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This instructable will show you how to take negative afterimages to another level. By introducing a negative color photo and then immediately incorporating a black and white version of the same photo, you will perceive the black and white photo in full color (the way the color photo was meant to look). This can be done with any color photo!
If you've ever seen negative afterimage optical illusions, you know that they can be baffling and sometimes quite spectacular. They often involve staring at a negative image for 10-20 seconds and then looking at a blank space. The usual result is seeing what some call a "ghost image" of the negative image, yet it is seen as a positive image (i.e. the way it is supposed to look). These are a well understood retinal phenomenon.
This is a very simple project, yet it is extremely effective. The way that our eyes and brain perceive and interpret images allow for us to trick ourselves in this case. After viewing this over and over, the same effect happens each time. It can be frustrating in terms of trying to figure out why this illusion happens. Ultimately, it is my hope that you will find this helpful, intriguing, and boat-loads of fun!!
Here is a video of the completed project which shows the optical illusion in its entirety:
If you've ever seen negative afterimage optical illusions, you know that they can be baffling and sometimes quite spectacular. They often involve staring at a negative image for 10-20 seconds and then looking at a blank space. The usual result is seeing what some call a "ghost image" of the negative image, yet it is seen as a positive image (i.e. the way it is supposed to look). These are a well understood retinal phenomenon.
This is a very simple project, yet it is extremely effective. The way that our eyes and brain perceive and interpret images allow for us to trick ourselves in this case. After viewing this over and over, the same effect happens each time. It can be frustrating in terms of trying to figure out why this illusion happens. Ultimately, it is my hope that you will find this helpful, intriguing, and boat-loads of fun!!
Here is a video of the completed project which shows the optical illusion in its entirety:
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Signing UpStep 1What You Need
You will need:
1] A color photo file
2] Photo editing software that allows you to:
a) "invert colors" or create a "negative image" (almost all programs out there, including Paint, have this feature)
b) make a black and white version of the photo
3] Video editing software (this is optional but very helpful in yielding the best results)
1] A color photo file
2] Photo editing software that allows you to:
a) "invert colors" or create a "negative image" (almost all programs out there, including Paint, have this feature)
b) make a black and white version of the photo
3] Video editing software (this is optional but very helpful in yielding the best results)
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Thanks for this 'ible- and a really good explanation, too :)
I'm off to find some more colourful pictures to use!
This picture has the best results of those I tried. You just focus on the dot on the peacock's tail near the centre. The colour effect is quite dramatic.
I was checking out your featured ible about the 40 something uses for old CD's. That was a GREAT ible. I subscribed :)
Too many ideas, too few hours in the day:P
Oh well, one day...
Thanks for your comment and for subscribing, I do hope to do some more soon!
So, so true. I'm stil waiting for a time manipulation instructable. Anyone? Please?
http://www.instructables.com/id/30-Second-Optical-Illusion-Solid-Through-a-Solid/