The Instamatic filter is part of the DreamSuite 1 Set. It allows you to create photo realistic plastic, metal or semi-translucent glass frame around your images. The following tutorial covers just the controls or click on the example below for tips on how I got the effect.

A. Transform Effect
This tool allows you to Select, Move, Scale, Stretch and Rotate effects.

• To Move an effect, click to select it. Then place the cursor on the inside of the transformation box surrounding the effect, and the cursor will display a four sided arrow. Just click and drag to move the effect to a new location.
• To Scale, place the cursor on one of the corners of the transformation box and it will change to an angled double-sided arrow. Just click and drag to scale (hold the SHIFT key down to constrain the scale to proportional dimensions).
• To Rotate, place the cursor on one of the corners of the transformation box and it will change to a curved-arrow cursor. Now click and drag the box to the desired angle, and release the mouse.
• To Stretch an effect, move the cursor over the box sides, and a double-sided arrow cursor will appear. Now just click and drag to the desired proportion.

B. Clone Effect
This tool is used to create new effect that is based on your current selected effect; or if no effect is selected, then your default effects settings. Click on screen with this tool, and a copy of the currently selected effect will be cloned.

C. Transform Photo
This Photo tool allows you to select, Move, Scale, Stretch and Rotate photos that are part of an effect. This works the same as the Transform Effect above.

D. Load Photo
This tool is used to replace an image inside of an effect. With this tool selected, click on the image you want to replace, and you will be shown a small on-screen menu that allows you to load a new image, turn the image area transparent, or reload the original image.

E. Edge Fray
This tool bends the outer edges of the image upwards to simulate the edges being bent or frayed. To use, start drawing slightly outside the image area, and come into the image a small amount. Move the cursor in a parallel to the image edge. Then move it back outside of the image area, and release the mouse button. A fray should appear along the area where the tool was drawn. Use the Edge Fray slider to control the strength of the next drawn fray. Hold down the ALT key, and trace around a fray area to remove it. Adjustment to the lighting controls will affect the way you see the fray.

F. Delete Tool
Is used to delete effects, paths and ellipses. Select this tool, and then click over the item you want to delete. When this tool is active you are shown all effects ellipses and paths from all tools you have used.

Click on Right arrow below for page 2.

By Joe Cilinceon, © July 25, 2002