The topic of the meeting dealt basically with creating graphics using raster or bitmap images. I stressed the importance of taking well exposed photographs so as to be able to have the most information available. If the information is not on a negative only a facsimile can be created.

We reviewed some of the important terms in image editing namely - ppi, dpi, lpi, etc. If these terms are Greek to you and you are interested, then you need to come to future meetings. We looked at these terms as from the perspective of scanning, printing, and screen resolution.

Next we investigated some of the pre-image editing tools available by referring to Agfa s Photo Look. While some of the terms are different, basically the commands are similar. This principle also applies to image editing packages. Unfortunately, we has some trouble with our equipment and could not demonstrate as many things as planning.

While image editing programs do edit images, this generic name is a misnomer for they are tools which can be used for extremely creative affects. They can be used to enhance photos, add color to a black and white photo, salvage an old photo, and create totally new images. Newspaper printing cannot show adequately many images mainly because of its low resolution. Thus, I like to refer people to our TCS web site at http://www.tcs.org to see the images in color and reproduced better.

The first image is called Evolution of an Image . It is comprised of four images. The top two images show the two basic components - an original work I created last year and a black and white photograph that I took in Mexico.The final picture is called Sanctuary. These bottom two images show just two of the many stages that went into developing the picture. I have discussed basic equipment needed to work in graphics in the past. To sum it up: A 486 or preferably a Pentium, a minimum of 16 megs of ram. This amount is not enough for Photoshop but will work with other programs. 32 megs should be a useable minimum. A scanner and a digitizing tablet are both extremely important. Plenty of hard drive space since Photoshop and other programs use it temporarily for processing. A good inkjet color printer. My brand of choice is Epson. Lastly, a storage device like a zip or jaz drive, or one of the many syquest drives available.

Click image to see final result

We hope to be able to start the Graphic SIG in the fall. The orientation of this one will be on creativity. This will include the use of both vector and raster or bitmap based programs. Various techniques and tools will be discussed as will more in depth looks at scanning, printing, etc. Right now, Don Singleton and I are trying to find a day of the week that will meet the needs of the majority of the group as well as work within the TCS schedule of other SIGs. If you have any questions of comments, call me at 664-7707 or through CompuServe at 102353.2532@CompuServe.com.

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