Something I like to do, from time to time, is go to one of my favorite artist’s page on Flickr and look at the very 1st picture they posted. It’s fun to go through their photo-stream and see how far they’ve come. I’ve asked Ornella Batriani to be our re-creation focus for this issue.
Kitten: Thank you so much, Ornella, for agreeing to be the 1st to do this project with me. I just have a few questions for you. You posted your 1st pic on Flickr in November 2011. How did you get started with SL photography?
Ornella: I have always loved photography so since my arrival on SL I always had this desire to make photos but I lacked a lot of technique
Kitten: Did you have any mentors? Did you teach yourself to take pics?
Ornella: I never had a mentor, but it was when I discovered the photos that Bruno Kessel made that I wanted to do the same. Then I discovered Flickr and I wanted to make more elaborate photos too
Kitten: What tools do you use while taking your shots? (LumiPro, Anypose, etc)
Ornella: I work mainly with Lumipro, Anypose and sometimes Animare. For the viewers I use Firestorm or Black Dragon.
Kitten: What are some of your favorite windlights?
Ornella: I use the windlights of Firestorm a lot and I also downloaded some. My current preferences are Anan Adored Dusty, Firestorm phototools and some others but the list is long.
Kitten: Explain your post pic editing. What types of programs do you use? Any favorite filters?
Ornella: I work on my photos with Photoshop or Polarr editor. I adjust my lights and remove the defects with photoshop and for the filters I use those of Polarr editor which are quite well done.
Kitten: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get started in SL photography or for those who want to progress with their current skills?
Ornella: If I had any advice to give it would be: have fun, take pleasure in doing what you do; the main thing is not to please others but to love your own work.
Don’t worry. You’re not the only one who has no idea how to pronounce his name. But don’t be fooled by his humble British charm. Underneath his shape-shifting, this guy is a Renaissance man, and we’re very fortunate he has taken a leading role in TSFTG and FOCUS Magazine & Gallery.
Angela: Hello Umshi and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed today, especially by ME! 🙂
Umshi: The privilage is all mine, thank you for asking.
Angela: We usually always start with an icebreaker question so here it goes: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world from any period of time, who would it be?
Umshi: My father. He passed away when I was 7 so I would like to get to know him.
Too Cool for Cats
Angela: Aww hugs! Great answer.
Umshi: Thank you.
Angela: So, you are a pretty prolific photographer in SL. What kinds of things inspire you?
Umshi: Mainly songs. I get inspired by the music – a line from a song or the title – and usually an image pops up in my head. I have to try and recreate using myself, surroundings, etc. made affordable by the wonders of SL.
Angela: You have been in SL since 2007, but only in Flickr since 2016. How did you get involved in SL photography to begin with?
Umshi: I was making avatar shapes and needed to advertise. A friend introduced me to Flickr and showed me the basics. I just enjoyed it so much that I don`t bother with the shapes anymore. I just taking pics and socialize.
Angela: In your 12 years in SL, what is a memory that stands out for you?
Umshi: Ha! Is this a PG magazine? Just kidding. 🙂 For 9-10 years all I did was build constantly. When I finished an epic build like a castle or a galleon and it`s all boxed-up in a rezzer and it pops-out with all your scripts working etc., that is a very satisfying moment.
Angela: So when you take a picture, do you have a routine?
Umshi: No. I do like to use all that’s available to me as and when its needed. I do shoot RAW also. It depends. Most shots 1 am using all windlights, camera tools, photo tools, and then I try to choose which appeals to me most. Sometimes, its the raw – the 1st shot. I dont have a favorite routine though but I do love B&W pics.
Angela: How did you learn about SL and what motivated you to join in 2007?
Umshi: I was on a train to London and someone left a glossy at my table. Inside was an article about a Chinese lady who was the 1st to make a million dollars from SL making clothes, I think. So I thought I needed to check that out., I’ve not quite made my 1st million yet though 🙂
Angela: If you could change something about SL, what would it be?
Umshi: The lagg monster. More powerful servers to make the game more slick. SL itself is about freedom to do what you want, be who you want to be – from the beautiful to the darker sides – so I`m all for live and let live. Whatever floats your boat in here. Let’s just get it working more smoothly please. Was working fine 12 years ago before broadband, so why are we still suffering in this day and age?
Technicolor Pachyderm
Angela: Is there anything you would like to say about the group?
Umshi: Just about groups like TSFTG. I love the fact people like yourself and Patrick lend yourselves wholly committed to help others, whether it`s showcasing someone’s art work or getting some more accomplished people together with enthusiasm, sharing knowledge, and helping others. I have been involved in the past in building schools similar and love what you two are doing here with regards to photography. Knowledge and experience should be shared to encourage others creativity. Thank you both for that. I know the hard work you both put in and also others within the group.
Angela: Thank you, Umshi!
Umshi: No, thank you!
Angela: My last question was going to be how TSFTG has affected your SL, but you seem to have answered that!
Umshi: Ohh hugely! Like a new family and new chapter in my SL journey. So many wonderful people here and the photography has been amazing to view in the Flickr group. Some really talented people here who`s work I greatly admire, But even some of the newer members, the creativity inspires me to keep on clicking.
Angela: And you are a moderator for the TSFTG Flickr group! Do you have any other groups of your own?
Umshi: Yes, I have several. “You are Cordially Invited” which is a more selective artsy group – not for snapshots – and “Show Me Your Stuff” which is a free for all anything goes group.
Angela: Do you consider yourself an artist?
Umshi: A piss artist maybe. I sing, play several instruments and build guitars in RL.
Angela: Wow! You are a man of many talents! You are a luthier in RL?
Umshi: I am, clever lady. 🙂 I have have a proper job, but I luthier at home in my spare time. I have many guitars out there by nearly-made-it guitarists. No super stars but have repaired a few for some UK stars. Not whole builds. And I still play and sing like a strangled cat though.
Angela: I doubt that! Have you ever thought about singing in SL?
Umshi: Excuse my French “fk that!” I play okay on my own, but in front of an audience I suddenly seem to be wearing boxing gloves.
Angela: Hmm. So what kinds of guitars do you build?
Umshi: Lately I have been into Cigar Box guitars. They sound so freaking awesome to me. Very raw and basic.
Angela: That is just amazing! Thank you so much for this interview, my friend!
Umshi: Thank you for asking. Though I got washed and dressed for this. I thought it was in voice with a piccy at the side, like doing a phone call for a chat show! I could of stayed in my board shorts and string vest.
The new generation of Linden homes are already here and they are amazing! Available exclusively to premium members and located in a brand new continent called Bellisseria, these homes won’t disappoint you. Their release on May 15th included traditional homes and house boats across 384 regions. In just 48 hours, they were already claimed! But don’t worry if you are like me and couldn’t get a hold of one. More are yet to come in the near future, with even more options.
Nothing has survived the passing of time like the wonderful old “Vintage Village” on the Verdigris sim created by Oriolus Oliva. Immerse yourself in this Hungarian ambiance filled with fantastic details. Climb atop a working windmill overlooking The Centaurs’ Hall, or sit with a friend at Balaton Coffee Shop and watch the waterfall. Make sure you allow your profile photo to be displayed for a funny surprise!
Windlight is an atmospheric lighting and rendering system within SL and can be especially helpful to photographers to create stunning images and to capture different moods. But getting the settings right can be tricky at times. Fortunately we can borrow from Strawberrysingh, former #1 blogger in the SL community and currently working for Lindens Labs. On her website you can find lots of useful information as well as instructions on how to download her own windlight settings and some from other too. Enjoy!
