The world in one image
I want to show you how to do something a little different with your Infrared images.
Some people call them Planets, Round pics, or Polar Planets.
I came up with the phrase Atypical Realsims for a series I did a few years back.
Done right, they have an artsy look to them.
The steps involved in making one is not difficult, so let’s try it.
I’m going to start with image.
I made this infrared image in the Great Smoky Mountains with a Super Color converted Canon 7DMKII. I balanced the levels, and swapped the Red and Blue color channels.
It’s nice, kinda basic, . . . kinda boring.
To start, I’m going to create a blank image in Photoshop
I’m going to create a blank image that is 10 inches by 10 inches at a resolution of 300 pixels/inch with a white background.
It is important that your new image is square, so that your finished image will be completely round.
Then I will decide how much of the IR image I want to use for my finished image. This is something you will want to try out on your image and adjust for your personal taste. A panorama format tends to look best in the finished image. In this case I have an image that is about 10 inches by 2 inches and the resolution is 300 pixels/inch.
Next drag the image into the New, White Canvas.
Then select Image, Image rotation, Flip Canvas Vertical
Now that the image is upside down, drag it to the top of the canvas.
This is important; the image must be at the very top of the canvas. You will also need to extend the image slightly off the sides on the left and right.
Select Filter, Distort, then Polar Coordinates
Make certain that Rectangular to Polar is selected.
Then click OK.
If all the steps are followed, you should see your new Planet!
It may be small on the canvas.
If so, press ctrl +T, hold the shift key and drag the side of the image to make it larger.
Finally, clean up the line in the image, using either the Healing Brush Tool (bandaid) or the Clone Tool. I also rotated the image. Then to give it a slight 3D look, I added a beveled edge and shadow.
Here it is.
So, what do you think?
Now it’s your turn.
If you create something cool, please consider posting it to our Facebook Page
There are more examples here.
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Dan Wampler
Dan Wampler is a digital artist from St Louis, MO. Having been interested in art and photography since childhood, he spent most of adult life working for Kodak and in the portrait photography industry. A student of the works of Ansel Adams, Any Warhol, and David Hamilton, Dan attempted to keep a wide range of artistic style.
As an early adopter of digital imaging, he found it gave him a way to completely incorporate art and photography. Began shooting Digital Infrared in 2004, and had first camera converted in 2006. His work has been seen in numerous gallery shows, is featured in an iTunes app. He produces Infrared and natural color digital art for sale and teaches his post-production techniques online.
Dan is LifePixel's Creative Director, social media manager, lead blog author, main workshops and training sessions instructor. His images appear in this gallery and throughout the website.
If you have a topic suggestion or request feel free to shoot him an email at danwampler@lifepixel.com
Otherwise all LifePixel customer service inquires should be directed to service@lifepixel.com or by phone at 866-610-1710.
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I can’t seem to increase the size of the planet by following these steps you mentioned above.
“It may be small on the canvas.
If so, press ctrl +T, hold the shift key and drag the side of the image to make it larger.”
When I initiate the transform (Ctrl T) the planet returns to the initial horizontal placement prior to the application of the filter.
What is missing? Should the planet remain circular and I drag it to fill the image size?
HI Ann, If you press ctrl+T you should be able to re-size your polar image on the canvas.
Great idea.
I tried to do it but when I use 10×10 square and drag a photo it becomes pixelized (squareswith different shades of gray)
I have to use 1000×1000 for the photo to look like a photo. What went wrong?
Richard, check the image resolution of the original image and make sure your new image has the same resolution. It sounds like your original image is too big for the new canvas you created.
Amazing photo and trick have an issue. i tried to replicate the image and when I use a 10/10 inch and drag the photo there instead of having the image as is. I see pixels only( different shades of grey squares)
If I use 1000 inch I have the photo the way it is. What went wrong??
Richard, check the image resolution of the original image and make sure your new image has the same resolution. It sounds like your original image is too big for the new canvas you created.
Will this effect work only on panorama photos?
I’m encountering two issues. The first, after the polar coordinates, the center of my image displays part of a transparent background.
The second, the two edges of the photo that meet don’t line up.
I’m not sure where I’m going wrong.
Hi Dan, thanks a lot! This is so well explained that even an amateur can do it easily! Keep sharing such suggestions!
>>Then to give it a slight 3D look, I added a beveled edge and shadow.
These are fantastic, but since I’m a Photoshop idiot, how do you do that last part?
Mike, Go into “Layer”, then “Layer Style”, then select “Drop Shadow” and “Bevel and Emboss”.
That is terrific! I had no idea such a thing could be done. Thanks for the information.