1-Tell us about yourself and what first attracted you to Second Life?
In real life, I am an office worker who dabbles in computers and have had a life-long interest in photography. In 2007, I came across a New York Times article about Second Life. The article described Second Life as not being the usual shoot ‘em up or quest game – it was considered a “social” game. I was very intrigued. Two days later, I logged in for the first time. It was initially rough as “help island” was not very helpful and I was not ready to be hit on by complete strangers while wearing the infamous pink polka dotted dress and sensible shoes. I was going to give up after my first week but I survived with the help of new found friends. I discovered one hell of a huge beautiful world and I was awed by the creative residents whose only limitations were their imaginations.
2-What got you started in SL photography?
Due to real life health issues, I had to side-line my real life interest in photography, which used to be a huge part of my life when I was not working. When I arrived on Second Life, I soon discovered I could take photos in-World. Back then, Second Life photography was nowhere near what it is today... photos were flat, Windlights did not exist, face-lights were rampant, the physics of flex hair and flexi prims were all over the place, lighting was woefully inadequate or non-existent and forget even thinking about shadows or Depth of Field. Despite Second Life’s early limitations, I learned what I could about taking photos in-World… all the while hoping Second Life photography would one day improve to my own personal satisfaction. Much to my delight, with the introduction of Firestorm’s PhotoTools and the wonderful world of mesh, Second Life is finally where I always wanted, and thought, it should be.
TIRED BUT HAPPY
BY xmara lunquist