Actually, I am working on one. Just not hand coded, even if I learned HTML long ago, it changes too fast to keep up. (Lazy ass here)

Between creating the site I am messing with PS CC I also work on the yard clean up and among other things.

I learned, everyone can do so. I always try to learn.

Since a thread on grain nostalgia appeared, if has been bothering me quite a bit. I do not see why folks says it is not feasible.

I think I partially cracked the code.

Wrong ways to approach it (and I tried hard)
- Create your own using a random pattern image with high contrast in order to keep a strictly B&W image of dots. This simply does not work, as the grain is out of proportion.
- Using PS CC noise filter. Doing this is global and simply ridiculous.

I went back to basic, where is the grain in a regular film? The answer is mid-tone.
The next question was how to create proportional grain using the exact size of an image? Well, for the size, create an empty layer.
Next came the 'proportional' issue...
I tried to give it a go using PS CC noise. "You cannot use the noise filter on an empty layer."
Damn.
I filled the layer with white and sure enough I had noise. To have noise that is larger than the random pixels, I used it a couple of times. Now I had noise on a white layer.
Using color select I isolated the noise and using Ctl-J I created a noise layer.
Then I deleted the white base.
It was good enough for the sample I used, but it was still noise, not grain.

Then it damned on me.
Why not create several layers of initial noise?
I did then I used the move tool on each layer randomly on or two pixels to the right, the left, whatever but never more. You can also use rotation, with caution.
The result? I had random black spots of various sizes and forms, not digital noise. This looked like 'grain'.
Editing each layer to apply it to the base was ridiculous.

I created a "Grain group". *
The next step was to control the grain and force it into the mid-tones.
I created a blend-if option on the group, selected the layer below it and using the highlight cursor to restrict the effect to the mid-tones.
Using the density layer on the group allows for further control.
The control was not enough yet, I created a mask and using a feathered brush with a low opacity (15 or below) I adjusted even more where the grain should be.

So, it sounds more complicated that it really is.

So, for the detractors and purists
- is this really grain? NO
- Is this digital noise? No, it is deliberately made not to look like noise.


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The interest in creating a group:
- You can control how much grain and the size by switching layers on and off.
- Single Blend-If for control
- Single density slider use
- Single mask

Correct, if something is presented as a link and the op does not care enough to make a minimal effort to make it visible, why should I?

I click on download only if I see an interest to give feedback. If just a download? Why waste my time?

Many times these downloads are not worth it, so I pass.

Well, if you want folks to see it, it is the only solution as for one, I do not bother to click on a simple Download most of the time.

Not using the IMG tag is the sole responsibility of the poster. This method also by-passes the sRGB limitation.

Actually, you just need to adapt. I post most of my images in the WEBP format...

How? Tags are [ img ] file location [ / IMG ]

It is a WEBP.

As to crop it? Absolutely not. Your edit kills the image.


https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/nt/2024/4/28/556433-238378_030523_0040_crop.webp

When they are posted in the wrong section, they are trumping each other, not that I am surprised.

Well, the camera is doing some real bad things...

I checked both images...
► Color, digital zoom output is horrendous
► B&W, starting with a so-s- capture (digital zoom) sharpening is a bit too much did not help at all. I also suspect that used desaturation to create it.

 

(Download)


(Download)

This is the stray grass strands I'm asking about...

https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/nt/2024/4/28/421803-030523_0040_copy.webp

That one was for fun. As to overcooked... Certainly is and meant to be.

Well, it will take a walk too... To the bird section where it belongs.

Issues with the image...
► Cropped too tight
► No context

Easiest improvement:
Crop horizontal and let the bird have some breathing room in front of it.

I meant the strays on either side of the image focus.

Great. Now if only you could post that in a section other than main photography?

I made it look like a jet of sparks...

https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/nt/2024/4/28/250426-030523_0040_fire.webp