Your Studio V is proud to present the return of the series "Screenartist Spotlight" This vignette will highlight specific members of Simviation, featuring their screenart, and a bit of insight into what makes them the fine screenartists they are. So up this week we spoke to Alex, aka "a1" and here's what he had to say:


1.Studio V: a1, it's great to finally sit down with you and find out a few of the things that  you've learned about your screenart craft.
We know you spend a good deal of time at, and posting at SimV, but would you tell us what some of the other hobbies and interests you enjoy are..


a1: Nice to have a seat and talk to you too Shane.
Well some of my other hobbies and interests developed quite frankly from the influence of Simviation and Studio V. As you may have known taking screenshots of my flight simulator is what I normally do when I have time or would like to try new things in the simulator, what you might not have known is that taking screenshots have led me to my other hobbies such as photography. I have a great deal of interest in photography and the science behind it. Taking screenshots actually helps me in the photography field as I can "simulate" what I might want to do in real life during spotting trips to the airport.

I also enjoy computers mainly the performance aspect of it. Once again Simviation and Studio V have built a foundation for me to study deeper into computers. As I look at screenshots from fellow screenshot artists and look at their computer specifications, I work to produce a similar screenshot with a mediocre system.







2.Studio V: You seem to have established yourself here at SimV as a screenart icon. Can you describe your screenshot style, what you like to accomplish when putting a shot or a thread series to-gether?


a1: I usually go for realism more than anything else because I look at Flight Simulator as an actual simulation of reality. I don't have a distinctive style that I know of but as with any artist each person has a distinctive form.

Putting a screenshot thread is a simple task. I usually put random shots up because I don't have much time to fly a planned out flight and with random shots you can add different variety of angles, color, aircraft, and time of day or weather.

A screenshot series has a bit more dedication to it, first you must know what you are trying to accomplish. Either it is a series of flights around an area or just a series with a certain type of aircraft. The point of a series is to focus on a certain aspect of the flight over a number of threads. There should be some similarities but not necessarily.







3.Studio V: Everybody's FS worlds are different, and we all know that screenshooting isn't just about the aircraft. What other additions have you included in your FS world?


a1: I start off with environment as an artist without good resources won't work. I use FS Sky Wold 2004 for my cloud and sky color textures. It is a great freeware tool. Real Environment pro is a good addon too.

Addon aircraft is another thing that is important. Mainly it is up to personal preference but a well made aircraft adds much more impact to a shot not saying that the default planes won't.

Meshs, land class, ground textures, autogen, water, and tree addons all add to the environment. Nothing is bad if you know how to use it correctly.







4.Studio V: Many members here prefer to fly / take screenshots of only one type of aircraft (e.g. General Aviation, Civil Jets etc). Do you have any preference to a certain aircraft type when taking a shot? Do you feel certain types of aircraft can create different "atmospheres" to a shot?


a1: I don't have a certain preference but I feel more comfortable taking shots of general aviation in its environment. Civil jets are great too and. I often put in some variety to what I post.

Of course certain types of aircraft can create a different atmosphere to a shot. For example modern military aircraft gives a sense of power and dominance to a shot. It all depends on what the person is trying to achieve. You must know what you are trying to achieve before all.







5.Studio V: Can you offer a few words of advice to our less experienced screenartists on how to take more effective, dramatic screenshots?


a1: Of course,

Always, always, always experiment. Archive new results by messing around with lighting, weather, angles, time of day, and last aircraft. Experiment with different aircraft textures. The more you mess around in your sim the more you will find it easier to take a good screenshot.

Know your flight sim and what is is capable of. Visit the Studio V tutorial library once in a while even if you know the tips it always helps to read them over once again. Don't be afraid to ask the regulars at Studio V or a person on how they achieved the shot when it catches your eye. Always pass on what you have learned.







6.Studio V: How important do you think it is to have a powerful computer for producing high quality screenshots?


a1: Not important at all. A good powerful computer helps but it is not the main focus. For a few years I have been producing shots with a mediocre system and it stood up to the more powerful systems.

Take a look around the Hardware & Software forum as there are people there ready to help you improve your system. Ask Nick N and follow his advice as he is a wonderful source of information.




7.Studio V: Do you feel the over-all quality of member’s screenshots has improved dramatically over the last several months here at Simviation, and if so what are some of the improvements you see?


a1: Oh yes, screenshots have improved much in quality, creativity, and overall beauty.

I see members are more active in going over to the studio and looking for tips and advice.




8.Studio V: How did you initially gain interest in taking screenshots?


a1: I don't have a good memory of how I gained interest in taking screenshots but I know it was Simviation and the people here helping me to improved in all aspects.







9.Studio V: As a judge in the 'best of' screenshot competition, what are some of the criteria you use in selecting the finalists for each months competition.


a1: I look for variety and originality. If a person takes a good screenshot but gets nominated every month for similar works I tend to look over them. I want something new and exciting to send in.



10.Studio V: Who are the  SimV screenartists that have influenced  you the most and  what is it about their style that you enjoy?


a1: All of the screenshot artists influenced me in some little way. The more people post up their screenshots the more observers can learn from it. I have not real style I enjoy seeing over and over. I like to see new people try new things.

Last note to all new artists and artists of old, be sure to keep interest into the hobby an don't get discouraged if a shot did not get a reaction you expected.




Studio V: a1, we'd like to thank you for sharing your insights, experience and techniques with us and look forward to your continued skillful contributions to the SimV forums.