Add shadows to your Second Life images

The new Second Life viewer 1.23 RC0 (recently released) include "as non supported feature", the deployment of shadows.

Shadows are a decisive feature for photography and machinima artists. Shadows inject realism to scenes and make more convincing characters and objects. There's a group on Koinup to share/collect/discuss Second Life images with shadows.

Its called With Shadow (created by Bark) and I invite you to visit and join this group. If you happen to use the Shadows Viewer and take some pics, remember to share them in the group!

You can get more info on how to enable the shadows in your Second Life experience, by reading this piece on New World Notes

Image above by Conniesec

Your Previous Second Life (2004-2006)

If you are a long time member of Second Life, you dont' want to miss this amazing group called The Golden Era of Second Life 2004 - 2006

As stated in the group description: "This is a group for all photos and machinima that was taken in Second Life between 2004-2006"

You can't help being tempted to search old Second Life screenshots in your HD and add these elements to the group. Have you filmed a machinima or took Second Life Photos some years ago and you hadn't the courage to showoff? This is your chance to do it! Join the group and share your unpublished virtual life


Image above depicted my avi about one year ago (it is not 2004-2006, but maybe conveys the idea)

World of Warcraft visions. Zul'Drak screenshot

Posted by Kitina, Zul'Drak is one of the most evocative World of Warcraft images posted on Koinup. Zul'Drak is an area located in eastern Northrend (world of warcraft realm)

Explore Mythology using Virtual Worlds

This incredible image by Trixibelle, called: "Dream of the Minotaur" suggested me that virtual worlds could be powerful tools to explore not only human relations and our identities, but also our mitology and myths.

in Second Life and other virtual worlds, as The Sims or OpenSim, you can immerse in the ancient traditions and study their histories, recreate sceneries and simulate ancient civilities

If you made or know about some mythology images please leave their links here in the comments.....

Avatar Portrait. Depict the person behind his virtual representation

Virtual Worlds members take very seriously the idea of representing themselves and their friends using their avatars. So, one of the most widespread genre in the second life and/or metaverse art and photography is the "avatar portrait".

Have a look at this fantastic image by Trixibelle (aka Cala Rossini). Can't you feel the soul behind the pixel?


click the image to view it all size

Hipihi, the chinese virtual world. Some screenshots

Jurinjuran just posted some pictures of the chinese metaverse Hipihi. It seems that the graphic quality of the world is better than some months ago.

Jurinjuran also posted some resources that could help not chinese people to managing the interface.

When digital art meet Second Life

SovereignCrux is a quite new member on Koinup, but she already can offer an impressive gallery of digital art.

Have a look at her Second Life Photo called Titans

click on the image to view all size

Koinup Interviews: Sebcaen, when art meet the snapshots

Sebcaen, also known in Second Life as Sebcaen Ulysses, is a popular and belowed Second Life Photographer. He is managing a fantastic photo gallery both on Flickr (here) and on Koinup

Sebcaen owns a great taste for the beauty and he known how to get the most out of Second Life. He is particolarly interested in virtual landscapes and he is a great explorer and reporter. You can enjoy his SL landscapes here


Here's the Interview

Q: When you're creating new artworks, where do you draw ideas and inspiration from? And What is your background in Art creation?

A: I have no background in art creation, I start basically to treat some snaps for friends, and by the time, we can't go outside of that.
I use to work with my inspiration who can come from books, or movies I've seen.
But most of my ideas come from the sims I visit, or the peole I met in sl. Someone with a particular outfit, is the perfect target to be snapped :p



Q: What advice would you give to beginners with Second Life art and photography ?

Do it by pleasure only. Nobody will become millionar by treating snapshot, so this is not the good way. SL Photography is a wonderful medium to meet people, explore and discover skills or abilities you have but you don't know yet. You can express your vision, your mood like that.

Q: What are the 3 most interesting works on Koinup and why you love them ?


A: 1) Elegy from Ariel Brearly, because this woman is totally awesome, with a great style, and this pic with a cyber.... is fantastic. But it's very hard to choose one of her work...

2)Heaven by Tur, still the wallpaper on my computer. Because he's a great friend, and I know how he works... you can't imagine how much time he spent on this pic.

3)From child to woman by Trixibelle. Simply a stunning realisation, great idea by a wonderful person. A life testimonial in my view.

Q: Tell me two Koinup artists you should recommended for the next Koinup Interview?

If I'm right I never read an interview of Tur, and maybe Icarus Robbiani, who made great landscapes. (indeed, you can read the Icarus Interview, here)

Q: What are your upcoming artistic projects?

A: I want to continue like I do right now, visit (a lot of) sims, do interesting meetings, and work more with some people I already know. But I plan Nothing, I never succeed to realize them.

Q: Along with Second Life, are you exploring and testing other worlds as tools for creativity?

As a Linux user, there is not so much opportunity for us as other worlds. But if another virtual world open, sure I'll try.

Browse the amazing Sebcaen gallery

The Virtual Impressionism of SabrainSL. From Second Life to digital painting

Digital photos sometime can be mistaken can with paintings. Sabrainsl has a fantastic gallery of Second Life photos, that look like impressionistic paintures.

I invite you to have a look at her virtuous gallery. Below you can view her work: Clock Tower


(click on the image to see in the right size)

Colours and Lighting pour in World of Warcraft

New Agamand is a fantastic photo by Morgana_le_fay
The image show the potential of World of Warcraft sceneries for photos, visuals and beauty.



Browse other Morgana_le_fay pictures!

Koinup Interviews: MedeAthena, creativity beyond virtual world borders

MedeAthena, from Italy, is actually a "benchmark" for the Koinup artistic archive. Her pieces are getting hundreds of comments from all over the community.
She is well know Sims Artist, but started recently to work also with Second Life, with some remarkable results

Here's the Interview with MedeAthena

Q: When you're creating new artworks, where do you draw ideas and inspiration from?

A: Usually everything starts from my mind, like a light switched on…often just a song lyric, a sentence from a book or an emotion I’m feeling are enough to inspire me a pic. In the last months I’m drawing a lot of ideas from role playing games developed as Sims contest…so, much of the merit goes to the players that write stories and dialogues with me, linking their characters with mine ( for example, Mika with Will and Sam, Kady with James and JD, and so on)



Q: What advice would you give to newcomers and beginners with The Sims Art and photography?
A: The most important thing? Having fun! The photos express the spirit of the artist, and for this reason everyone has a value and deserves to be appreciated. And above all…try always to be original! The most beautiful aspect of art is that it allows you to express thoughts and emotions through your own conception of the world, that is unique and irripetibile…do not waste it conforming to models that are not yours and you don’t feel yours. It's your chance to  show your soul...

Q: What are you favourite tools for editing? Is there some cool tricks about editing and your style you'd love share with friends ?
A: First of all, I use a screen-capture software called Fraps to take images in high resolution. Then…I really don’t have my own technique, it depends on the final result I want. I always try to round the shape of the sims with the Fluidify tool…I hate to see my characters’ edges so squared! I suggest to try also to use textures and play with the layers options, they can do amazing effects to the pic. But I always say that my favourite technique is…randomness!

Q: Tell me your absolute 3 favs on Koinup and why you love them?
Only three?! It’s so hard to choose…well, I think that my top favs are
A: I’d like to say farewell with a smile By Violentdoll
Malice looks like real and alive, this pic can tell you more than a book…

B: Bride of love By Kady, one of the best compositions of lights, shadows, colors and feelings I’ve ever seen!

C: There was no pain By Magggg, beyond the unbelievable artistic side, it’s so full of emotions that really touches me every time I watch it.

Q: Two Koinup members you should recommended for the next Koinup Interview and why?
A: Only two?! There’s so many artists I love and I appreciate: first of all Kady, Magggg, Mika_Chan, Sour_Tea (she's a genius!), Kira_87, Shanti_Ashtangi and Lithea for The Sims, Panteleimon-Aeon, Angel_Ronmark and Tessybaby for Second Life…
I'm sure I forgot someone...they are really a lot! I didn’t mentioned Violentdoll, Trixibelle, Eves_Rodenberger and Icarus Robbiani only because they already had their interview (follow the Koinup interviews here), but they are in my favourites.


Q: What are your upcoming artistic projects?
A: I don’t have real projects, I always work with the inspiration of the moment…but I have 2 or 3 pics in my mind, one of them leaving the dark atmospheres and more on the fantasy side…I like trying always new sceneries for my pics.

Q: Along with The Sims, are you exploring and testing other worlds as tools for creativity?
A: Yes, I’m on Second Life since a month and I really love it! Especially, I adore the lot of different places I can visit and the effects I can apply on the environment with the windlight effects, so I’m thinking to use often SL pics as background for my sim characters. I’ll never thought I could have such fun taking landscapes shots before Second Life.

Browse all the MedeAthena stream here

New World by Eves Rodenberger feature on the New World Tableau

The Koinup partner New World Notes recently featured "New World" by Eves Rodenberger on the column New World Tableau. Eves has been also recently interviewed for the Koinup Interviews.

Click on the pic to view in the original size or read the story on the NWN

Koinup Interviews: Trixibelle, Real Emotions in Second Life

"For me inspiration comes from emotions. These can be emotions I feel from a piece of music, a personal emotion, an emotion inspired by something someone else is going through or even the feeling I get on a sim."

Trixibelle is one of the most active and long time member on Koinup, her works are usually visible on the Second Life homepage. What she is working the most is trying to capture something real behind the pixel of the avatar.

Some weeks ago, she won the Orange Winter Hunt with a fantastic piece called Peace at Last, shooted in the sim Cu Mara Moreover, her works recently featured in the Map of Avatar Soul (open forum project on Koinup blog)

Here's the Interview with Trixibelle (also known as Cala Rossini in SL)

Q: When you're creating new art and photos, where do you draw ideas and inspiration from?

R: For me inspiration comes from emotions. These can be emotions I feel from a piece of music, a personal emotion, an emotion inspired by something someone else is going through or even the feeling I get on a sim. If I don't get a buzz when I see it I really can't do a good photo.



Q: What advice would you give to newcomers and beginners with Second Life art and photography?

A: Firstly to just enjoy it, if you don't then it becomes a chore rather than fun. Explore and don't be afraid to play around with your windlight settings. The best pieces come from tweaking!! Also to make the most of inworld resources such as dedicated artist/photography groups, they are great if you want to ask a question of any sort. Finally I would encourage anyone new to try to "buddy up" with an experienced photographer. Most of the Koinup crew love meeting new people and helping out, and its a fantastic way to learn, just spending an hour taking snaps of a sim with someone beside you to ask questions to. Invaluable.


Q: Your 3 absolutely favourite works on Koinup and why you love them?

A: Well like everyone has said already this is a hard thing to narrow down but there are a few I keep going back to for another look so they must capture something for me.

1) ninja angel by Angel Ronmark

This is still my favourite Koinup picture of all time. Just seeing it again gives me goosebumps. The lighting, expression and colours just all blend to give an amazing feel of this beautiful woman caught inside a costume & role that has become her life. Now she knows nothing else. (yep deep I know, but that is what I feel when i see it)


2) Solie 2008 v.2 by Jade Collins

Jade Collins says the model just turned her head and he caught the moment...and that is exactly what you feel. She draws you in with a look of natural seduction, just her expression. And I love the lighting.


3) Carp by Ashanti

I just love the surreal image.


Q: Tell me two members you should recommended for the next Koinup Interview?

A: Hard again. There are so many amazing photographers. But I think you would get really interesting interviews from Venk (Stephen Venkman) and Lano (Lano Ling). Stephen has done a huge amount to encourage & support artsists in Second Life. Lano is one of the best photographers in sl.


Q: If you should make a reportage from the Metaverse, what places you would love to photograph and share with your friends?

A: I am not very good with architecture, so I tend to head for the sims that are closer to nature. I still love Templum ex Obscurum, it gives massive scope for photographers of all levels. Las Arenas sims are always lovely to visit and are relaxing too! I would also love to be able to take a decent shot of Golgothica, I have seen some amazing pieces from there.


Q: What are your upcoming projects in Second Life?
A: Its looking like I may be getting more involved with the Orange photo sessions, time permitting.

I will be opening my own pose and shape store, hopefully within the next month or so. I still hope to create a gallery dedicated to Koinup folk and would like do more to encourage and help new artists.*



Q: Are you already exploring other worlds for creative ventures? What have you found there?
Nope but having seen HarryMonk WoW pieces and I wouldn't mind taking a look at that. I have accounts in IMVU & Lively but I have too much going on in rl and sl to really look around.

Browse all the Trixibelle Stream


*(let me add that Trixibelle has been the mind behind the Mentor Project, read more here)

Opensim creativity. From Art to Photography and Building

Taken by Vint Falken in the new Rezzable Private Sim this photo show the potential you already can get with the Open Sim Photography and Building tools.
Plants & lighthouse depicts a vegetal sculpty in a perfect windlight environment.....you can browse other similars Open Sims photos here

The metaverse photography is expanding in new worlds and realms! Browse more Open Sim Pictures here

The Avatar Poetry of Magggg

Each week, you know, we feature some cool artworks here on the Blog. Today, I wanna direct your attention to Illuminami by Magggg

Magggg is one of the most popular sims artists on Koinup and he recently started a new artistic venture also in Second Life

Magggg's Illuminami is actually one of the most coolest sims images ever posted on Koinup and you can view it in the top works pages

You can view the other featured works here

The best nature you have ever seen in World of Warcraft

Virtual Worlds are sceneries and landscapes to photograph. We are talking a lot on this blog about the Second Life Photography
(and also Sims Art and IMVU Art)
Today I love to enlighten the fantastic scene of World of Warcraft Photography
Particolarly, there are on Koinup many people which love to share World of Warcraft Landscape and other naturalistic images

Thanks to the World of Warcraft photographers you can discover the most cool Azeroth Hotspots and the secret hidden of the beauty of this mmorpg!



It seems that one of the fav topic is the "virtual tree".
So, here a showcase of the most beautiful world of warcraft trees you have ever seen!

Koinup: Your <a href="http://www.koinup.com/">Virtual Life</a>


(the images above are from Morgana_le_Fay and the widget is featuring several authors

240 Windlight Settings to download

Torley offered for free about 240 Windlight Settings to all the Second Life photographers and members. You can download them here! Click and Follow all the instructions, to correctly install them (and don't forget to read all the Windlight Wiki to learn tips and Torley suggestions for enhance your sl photos)

Once downloaded, tp in some fantastic Second Life Places and try the settings, while taking memorable shots and then come back to Koinup for sharing the photos!

Windlight is one of the more fashinating area in the Second Life Art scene. I invite you to have a look at most coolest windlight photos posted on Koinup and keep up your great job!

The image above "Aldarian Albatross" is by PANTELEIMON-AEON

Discover the Second Life Sims of the Week

Weekly appointment with the Second Life Places of the week. Each week as you know we review the sims most popular (and most photographed) on the Koinup Places section.

As pointed out by Hamlet Au the top 10 Second Life sims of the week are:

Kuai hele, Unintended Water, PORT JEFFERSON, Banyan, Vine, Livingtree, Xhale Isle, Aquitaine Coeur, cwazy, Samhain

You can stay updated on the new Second Life places posted on Koinup here or you can subscribe to the feed with this link. Subscribe the latest places using your blog feed and help us to promote the Places!


Reminder, you can read all the Hamlet Au Koinup articles here

(image above by Thesswriter, shoot taken in Unintended Water)

Koinup Interviews: Cienega Soon and the Second Life Artistry

Cienega Soon is one of the most authoritative Second Life Artist

She won the the Exotic Contest and recently got the third prize in the Winter Photo Hunt

She run a gallery in Second Life, while also managing personal website and a cool blog. Now she is also opening a new gallery, called Juicy, that will serve as an experimental place for Second Life Artists

I invite you to keep your radars on this fantastic artist, browse her koinup works and read also the Interview
(previous Koinup interviews are here and here


Here's the Interview

Q: When you're creating new contents and photos, where do you draw ideas and inspiration from?
A: Inspiration for me is the moment. Everywhere I look there is something to capture. Moods also bring about themes as well, exposing my emotions in my work can be seen from time to time



Q: What advice would you give to newcomers and beginners with Second Life art and photography
A: Have fun, explore, try all the settings and begin posting some work on Koinup in the mentor program. There are many wonderful artists that are willing to help or give some great tips to creating with our digital SL photography.
If you can shoot in a high resolution your post work will be easier. Really there are no rules so try everything. For the most part this is a new place, a new medium to create in. But as will all photography the original shot is important. Explore angles and lighting when you shoot, the rest is experimenting. For me many shots that I've done post work on were happy mistakes that were not planned. Have Fun!

Q: Which are your fav works on Koinup and why you love them?
A: There are so many fantastic artists on Koinup ... the list can be endless.
I am drawn to darker, deeper colors and depth. I love seeing all the virtual worlds pictures being displayed, how each artist exposes the best of their world so well. The Human need to create everywhere they go is fasinating to me. I am drawn to that alone. There are those that create with very little, making a very big statement to drink in and those that use much detail causing long moments of exploration deep into their pieces of art. I am very impressed by many artists at Koinup

Q: Which Koinup artists you should recommended for the next Koinup Interview?
A: I have two that make me stay inside their work:
first choice: Sion567.
Absolutely beautiful expression with each capture. Moods that tell stories, I am moved by all that I see in that stream (browse Sion567 Photos here)
second choice: Carlotta Ceawlin
A darkness rich and velvety. She has awesome beautiful work (browse Carlotta Ceawlin works)

Q: If you should make a reportage from the Metaverse, what places you would love to photograph and share with your friends?
A: This list is endless because I mostly map hop. I am always surprised by what has been created on the grid. Artists created the whole of it. Passion is what brings about our Second Life world. This world changes almost daily. I do collect lists of great places to see and shoot. The list is never complete and I have found that list is obsolete at the same time as some builds don't stay up long. Explore Always. Remember around every prim is more that someone spilled their passion with. Buildings, terrain, textures, all just waiting to be caught in your artistic eye. Go to your Search at the top right corner of your SL screen and type in any description your wanting to shoot; forest, snow, winter, urban, desert, beach, buildings, city, and so on. You will be surprised at what you land in and the settings are usually picturesque. Start shooting "-)

Q: What are your upcoming projects in Second Life?
A: I am opening a new small gallery called, "Juicy". It will house a few of my newest unseen artwork, but most importantly it will serve as new SL artists exhibit room. Once a month there will be a week long showing of one new artist. January 3rd, 2009 will open with a new artist .... I am keeping my eyes open for the first "-)


Q: Are you already exploring other worlds for creative ventures?
A: I have much to do in Second Life at this point with Cienega's and her travels, so all other worlds are not on my list at this time. My websites keep me busy as well ... and somewhere RL needs attention ... Great Danes require walking and zooming :)
Second Life Photo Artistry is my thing!

Browse more Cienega

Second Life Winter Contest. The Winners

The winners of the Second Life Photo Hunt organized and sponsored by Orange Island are available on the Winter Photo Hunt Page
Read more here


Reminder: Next days we will feature the winning photos here on the Blog!

The image above is by Hallie Larsson