Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Locked Topic
Picture Taking Tips/ Tutorials
Topic Started: Apr 11 2008, 03:45 PM (4,282 Views)
xoJessi
Member Avatar
~*Jessi*~

This is an ongoing tutorial for all our members to contribute to when they have the chance... So if you have any tips/tricks to share, please post!
If you have anything you want to know, don't be afraid to ask.

Useful links:

Collection of Useful Ingame Cheats

Try using these places as resources and cool downloads, highly recommended that you go through these and get as much things as you can!

Sims Stories Stuff

WCIF Sims: Storytelling Edition
Part ONE
Part TWO
Part THREE

Sims 2 Wiki: Totally Bitchin' Pics

~*~

Gotta start at the Basics!

Picture Taking Programs

Ingame Camera Program

Theres the ingame camera, where you press "C" on your keyboard to take a picture.

Note: Before taking a picture like this make sure your settings are up as high as your game can handle. (Go ingame and play with the picture & graphic settings... Click Options, Camera, Large/High on everything necessary.)

Once you take your picture "using C" you can find it in a few places.
My Documents> EA Games > The Sims 2 > Storytelling
or if you have later EPs
My Documents > EA Games > The Sims 2 > Neighbourhood > Pick the neighbourhood where you took the picture > Storytelling.

Upload/crop/play around and your done!

Gadwin Screenshot Program

Gadwin is a free snapshot capturing program thats pretty good when taking pictures for the sims. Some say you get clearer pictures, but best of all they're bigger! (That and You can save pictures using various types of documents, such as jpg or png.)

Download, install the program. ~* Gadwin *~ Scroll down to the one titled "Gadwin PrintScreen" and underneath it should say Freeware.

After installed load up your program and adjust your settings.

~* Click on the Preferences Tab first.
Here select your Hot Key (which will be the key you press when your ready to take your picture! I personally like the Prntscreen button)
You can also play with other preferences... like run at startup. I suggest unchecking "show notification messages, initial delay, preview captured image and show splash on startup"... unless you want to.

You can play around with the "Source TAB".
Full screen is always good. That way if you accidently click off the screen, everything will be captured regardless.
Uncheck cursor, unless you want your cursor to be present in your shots.

Next is the Destination Tab. This tab is responsible for where you wanna put your screenshots. They already make a folder for you... see CAPTURE DIRECTORY but you can change that.
You can also change whether you want to name your file at the time it's taken or not.
I personally don't do this. I use automatic naming. Its faster!

Lastly is the Image TAB. Here you can pick what file type you want your document to save as. I prefer JPG or PNG but the others are good too.

~*Next test out your hot key and see what happens*~

There are a number of other useful programs aswell, if Gadwin doesn't do the trick. Try using Screen Hunter 5.1 or Fraps
When using a screen capture program, its useful to know how to crop and resize!

~*~
Cropping


How to Crop in Gimp

( Things in brackets are shortcut keys! Makes things go faster!)

Step One: Open your file File > Open (Ctrl + O)
Step Two: Use the "RECTANGLE TOOL" > Click and Drag the area you want to crop
Step Three: Copy this portion. Go up to your Toolbar EDIT > COPY (Ctrl + C)
Step Four: Open a new File. FILE > NEW (don't adjust anything just click enter/ok when something pops up) (Ctrl + N)
Step Five: Paste the cropped item. EDIT > PASTE (Ctrl + V)

Done! If your pictures to big resize!

How to Crop in Photoshop

Coming Soon

~*~
Resizing


How to Resize in Gimp

Step One: Open your file. File> Open
Step Two: Go up to your Toolbar Click IMAGE> Go down to SCALE IMAGE and click> Scale IMAGE SCALE to your liking.

NOTE: If you want the proportions to stay the same... then LINK the chain by clicking on it. If you want to create your own Width/Height without keeping the proposions the same... UNLINK the chain by clicking on it.

How to Resize in Photoshop

Step One: Open your file. File> Open >
Step Two: Go up to your Toolbar Click IMAGE> Scroll down to IMAGE SIZE and click> Resize PIXEL DIMENSIONS to your liking.

Note: If you want the proportions to stay the same... then check off CONSTRAIN PROPORTIONS. If you want to create your own Width/Height without keeping the proposions the same... uncheck CONSTRAIN PROPORTIONS.

There are lots of other programs out there as well!!
So don't feel limited to photoshop or GIMP!

mocha0030
 
Paint Shop Pro is a good photo editing program too. It has many of the same features as Photoshop, but I find it's MUCH easier to use. I have Paint Shop Pro 7. There have been 3 upgrades to the program since then, so it doesn't make sense for me to give tutorials on my outdated program, but for anyone interested it's a good alternative to Photoshop. They offer a free trial (somewhere from 30-90 days).


Where can I upload my pictures?
Decora
 
You can upload a picture either from your hard drive to a website or use an image host. ImageShack and Photobucket are great image hosting sites just to name a few and are free with registration. The image works by copying the pictures URL, depending on the website formats, you have many image links to choose from.


How to's, Tips & Tutorials
This is the section where members ask questions to "how did that picture to look that way" and the photographer shares details.

How to's
Decora's Basketball Shot
How can I lighten up my pictures in photoshop? Answered by Cinabug

Tips
Cinabug's Ambient Lighting Tip
Dee's Tips for using Insim while taking pictrues

Tutorials

xoJessi' Headshot/Bodyshot Basics
xoJessi's Runway Method 2008



~* Note: If anything doesn't make sense say so... my brains confuzzled sometimes. :ha:
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Jai
Member Avatar
Diva

Just wanna add that if you sharpen images 0ne or two clicks is normally sufficent :) I had to learn that the hard way. Oversharpening looks horrible. I'll turn this back to the pros lol. . .
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
xoJessi
Member Avatar
~*Jessi*~

Agreed Jai! I think we all learned that the hard way... ;)


~* Useful Ingame Cheats *~

NOTE: Some of the below cheats only work with certain EPs. :(

Freewill off (ingame Options> Game Options> House-Specific Options "Free Will off): This cheat is handy so your sims aren't off doing their thing while your trying to do something with them. Free will on does make for some good shots, but unless you want things to be unpredictable its handy to have off!

maxmotives : This is essential so your sims don't die while waiting around. Your not worrying about their needs, your focusing on your shot!

motive_decay off : So you don't have to worry about using the Maxmotive cheat constantly.

move_objects on : Move/Delete objects or sims that can't be otherwise moved.

boolprop snapobjectstogrid false : This is great when your trying to get a sim or an object extra close to something. Your not using the gridlines, so you can move objects just about anywhere.

slowmotion (0-8) : Things going a little too fast? Slow them down with this cheat. Its great when trying to get an extra tricky shot.

sethour (0-23) : Make it dark outside. Make it light outside.

plumbbobToggle off - remove plumb bob

showHeadlines - remove thought bubbles, relationship +/- signs.

boolprop allow45degreeangleofrotation - turn objects at 45 degree angle.

CTRL + 4-8 will set your camera position when in Tab mode. To return to the position just press tab and whichever number you selected. You can set up to 5 angles. With this you can get your camera set to an angle, move your sim, like new pose or something, then go back to the exact same angle.

Thanks a lot to Mocha0030 & Liv for their contributions!
Edited by xoJessi, Mar 10 2009, 04:54 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
mocha0030
n/a

Paint Shop Pro is a good photo editing program too. It has many of the same features as Photoshop, but I find it's MUCH easier to use. I have Paint Shop Pro 7. There have been 3 upgrades to the program since then, so it doesn't make sense for me to give tutorials on my outdated program, but for anyone interested it's a good alternative to Photoshop. They offer a free trial (somewhere from 30-90 days).

This tutorial is a great idea.

don't forget the cheats:

plumbbobToggle off - remove plumb bob

showHeadlines - remove thought bubbles, relationship +/- signs.

boolprop allow45degreeangleofrotation - turn objects at 45 degree angle.

jessi, the sethour cheat is 0-23.

Is there a way to get rid of the blue skill bar, in case you want to use a skill building object?

WOW, I never knew that about the skill bar. It never even occurred to me. Thanks! :D

the ingame clock runs on army time.



I'm just going to edit this post, rather than clog up the thread with chit chat.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
xoJessi
Member Avatar
~*Jessi*~

lol... I know nothing about Paint Shop Pro! :help:

Thanks Mocha for those cheats.... almost forgot about those. :ha:

Edit: Mocha you can just delete it when in "move_objects on"
Also thats interesting how it's 1-24... . :lol: Never knew that... :D
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
nikkinu
Member Avatar


Thanks! Everytime I take pictures with the ingame camera the pics always come out small and fuzzy. I end up pressing the printscreen button and editing the pic in photoshop. Good tutorial!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
taniece2u
Member Avatar


Great tutorial, thanks for sharing! I've been wanting to share but am clueless, now I have a jump off point so I'll see what I can come up with. ;-)
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
~Dee~
Member Avatar


You can delete the skill bar? I never knew that.

When I used to enter contests INSIM was always VERY useful.
The Summoner will allow you to of course summon other sims which you can use as extra's.

The reproductive adjuster lets you create extras using your own sims, which you can then age into whatever ages you need, using the temporal adjuster, for an entry if you are in a storytelling contest. The temporal adjuster is also good to quickly change your sims looks/give surgery without sending them to a mirror.

I would use the skill adjuster to max all skills of the sims on the lots so the skill bar never showed.

Carry on :P

Offline Profile Goto Top
 
mocha0030
n/a

i was always afraid of insimenator (big surprise, right?), but i broke down and finally got it since i started writing these stories. it has been invaluable. i use the relationship adjuster a lot too, so i can get interactions that are only available based on your sims relationship. i also use the summoner alot. thanks for the info on the reproductive adjuster - i never knew that. i use the skill adjuster for the same reason.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
~Dee~
Member Avatar


Ah yes I knew I was missing something. The relationship adjuster! Couldn't have done the wedding contest without it. :)
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
taniece2u
Member Avatar


Can someone please help me, anyone's help is appreciated! I still can't figure out how to upload the pic to an actual post? I downloaded the Gadwin tool and I know to to get to my ingame photos but that's as far as I got. Thanks in advance!!!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
DecoraChroi
Member Avatar


You can upload a picture either from your hard drive to a website or use an image host. ImageShack and Photobucket are great image hosting sites just to name a few and are free with registration. The image works by copying the pictures URL, depending on the website formats, you have many image links to choose from.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Liv
Member Avatar


Great idea on making this thread!

Wow I never knew that about the skill bar either! Thx. I always just end up photoshopping it out, lol.

I dont think I saw this up there, but did anyone give info how to keep camera position? This is helpful when you want to test different poses and keep the same angle you were working with.

CTRL + 4-8 will set your camera position when in Tab mode. To return to the position just press tab and whichever number you selected. You can set up to 5 angles.

(someone correct me if I am wrong, or restate this if you can make it more easy to understand).
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
IvoryOldID
Member Avatar
Super Cute. Super Special.Super Star

Ok, I LOVE this thread,lol...
Thanks for all the tips guys..
Liv..I didnt know about the ctrl+4-8 thing, is that the same as the Tab+z(zoom in) and x(zoom out) thing?
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Liv
Member Avatar


No, with this you can get your camera set to an angle, move your sim, like new pose or something, then go back to the exact same angle. I use it alot for like headshots. I may frame up a shot, take it, save the angle and let her do a different pose in the same spot.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
taniece2u
Member Avatar


DecoraChroi
Apr 12 2008, 09:14 AM
You can upload a picture either from your hard drive to a website or use an image host. ImageShack and Photobucket are great image hosting sites just to name a few and are free with registration. The image works by copying the pictures URL, depending on the website formats, you have many image links to choose from.

Thank you so much. I will give it a whirl and see what I come up with!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Cinamun
Member Avatar
11.4.08

Excellent idea for a thread. Most of the tricks I use have been mentioned.

Ambient Lighting is your friend.


Some Lights like the medieval wall and floor lamps that came with the University EP let off a dull yellowish light. Almost like candle light. I prefer this lighting as opposed to the harsher white lights. You can easily get a nice glow to your sims using these. Also, I would highly recommend using these lights for your nighttime shots.

I'll be sure to add more tips once I think of them lol.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
diamondprincess01
Member Avatar


Thanks for the tips I am actually trying to create a story right now this is a good place to start.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
~Dee~
Member Avatar


I wanted to ask if anyone knew how to brighten your pics? I use gimp, but maybe the same method could be employed no matter what program you use. :)
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Cinamun
Member Avatar
11.4.08

Hmm well in photoshop I know it's image/adjustments/brightness Contrast.

If I brighten the pic I also try to add more contrast too to even it out.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
~Dee~
Member Avatar


Thanks girl that worked perfectly. I was trying to do it a different way, don't ask. :lol:
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Cinamun
Member Avatar
11.4.08

LOL glad it worked!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
nataboo22
Member Avatar


thnks so much for this i am working on my first story and i want it to be good so these are much needed tips!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
nataboo22
Member Avatar


plumbbobToggle off - remove plumb bob
what is a plumb bob
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
mocha0030
n/a

the plumb bob is the big diamond thingy that appears over your active sim. it changes color based on his/her mood.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
nataboo22
Member Avatar


okaayyy i never knew the name of that thing...and thanks
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Cinamun
Member Avatar
11.4.08

Okay for anyone who has Bon Voyage.. I think it's Bon Voyage..
In the Miss Beauty of Color contest, both NextorTorres and Essa used a pose where they are climbing up a pole.

Does anyone know how to get that? Halp! lol thanks!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Liv
Member Avatar


Yes, I have seen a shot of that on here too, I think Dee posted it. I want to know too, lol.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Cinamun
Member Avatar
11.4.08

Oh yeah, dude who was climbing up the pole in his drawls? LMFAO!
I can't figure out how to do that!
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
mocha0030
n/a

isn't there a pole climbing animation for the pirate ship?
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Sims 2 Pictures · Next Topic »
Locked Topic


Skin Created by Xarina of Rapture & Zathyus Networks Resources.
This theme is best viewed in firefox.