Blue World Style Tip: Up-Close with the Blue Mars Camera

I know that my first post here turned a few heads for a variety of reasons, but one thing I've been asked about several times since is how I got such a big, clear shot of those fierce Adam'n'Eve boots. Blue Mars is a world that really begs to be photographed, so I decided to make this little trick the subject of my first Blue World Style Tip article!

I'm sure most readers are familiar with the button in the Blue Mars toolbar that opens up makeup editing, but if you aren't, it's the button shaped like a sassy little face. This button has been my best friend in Blue Mars not only because of the makeup editor itself, but because when you use it, it will hijack your camera axis so that suddenly you can look at your avatar straight on and up close. It also allows you to right-click and drag to rotate, or move up and down completely parallel to your avatar. This is ideal if you want to take a really high quality portrait of your avatar, or check out the little flower decals on the fingernails of your Moxxi skin, or even get in close on a pair of new shoes you're not sure about.

One thing that can be helpful or problematic about doing this is that in addition to moving your camera axis, the Makeup Editor will also project a direct light onto your avatar. This is pretty handy if you find yourself in a dark and moody setting, but in broad daylight it can affect the transparency of mesh hair, so don't be afraid to experiment and figure out what works best for you.

If I've made your shutter finger itchy with this virtual photography tip, go out and try it! Don't forget to post your pictures to the Blue Mars Flickr group when you're done, of course, and as always if you have any fashion tips or info that you want to share don't hesitate to email me!