Created for the UF Resources Project

I've made a simple fractal to illustrate the use of Vignette layers and masks in Ultra Fractal. It's a good technique that I use a lot to add drama and interest to my UF work.

There are three layers and one mask, I'll explain them from the bottom up.

1.First layer – background fractal. A nice mandelbrot zoom that could use a little spicing up.

2.Second layer – this is a texture I've made with the Triangle Inequality Average colouring, set to Hard Light. Not too exciting in itself but you will notice that I've also added a Vignette Mask so the texture is only applied to the edges and fades softly into the centre. If you hide the mask you'll see that it would be way too busy in the centre of the fractal without it and in my opinion would completely ruin the image. This way, it just adds some nice detail where it's needed and doesn't distract from the main focal point. This is a very useful technique that I use a lot in my own fractal art.

3.Third layer – this is the actual Vignette Layer. Set on multiply, I think it adds a nice dramatic touch and helps draw the viewer in to the focus of the fractal.

TIPS:
-You can combine multiple vignette masks and layers to create many interesting effects in your UF work.

-Try experimenting with different colours and merge modes.

-Change the gradient to alter the vignette size and how abruptly it fades.

-You can use this same technique to create nice lighting effects if you set the merge mode to screen, soft/hard light or overlay, depending on the gradient you use and the fractal you're working on.

-The uses for soft masks like this are almost infinite if you play with different shapes and sizes.

-The effect doesn't have to be as obvious as it is here – in some cases using a very low opacity vignette or lighting layer is hardly perceptible but has a huge impact on the final outcome of a piece.

-You can move the vignette to focus on different parts of your image.

-You can skew the vignette to make an oval or try changing the trap shape and/or aspect ratio in the colouring tab for different vignette shapes.

Don't be afraid to experiment! I hope some of you will find this tip to be useful. I use this technique all the time, but it's not always obvious. You can see some of my fractal work on my main account:

And finally, the parameters. Use of this fractal and all layers is completely unrestricted for derivative works for noncommercial use. It is also free for use in deviantArt prints. No credit is required if you use these parameters or layers, but it is nice.

The preview image is also stock and is free for all noncommercial use and deviantArt prints. However, I would like to be credited if you use it. Hit download for the full resolution render at 3600x2400. Contact me first if you want to use this for any commercial project other than deviantArt prints.

To use: Highlight and copy the parameters below and paste them into Ultra Fractal. You can drag and drop layers from this fractal and use them freely in your own work.

_{trystian-vignette {
; Copyright © 2008 by Trystian Hilton.
; Free for Noncommercial use.
::CRk/Rin2tb5SPutNQc87GwfHI09YzHiUkNQHaBCQ7hgcIG9aBXJabiViUhkuZ93+M6lt8uOI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}}

Send me a note if you use it for something cool!