I did an engraving of the photo of my (and @timjedwards’) grandparents that I used for testing settings a few days ago. I liked the SD engrave settings best, but was torn between the 3D look of the “vary power” option and the nice dark engrave of the “convert to dots” option. So I decided to combine them.
This was done on PG medium maple hardwood, the same as in the settings tests I ran. I first ran it using the SD graphic setting with vary power selected. That looked really nice, but light. (I was stupid and didn’t grab a photo at this stage, sorry!) Then I doubled the focus height and changed it to “convert to dots” (still SD graphic), and ran it again. I’m really happy with how it came out – best of both worlds!
Yeah, I really like that combined effect. I did something similar with the 3D engraving a couple months back…multiple passes to turn it into a more sculptural thing…but most of the work for that happened in Photoshop. (I need to get a base that will work and finish that project…I think it will look pretty sharp lit up. With everything going on, I haven’t had time to finish it.)
What was the reasoning for changing the focus height on the second run? Fantastic results! I always like seeing these photos in wood, and the age of this one shows through really well on wood
Great idea. Now I have to try this! Was there a specific reason for doubling the focus height, or were you just trying to de-focus a bit on the second pass?
