bas relief

Definition: Special effect photograph in which subject appears as if sculpted in low relief. * Obtained by combining a negative film of subject with a positive film of same subject: when superimposed slightly out of register -- i.e. not quite exactly on top of each other -- bas-relief effect is seen. Effective when subject has clearly defined edges and when positive film is of high contrast. * If positive film is denser and more contrasty than negative, relief appears negative; when negative film is denser and more contrasty, relief appears positive. * Usually seen in black and white; can be applied to colour prints. * Effect can be simulated with a digital filter.

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