Creating Stunning Composite Images with Deep Dream Generator

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Using Filters to Create Different Styles
3. Programs for Image Editing
   1. AC DC as a Photo Editor
   2. Photoshop and Photoshop Elements
   3. Deep Dream Generator
4. Finding Style Images on Pinterest
5. Understanding Deep Dream Generator
   1. Starting Image and Style Image
   2. Synthesis of Flavors
   3. Style Weight and Enhancement
   4. Style Scale and Depth
   5. Impact of Chosen Style
   6. Color Palette and Architecture
6. Creating Images with Deep Dream Generator
   1. Choosing the Starting Image and Style
   2. File Options
   3. Selecting Styles
   4. Uploading Personal Styles
   5. Exploring Settings
      • Deep Style 1
      • Resolution Options
   6. Generating the Image
7. Compositing Images with Different Styles
   1. Using AC DC Ultimate for Layering
   2. Photoshop and Photoshop Elements
   3. Adjusting Opacity and Blend
   4. Playing with Composite Methods
   5. Cleaning up Artifacts
8. Saving and Further Editing the Composite Image
   1. Saving in Native Format
   2. Saving as JPEG with Combined Layers
   3. Further Editing with Other Programs
      • Photo Sketcher
      • Topaz Impressions
      • Eye Colorama
      • Escape Emotions Rebel 4
      • Photoshop and Others
9. Conclusion

Using Filters to Create Different Styles

In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to create unique and diverse images starting from a single image. We will go beyond simple filters and explore how to use different programs and techniques to achieve impressive results. Whether you are using AC DC, Photoshop, or any other program that supports layers, you can follow along and unleash your creativity.

Introduction

When it comes to image editing, there is always room for experimentation and pushing the boundaries. Instead of starting from scratch, we will use a starting image and apply various styles to transform it into something entirely different. This process is not only easier than painting from scratch, but it also allows us to explore different artistic styles and techniques.

Programs for Image Editing

To embark on this creative journey, we will need the right tools. The programs I recommend for this tutorial are AC DC, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Deep Dream Generator. AC DC and Photoshop are traditional image editing software, while Deep Dream Generator offers a unique web-based approach using artificial intelligence.

AC DC as a Photo Editor

AC DC is a versatile photo editor that allows you to manipulate images using various effects and filters. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of editing options, making it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements

Photoshop is the industry standard for image editing and offers unparalleled capabilities. Photoshop Elements, on the other hand, is a more affordable and simplified version of Photoshop, which still provides powerful editing tools.

Deep Dream Generator

Deep Dream Generator harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to create stunning images. It operates through a web-based interface, allowing you to generate unique art directly from your browser, iPad, or tablet. It's a tool that truly goes beyond traditional image editing.

Finding Style Images on Pinterest

Before we delve into the techniques of using Deep Dream Generator, it's essential to have style images that will influence the final result. Pinterest is a great platform to discover a wide range of art styles and impressionistic paintings. By searching for keywords such as "art styles" or "impressionistic painting," you can easily find a vast collection of images that will serve as your creative inspiration.

Understanding Deep Dream Generator

To fully grasp the capabilities of Deep Dream Generator and how it utilizes artificial intelligence, let's explore the concept of merging a starting image and a style image. Think of the starting image as the main ingredient in a dish you wish to cook. The style image, on the other hand, represents the spices that will flavor that dish. When combined, the main ingredients absorb and meld those flavors together to produce a unique synthesis.

The style image plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the image transformation. It influences the color palette and architecture of the style, and the settings you choose will dictate how these elements are incorporated into the starting image.

Style Weight and Enhancement

The style weight determines the amount of influence the style image has on the final image. A higher style weight will result in a more pronounced and dominant style. Conversely, a lower style weight will retain more of the original characteristics of the starting image.

Enhancement refers to the intensity of the style. It determines how deep and intricate the style's features are integrated into the image. Adjusting the enhancement can create subtle or bold transformations, depending on your desired outcome.

It's essential to have a clear understanding of how the chosen style will affect your image. Consider the style's color palette, its architectural elements, and how they will interact with the starting image.

Creating Images with Deep Dream Generator

Now that we understand the concepts of Deep Dream Generator, let's dive into the process of creating images step by step.

1. Start by visiting the Deep Dream Generator homepage and select the "Generate" option.
2. Choose the file that will serve as your starting image.
3. Explore the styles palette, which offers default styles and popular styles. You can also access your own styles by selecting "My Styles."
4. If you have created additional styles, you will find them on the "My Dreams" page under "Styles."
5. Another option is to upload your own style image by clicking the icon and selecting the file from your directory.
6. Once you have chosen your starting image and style, it's time to adjust the settings. Click on the arrow to access the options.
   • If you are not a paid subscriber, you will have access to the default settings, such as "Deep Style 1." These options typically have limited resolution, ranging from 0.36 to 6 megapixels.
   • Choose the setting that suits your needs. If you are just experimenting, the smallest resolution will suffice.
7. With the settings in place, click "Generate" to start the process. A status bar will indicate the progress, and once completed, the generated image will be displayed.
8. As a paid subscriber, you have the opportunity to increase the resolution to further enhance the image. However, for this demonstration, we will save the image as is.
9. To save the generated image, right-click and select "Save Image As." Choose the destination directory and provide a fitting name for your image.

Compositing Images with Different Styles

To add more complexity and uniqueness to your images, consider compositing multiple images with different styles. This technique involves layering images and adjusting their opacity to create a harmonious blend of styles.

1. Using software like AC DC Ultimate, Photoshop, or Photoshop Elements, start with a base image as layer one.
2. Layer another image directly on top of it, adjusting the opacity to blend the styles to your liking.
3. Add additional layers and play with the opacity settings to further experiment with different combinations.
4. You can turn off or on specific layers to see how they affect the final result.
5. Change the composite method from normal to multiply to introduce different layering effects.
6. To refine the image, use the eraser tool to remove any artifacts or imperfections.
7. Save the final composited image, preserving its layers by using the native format specific to your chosen software. Additionally, save the image as a JPEG file with all the layers combined.
8. At this stage, the composited image can be further enhanced and transformed using other programs such as Photo Sketcher, Topaz Impressions, Eye Colorama, Escape Emotions Rebel 4, Photoshop, and many others. Let your imagination run wild!

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored the exciting world of image editing, going beyond traditional filters and techniques. Using Deep Dream Generator and other software, we have learned how to create unique and visually stunning images by combining different styles. From selecting style images to understanding style weight and enhancement, your creativity has no bounds. Experiment, explore, and transform your images into captivating works of art.

Highlights

• Learn how to create unique and diverse images using filters and advanced image editing techniques.
• Discover the power of Deep Dream Generator and its ability to transform images using artificial intelligence.
• Unleash your creativity by compositing multiple images with different styles to create stunning and unique compositions.

FAQ

Q: Can I use programs other than AC DC and Photoshop for this tutorial?

A: Yes, you can use other programs that support layers, such as Photoshop Elements or any software that provides a similar functionality.

Q: Do I need to be a paid subscriber to Deep Dream Generator to follow this tutorial?

A: While being a paid subscriber offers some additional features and options, you can still achieve great results with the default settings available to free users.

Q: Can I adjust the intensity of the style in Deep Dream Generator?

A: Yes, the enhancement setting in Deep Dream Generator allows you to control the intensity of the style, allowing for subtle or bold transformations.

Q: Are there any other programs I can use to further enhance my images?

A: Yes, there are several programs you can explore, such as Photo Sketcher, Topaz Impressions, Eye Colorama, Escape Emotions Rebel 4, and more. Each program offers unique features and effects to enhance and transform your images further.