controlled. The two images shown here were once individual studio portraits.

When selecting a raster image that is not rectangular, it requires separating the edges from the background, also known as silhouetting. This is the digital version of cutting out the image. Clipping paths may be used to add silhouetted images to vector graphics or page layout files that retain vector data. Alpha compositing, allows for soft translucent edges when selecting images. There are a number of ways to silhouette an image with soft edges including selecting the image or its background by sampling similar colors, selecting the edges by raster tracing, or converting a clipping path to a raster selection. Once the image is selected, it may be copied and pasted into another section of the same file, or into a separate file. The selection may also be saved in what is known as an alpha channel.

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_image_editing#Basics_of_image_editing

A popular way to create a composite image like this one is to use transparent layers. In this case, the "background image" shown at left was placed as the bottom layer. The layer marked "Original Image" at left was then added as a second layer in a multi-layer document. Using an image layer mask, all but the girl are hidden from the layer, giving the impression that she has been added to the background layer. Performing a merge in this manner preserves all of the pixel data on both layers to more easily enable future changes (such as adding the second individual) in the new merged image.


Orginal Image Background Image


Merged Image

05 August 2008

Please Save Google AdSense!

Please Save Google AdSense!


Entah kapan tepatnya, tapi beberapa bulan lalu saya mendapat telepon dari seseorang yang mengaku tinggal di Yogyakarta. Ia, yang ternyata seorang publisher AdSense, dengan sedikit panik, menanyakan bagaimana cara mencairkan cek dari Google AdSense yang baru saja ia terima dan apakah menggunakan jasa-jasa pencairan instan tersebut aman atau tidak. Setelah sedikit bercakap, ternyata kepanikannya tersebut dikarenakan minggu depan adiknya harus membayar kuliah dan satu-satunya harapan solusi ada pada selembar cek dari Citibank New York. Syukurlah, beberapa hari kemudian rekan tersebut memberi kabar bahwa cek telah cair dengan selamat dan pendidikan adiknya pun ikut terselamatkan.


Ada satu kisah lagi.


Minggu lalu, rekan lain jauh-jauh berkunjung dari Malang. Ia baru saja keluar dari pekerjaannya dan mulai menekuni bisnis internet, termasuk AdSense. Yang menarik adalah, pekerjaan lamanya menuntutnya untuk sedikit banyak masuk ke dalam dunia “gelap”. Pertentangan batin antara moral dan kebutuhan hidup akhirnya terpecahkan setelah ia mengenal bisnis internet. Ya, seperti disebutkan di atas, rekan Ngalam ini kemudian berhenti dari pekerjaan lamanya dan memilih untuk berbisnis internet. “Cari duit dari bisnis yang jauh dari maksiat“, begitu kira-kira alasannya.


Dua cerita tersebut jelas bukan cerita langka. Banyak guliran kisah lain yang berhubungan dengan AdSense dan bisnis internet.


Dari yang sekedar menambah uang saku, membiayai pernikahan, membayar hutang orang tua, hingga membiayai pengobatan dirinya (bukan orang Indonesia sih, tapi merupakan contoh yang paling tepat untut kasus tersebut) atau saudaranya.


Sungguh naif sekali jika ada yang mengatakan bahwa mencari uang dari AdSense adalah pekerjaan orang-orang berduit dan hanya bertujuan untuk memperkaya diri (sengaja tidak saya link karena malas kasih backlink ke orang yang berpendapat seperti itu).


Tapi yang lebih bangsat keterlaluan lagi adalah orang-orang yang dengan sengaja mematikan bisnis internet di Indonesia.


Apabila Anda menganggap metode double reissue sudah cukup jahat, saya yakin Anda akan kaget jika mendengar ada yang dengan sengaja memalsukan cek AdSense (beserta KTPnya) dan mencoba mencairkannya ke salah satu jasa pencairan cek instan!


Mungkin bangsa kita memang jagonya dalah urusan bunuh-membunuh dan khianat-mengkhinati antar sesama. Lha wong gak boleh pinjam handuk saja sahabat karib bisa dibacok, apalagi yang menyangkut masalah duit…


Di luar kesengajaan itu, jumlah pemain AdSense di Indonesia yang di-banned pun semakin banyak. Saya yakin yang menimpa rekan Isnaini beberapa waktu lalu tidak dapat dilupakan dengan mudah oleh semua publisher AdSense.


Terus terang saya setuju dengan pendapat mas Jabier yang menyatakan bahwa banyak publisher AdSense baru yang “salah jalan” dan menganggap bahwa AdSense adalah bisnis main-main. Bisnis instan yang katanya hanya beberapa jam situs web online kita sudah bisa dapat $$$.


Pemicunya? Sekali lagi saya sependapat dengan tudingan kepada penyelenggara seminar dan kursus AdSense serta bisnis internet yang mulai menjamur. Tidak semuanya tentunya, tapi mereka-mereka yang hanya mementingkan gendutnya dompet mereka sendiri dengan menjanjikan instanitas perolehan dolar dari AdSense. Ujung-ujungnya, yang awam pun mengira bahwa click exchange dan click fraud adalah hal yang sudah sewajarnya dilakukan.


Apalagi seminar diimbuhi dengan jargon-jargon hebat ; “Menjaring ribuan dollar dari Adsense !”, “Cara Kaya liwat Google”, “Cara Mudah Berburu Dollar “, “Cara Klik Google Paling Aman”, dll, dll.



Saya sendiri pernah “menyamar” dan mengikuti salah satu kursus AdSense yang diselenggarakan online. Materi-materi awalnya memang standard dan tampak valid. Namun buntutnya, pelajaran tentang cara melakukan pertukaran klik yang baik dan benar.


Mungkin hampir tidak ada yang tahu bahwa saya menyelenggarakan kursus AdSense berbayar, yang jujur saja, peminatnya sangat sedikit. Kenapa? Dari awal saya selalu mengatakan tidak dapat memberikan klaim masalah penghasilan karena bisnis internet itu sendiri tidak semudah membalikkan telapak tangan (untuk saya sekali pun). Selain itu, hampir semua yang berminat untuk mengikuti kursus selalu saya minta untuk terlebih dahulu belajar secara otodidak di blog ini dengan harapan tidak melewatkan artikel ini. Dan sepertinya sukses, yang membaca artikel tersebut semakin banyak dan peserta kursus semakin sedikit, hehehe.

Untuk seminar? Wah, pendapat saya masih sama dengan sebelumnya. Kebanyakan seminar tetap saja menjual janji dan menunjukkan sisi surganya tanpa mengenalkan sudut lain dari yang disebut sebagai “prospek keberhasilan. Bukan omong kosong karena saya pun terkadang hadir di seminar-seminar tersebut (apalagi kalau gratis, hehehe).


Kembali ke masalah banned dan click fraud, untuk kesekian kalinya saya mendengar rumor masalah rencana Google untuk melakukan massive sweeping bagi publisher AdSense Indonesia. Informasinya belum jelas, walaupun begitu tetap saja membuat makan tak lahap dan tidur tak nyenyak, hehehe. Namun apabila kejadian itu benar-benar terjadi, saya mungkin akan bersikap egois dan berharap bahwa setidaknya account saya aman dari sweeping.


Oke. Saya bohong. Saya juga berharap teman-teman publisher AdSense semua lolos dari razia tersebut. Khususnya semua yang selama ini sudah bersikap fair play terhadap aturan-aturan Google AdSense.


Oleh karena itu mungkin sudah saatnya bagi kita untuk bersikap pro-aktif dalam melindungi dan menjaga kelangsungan bisnis Google AdSense di Indonesia. Hindari melakukan kecurangan dan ingatkan jika ada orang lain yang melakukannya. Jika tidak mempan, laporkan saja kepada pihak Google AdSense. Takut karena ada kemungkinan account Anda diisengi? Tidak perlu karena toh jika sweeping benar-benar terjadi, belum tentu account Anda (dan saya) akan lolos. Jika masih takut, baca artikel ini untuk P3K click fraud.


Mari kita selamatkan Google AdSense dari kehancurannya di Indonesia.


Please Save Google AdSense!



Artikel ini ditulis oleh Cosa Aranda dan pertama kali dipublikasikan pada tanggal 28 August 2007. Artikel ini disponsori oleh LowonganPekerjaan.Net, situs penyedia informasi lowongan kerja terbaru. Artikel bebas untuk didistribusikan ulang untuk keperluan non-komersil selama mencantumkan nama penulis dan sumber artikel serta tidak merubah isi.

02 August 2008

enchain and padlock

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